The back load- it's probably the Solomonic answer to problems for both workers in the haulage industry and their customers, and the popularity of these sorts of jobs is currently on the rise.
It's About Time!
Ask any small businessman these days how they feel about courier and haulage costs, and chances are, they will say that they cost too much, and cut into their already miniscule profit margins. Ask a courier driver about the same topic, however, and you will find that their answer is quite the opposite- many of them are not able to charge enough to defray their costs and make a decent living. That was, of course, until the advent of jobs enabling a back load.
With fuel prices continuously going up with no end in sight, and traffic problems getting worse by the day, it seems that courier and haulage jobs seem to be getting harder and harder to come by- or, at the very least, less profitable for both sides. A back load can go towards solving this problem, providing the small businessman a way to transport his goods at affordable rates, while proving the haulage industry worker a way to maximize his time, effort, and most of all, his fuel costs on jobs.
What is a Back Load?
A back load, put simply, is a haulage job that comes in for the courier-driver or truck driver that he can do on the return trip of another delivery. While technically often counted as a return-trip haul, small enough packages or loads can also be piggybacked on top of a main load if necessary, though this practice is not usually encouraged.
Benefits of Taking a Back Load
The logic is simple: why return with an empty truck when there's someone who needs goods moved to wherever you are returning? After all, trips wherein the truck or van is empty cost practically the same as when they are loaded. Since main jobs are costed for both delivery and return trips, however, whatever you are going to make taking on a job moving goods on a back load is gravy. This allows you to quote lower prices for the job on the return trip, making it an easier decision for the customer to choose your haulage and delivery services.
Not only is a back load a more efficient use of your time, effort and fuel expenses, it's also a way for the courier driver to do his part in helping conserve fossil fuels- it's actually a more environmentally friendly way of doing business! The result - better business for both the people in the haulage company and their customers and in turn, a boon to the economy.
Norman Dulwich is a correspondent for Courier Exchange, the world's largest neutral trading hub for same day courier jobs 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.
The fact remains that a back load (in numbers) can make up for many of the impending losses that tough times have brought about. However, there are a few things that independent haulers and courier drivers need to know in order to keep a back load beneficial to their businesses- like most things in life, too much of a good thing can be bad.
Here are a few tips and reminders from those in the know for those in the haulage industry regarding back loads. Keep these in mind, and you'll be able to profit from the added business (and income!) that they can bring.
Take Them Seriously
Remember that motto, "no job too big or too small?" Or how about this one, "Everything worth doing is worth doing well"? The secret to being successful in business is accomplishing tasks with the same amount of painstaking detail, regardless of size or budget. This means that a back load, despite being considered somewhat akin to a side job, needs to be given the same amount of attention as regular (or main) loads. This means treating the customers and their goods as professionally as you can, taking the same amount of care and conscientiousness as you would a main load. After all, it's probably better for you, your driving, your vehicle and most of all, your business. Who knows, today's back load client could be tomorrow's major client.
Don't Sacrifice Your Main Delivery
If this seems contradictory to the earlier tip, it isn't. Remember that a back load is meant to augment your business, make up for increasing costs and adding to your income. Counting on them for every trip however may, in the long run, cost you more if you focus on them entirely. Don't forego or delay your main deliveries and don't accept an unprofitable delivery just because you know there may be a back load available to take up the slack. This is not just bad for your business but for the entire industry as well. Don't make the mistake of costing the main jobs as you would the return load just because it is there. And most of all, remember rule number one of taking on a back load - it needs to be on the same route back!
Take Care Of Your Contacts
This means your regular buddies, the ones that tip you off, the ones that text you, "Hey, man, estate furniture load just a corner from where you're dropping off that panda," or similar! Treating them to drinks once in a while is great, but they'd probably appreciate you doing a good job on their recommendations more - and of course, returning the favour on tips once in a while.
Norman Dulwich is a correspondent for Courier Exchange, the world's largest neutral trading hub for same day courier jobs 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.
In setting a strategic advertising plan for your business, it is a convenient way to use promotional products to launch your company name, product and services to the public. It has an influential role in making a brand identity and has been the tool used by many enterprises for years. Personalized promotional gift items are creative ways of introducing your products and services in the market. Hundreds of selected items can be used as gift items where you can put your company logo and leave a positive impression to your clients. Products which can be given away include shirts, desk accessories, food gifts, pens, mugs, bags, key chains and custom apparels.
The Type of Items to Choose and their Relevance
Consider first what type of items you will be giving away. The right promotional products to use are those items people use everyday such as notepads, sticky pads and pens which are relatively cheap. Unless you have something more in your mind than these items and you think you can afford more expensive ones you can choose mouse pads or USB drives and other state of the art products. Common sense has a big role in selecting a promotional product as well. You have to balance the level of usability and appeal of the various products that are available to choose from. Relevance should be considered when you are to choose the right promotional product for your company. Make sure that the chosen items reflect your business, products or services. You have to make sure that you give away products that fit the right place of where you decided to distribute them.
Right Timing and Longevity
Time is the last thing you have to consider. This has something to do with the length of time that the product would possibly last. It is better to chose products which can be use for long periods of time or can be used from time to time daily. It is not considered cost effective if the items you have chosen are only used ones and thrown away by its users. This will not effectively give better investment returns.
If you have accomplished the task of choosing the right promotional products for you, the next thing you need to do is think of a way on how to make each of the item will be personalized with your company name and product. Make sure that the name of your company or product is imprinted visibly on the items. Remember that the type of promotional products you will use will tell your recipients the kind of company you are and the kind of product you have.
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