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A backload website set up last year now has more than 1,000 operators signed up, says the man behind the project. The site http://www.freightalerts.co.uk/ puts operators in touch with consignors looking for transport potential customers put their requirements on the site and hauliers pitch for the work. David Hiscox, the site's founder, says since it was set up in August 2006 the site has provided loads  or part loads for vehicles that would otherwise have been empty for a total of 1.4 million miles.

"The operator earns money on what would otherwise be a wasted journey, and the sender gets transport with up to 70% off normal rates," he explains. Freight Alerts makes its money solely through a flat six monthly fee of £50 (ex-VAT) paid by operators using the site - this has taken its annual turnover past the £100,000 mark.