News

More than 1,500 transport companies have joined a new online auction service that offers firms the opportunity to bid for work. Website http://www.shiply.com/ gives consumers the opportunity to list items they want moving, from small parcels to cars, boats, or even household removals. Haulage companies, couriers and removal firms can then place bids on as many shipments as they like, free of charge. They are only charged a commission by Shiply  if their bid is accepted

Robert Matthams, managing director at Manchester-based Shiply, says the service has been operating for about three weeks. He adds: "By using Shiply, hauliers can help keep their vehicles on the road full to capacity and reduce unnecessary trips back to base." Via the website, hauliers can also bid for work transporting eBay items. Shiply estimates that at any one time there are more than 930,000 items listed on eBay that are available for local collection, usually due to their oversized nature.