For a carrier, becoming a subcontractor for a company guarantees access to a larger customer database. In the face of increasing competition, this helps maintain competitiveness while ensuring optimal service quality. If the carrier also gains access to a dedicated platform, it becomes easier to find loads. Consequently, the risk of returning empty—which is costly both financially and environmentally—is minimized.
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Subcontracting in Light Vehicle Transport: Innovative Solutions for Carriers
Subcontracting light goods vehicle transport involves calling on a provider who is independent from the contract beneficiary. More clearly, if a company or entrepreneur is tasked with delivering a package but all their vehicles are busy, they can call on an external carrier.
A subcontracting contract can be occasional to address a peak in activity. It can also be more regular, for example to optimize fleet turnover without investing in new vehicles. This type of delegation is also useful for specialized transport, such as pharmaceuticals, regulated convoys, and hazardous materials.
Subcontracting in transport can also take place through specialized loading and reloading platforms. These allow carriers to access new clients based on their vehicle characteristics and their routes. Express-Online offers exactly this possibility to express carriers. This innovative platform provides access to subcontracting offers from express shippers and, more importantly, to offers based on vehicle type and location.
Shippers: How to Call on a Subcontractor?
Road transport companies have a limited fleet that may not cover 100% of the services, especially for urgent parcel delivery (express delivery). For the end client, the availability of subcontractors guarantees service availability and deadline compliance.
When calling on a subcontractor directly, one hopes a vehicle is available—but that is not always the case. The best way to find a transport professional ready to ensure delivery is actually to register on a matching platform. This way, you can check available vehicles around the loading area if needed. This service usually benefits from GPS advantages, providing precise positioning.
Subcontractors: How to Find a Subcontracting Contract to Optimize Return Trips?
For carriers or independent drivers, offering subcontracting services helps optimize trips. Indeed, it is often difficult to secure loads on the return trip, forcing providers to travel empty to their base or next destination. This represents a significant financial burden and increases the carbon footprint.
Finding a client in real time is especially difficult without an interactive tool. Calling shippers individually takes time and usually results in a high refusal rate.
The best option is to register on a dedicated platform where shippers list their needs and can directly select subcontractors based on vehicle location.
Tips for a Trustworthy Subcontracting Contract
Many companies are reluctant to use a potential subcontractor for delivering their packages or goods, especially if their commercial and intellectual value is high (prototype, unique model, confidential parcel…).
To build trust between parties, it is essential first to establish load traceability. This begins with the possibility of GPS tracking the vehicle. It is also necessary to clearly identify the vehicle’s owner and/or driver. Finally, a clear packaging protocol with documented manifest is essential.
Be transparent with the end client by declaring the use of a subcontractor. When the contract clearly states the guarantees for parcel delivery, the end client generally has no objections.
Express-Online: The Practical Solution to Find Subcontractors
We know it is difficult to find a light vehicle transport subcontracting offer on the fly. To help carriers optimize every trip, Express-Online has implemented an interactive solution to connect them with clients.
With 25 years of experience in parcel delivery, the company has developed an application interface that, in just a few clicks, searches for transport companies seeking a vehicle to subcontract.
For shippers, the Express-Online solution allows real-time access to the best-positioned vehicles waiting for a “return” load. This option is far more cost-effective than a standard charter. The current database includes 1,500 light commercial vehicles and continues to grow.
After finding the right light vehicle on the platform, you can directly communicate with carriers. At the end of the job, you can leave your feedback. Similarly, other shippers’ reviews help you