a checklist for first-time subbies

The courier handbooks checklists won't tell you everything you need to know, but they are useful reminders of the main points, especially if you are new to the business.

This checklist is for when you've seen a job advertised on a freight exchange site, and you want to quote for it.

before you quote for the job

Here are some things to check before you pick up the phone:

• have you got everything you need?

  • You obviously need a vehicle and all the right insurances, and some kind of POD to get signed at the delivery address (no POD no pay!)

• is it really a job?

  • If you saw it on a “return journeys” page then it's not a job - it means someone with an empty van is looking for a backload for their return journey.

• have you got the right size vehicle?

  • The advert probably specified a vehicle size. Is your vehicle at least as big as that?

making the quote

When you phone the subber to quote for the job you'll need to tell them these things:

• where you saw the job

  • Tell them which site you got the information from.

• who you are

• how long it will take you to get to the pickup address

  • Give a realistic estimate - don't be over-optimistic just to get the job!

• your price for doing the job

  • Make sure you're using the right places for your calculation (check the postcodes).
  • If you don't have enough information to be able to quote, tell them your rate. But try to have a price worked out if you can.

did you get the job?

Sometimes they say yes straight away, sometimes they say no straight away, and sometimes they say they'll ring back. If they don't ring back in 10 or 20 minutes you should assume they didn't accept your quote.

If you don't get the job, this is still an opportunity for networking. You can ring them back later and offer to send them some details about you, or at least make sure they've got your number.

doing the job

If you're doing the job, here are a few pointers:

• get the job details:

  • full collection address
  • contact name for collection
  • a job/consignment number (if there is one)
  • the delivery town or area
  • what the load is, and any other details they can give you - this will make it easier to find your load quicker

• get the subber's details:

  • business name and contact name
  • invoice address
  • payment terms - tell them yours, and/or ask them theirs

• make the collection:

  • phone the subber if there are any problems or delays - don't wait until you're late!
  • check you've got all the delivery details you need before you leave the building
  • phone the subber after you've picked up

• make the delivery:

  • phone if there are any problems or delays
  • get the POD signed - and make sure you can read the name!

• after the delivery:

  • phone in with the POD details as soon as you can
  • check what they want done with the POD - post or fax straight away, or send with invoice?
  • send the invoice and get paid - but that's another checklist!