Top Tips for Successful Haulage Work

If you use a freight exchange on a regular basis you'll understand the excitement of landing regular lucrative transport contracts. But if you're just starting out in business or are tempted by offers of work elsewhere, you'll also know there may be a temptation to sign essential documents quickly, before the work is offered to other haulage specialists. However, it is worth pointing out there are some unscrupulous operators who are quite willing to exploit particularly eager drivers. If you follow this sensible advice, however, you won't go wrong.

Consider the Evidence

In the world of transport, there are untold excellent and lucrative opportunities out there for dedicated and professional drivers. However, some offers sometimes seem too good to be true – and as the old saying goes, if it sounds too good to be true it probably is! Point in case was some haulage workers in New Zealand who were working under contract for a couple of seemingly high profile trucking companies. Unfortunately, when things went sour, the contracts they had signed didn't guarantee adequate financial protection. A criminal investigation was given the go ahead, however the workers were out of pocket many thousands – discovering first-hand the financial cost of failing to properly analyse their contracts.

Think About the Implications

The above tale highlights there are some unethical business people who are quite prepared to scam unsuspecting workers. However, if you sign up with a reputable online freight exchange, checks are done to ensure that the work providers are legitimate and trustworthy. It is far better to become a part of a trusted network than try to go it alone and risk being taken advantage of - especially if you are new to the business.

Ensure Appropriate Financial Reward

As a hardworking and conscientious driver you will undoubtedly aim to satisfy your customer's requirements. However you should also be focused on receiving suitable financial reward for your efforts. It is worth remembering that companies who advertise jobs on freight exchange websites are sometimes open to financial negotiation. If you prove your worth in terms of reliability and efficiency, you may gain regular clients who, in turn, recommend your services to their own network of business owners.

Another Important Factor

Drivers who obtain work via reputable freight exchange networks have the very best chance of securing legitimate and lucrative transport contracts. However, one very important consideration is the aspect of insurance. Ensure you know from the get go whose responsibility insurance of the goods and vehicles falls to, and that all parties are thoroughly cognitive of their expectations.

Norman Dulwich is a correspondent for Haulage Exchange, the world's largest neutral trading hub for haulage work in the express freight exchange industry. Over 2,500 transport exchange businesses are networked together through their website, trading jobs and capacity in a safe 'wholesale' environment.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.