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STUFF2SEND.COM
Page 46
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Recent startup Stuff2Send.com is an innovative example of the internet supporting rather than damaging the courier business. The brainchild of Chris Hay, the site is aimed not just at providing loads for vans, but also cars about to embark on long journeys with empty space. "It connects people with stuff to send, to couriers and drivers going there anyway" says Hay. The concept particularly suits non-urgent goods, and by using vehicles already committed to covering the route, claims intrinsic green credentials.
Those bidding for business might be professionals or private punters. 'A 12% decline in freight traffic [and] 2% downturn in light van deliveries underline the importance of commercial operators locating backloads to avoid empty running. Despite improvements in logistics, most haulage firms still carry nothing on around a quarter of all journeys," says Hay. "For smaller delivery firms the figure can be even higher. Using Stuff2Send, drivers can quickly locate items that need to go their way:' Those with parcels, packages or goods to send somewhere, upload details free of charge to the site. Operators then bid to take the item to its destination. Signing up as a delivery driver costs from £11 a year and drivers can bid for an unlimited number of jobs.