Online auction service Shiply has attracted 4,000 members during its first year of operation. The Manchester-based firm launched in June 2008 with approximately 1,500 transport firms signing up to the site, which enables operators to bid for shipments listed by consumers free of charge.
Operators are only charged a commission by Shiply if their advanced bid is accepted. Commission starts at 9%.
MD Robert Matthams tells MT:
"We have seen more and more firms sign up as word of mouth has spread. There is a shortage of work out there and it is uneconomical to keep trucks parked up; this way, operators can get odd jobs without paying a yearly fee."
Shiply's customer base is made up of: eBay users (60%), B2B clients (20%) and private users (20%). Shiply Germany and Shiply Australia are also planned.
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