Autumn 2009

There has been a big rise this year in the number of businesses using online freight exchanges to move their goods, according to the Transport Exchange Group, which runs Courier Exchange and Haulage Exchange.

The group says that 17 September was the busiest day in its entire nine-year history for posted loads and confirmed bookings. It adds that bookings made through the exchanges were up by 13.3 per cent in the second quarter of 2009 compared with the same period last year.

Managing director Lyall Cresswell speculates that the continuing economic downturn had led to greater recognition of the benefits of freight exchanges. 'As the recession continues to penalise operators struggling with high fixed costs, transport operators are increasingly recognising the many benefits our transport exchanges provide.'

The group has more than 2,000 member-companies, who offer a range of same-day courier and express freight services, as well as conventional haulage operations. There is also a 'regular runs' service, in which operators can post regular journeys, enabling them to spot opportunities for collaboration within each other's schedules.