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Hello, dears!

Now, before we start, hear Aunt Gertie out. I know it is August and the middle of summer and the last think we want to think about is work, but I have something important to discuss with all of you. Something, in fact, which is likely to help those of you who are about to return to work, or who never really started.

See, my nephew Stevie (who so often gets a mention here) has been researching into the possibility of joining a courier network. Old Gertie, being interested in all things courier as I am, immediately had to chip in and ask him just what this network business is all about. Stevie explained that a courier network is a group of independent companies or contractors who decide to get together and cooperate to land each other extra business opportunities. A sort of 'club' for owner drivers, so to speak. According to Stevie, there some excellent opportunities. And while Stevie is still researching, his aunt knew right there and then that she had the subject for a blog post!

I told Stevie as much, and asked him if he had a minute to sit down and talk to me about this. Fortunately, he can always make time for his favourite aunt, and one pot of tea later I was learning all about how this courier network business operates, and what the perks are in joining one.

According to my knowledgeable interloper, who has been doing some research on the old Google, there are a number of advantages for a driver who decides to throw in with a scheme like this - especially if he or she happens to be an independent contractor. For these sorts of professionals, joining a courier network can mean gaining access to extra loads and back loads, being scouted by companies looking for employees, having the invaluable chance to network, accessing information and profiting from a few other benefits this type of scheme usually offers - such as agreed mileage rates and special insurance rates.

All this sounded really good to me, so I asked Stevie how come he was still hesitating. Apparently, now he's not! He can see the benefits and is signing up immediately in the hopes of broadening his driving horizons.

Until next time

Gertie x