Free during launch
For small haulage and courier firmsWinning contracts starts with the next job.
Contracts come from tenders, subcontracting and customers who liked your last job. Laydn helps with the work in between: priced loads, alerts for the areas you cover and a direct line to every shipper you move for, with no commission.
- Work for spare vehicles
- Deal direct with shippers
- 0% commission
In short
How do small haulage firms get contracts?
Small haulage and courier firms win contracts by tendering, subcontracting for larger hauliers and turning one-off jobs into regular work. Shippers look for the right licences and insurance, reliability and a clear price. A freight exchange like Laydn isn't a tender portal, but it puts you in front of shippers job by job, and each one you move for is a customer you deal with directly.
Between contracts
Keep the wheels turning between contracts.
Contracts rarely fill every day. The board shows priced loads for your vehicles, and Laydr alerts tell you when something matches the areas you cover, so spare vehicles and quiet days can still earn.
Every load shows the rate before you put your hand up, and there's no bidding.
- Priced loads for your vehicles
- Alerts for the areas you cover
- No bidding
Deal direct
Every job is a customer you can talk to.
When a shipper awards you a job, their contact details unlock and you arrange it between you. Do it well and you have a direct relationship to build on.
Laydn doesn't sit in the middle and never takes a cut of the rate.
- Contact details unlock on award
- You agree the details directly
- No commission
Your team
Run it as a team.
One membership covers unlimited users, so everyone in your office can find, post and manage jobs.
Add your drivers and they can confirm collection and delivery from their phones, with a signature at each end. Drivers aren't shown rates.
- Unlimited users on one membership
- Drivers confirm jobs on their phones
- Rates stay with the office
What shippers look for
Be the firm they want to book.
Licences in order
An operator's licence for goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, and drivers with the right licences and Driver CPC.
Cover that fits
Goods in transit and public liability at levels that suit their goods, and employer's liability if you employ staff.
Accreditations
Schemes such as FORS can help with larger shippers and public-sector work.
Reliability
On-time collections, clear updates and proof of delivery, every time.
How to win haulage and courier contracts
Contract work gives a small firm steadier income, but it rarely arrives on its own. These are the routes most small hauliers and courier firms use.
Public-sector tenders
Government contracts are advertised on GOV.UK services such as Find a Tender and Contracts Finder. Tenders ask for policies, insurance and references, so have them ready before an opportunity comes up.
Subcontracting for bigger hauliers
Larger hauliers and courier firms often bring in smaller operators to cover busy periods or specialist work. Introduce yourself, be clear about your vehicles and the areas you cover, and agree rates and payment terms in writing.
Turning one-off jobs into regular work
Many contracts start as a single job done well. After a good delivery, ask whether they have regular work, and what they would need from you to book it.
Where Laydn fits
Laydn isn't a tender portal and doesn't sell contracts. It's where shippers post loads with the price they'll pay. For a small firm that means work for spare vehicles, fewer empty legs, and new customers you deal with directly, with no commission taken.
More: owner driver work, return loads and choosing a UK load board.
Questions
Contracts and subcontract work
How do I get haulage contracts?
Tender for them, subcontract for bigger hauliers and turn good one-off jobs into regular work. Keep your licences, insurance and policies up to date so you're ready when an opportunity comes up.
Where are government haulage contracts advertised?
Public-sector contracts are advertised on GOV.UK services such as Find a Tender and Contracts Finder.
How do I get subcontract haulage work?
Contact larger hauliers and courier firms in your area, explain your vehicles and coverage, and agree rates and payment terms in writing. Exchanges like Laydn add one-off work on top.
How can a small haulage firm win more work?
Use several routes at once: tenders, subcontracting, direct customers and freight exchanges. Keep empty legs down with backloads, and ask every good customer about regular work.
Does Laydn offer contracts?
No. Laydn is a freight exchange for individual loads. Each shipper you move for is a customer you deal with directly, which is often where regular work starts.
Can my whole team use Laydn?
Yes. One membership covers unlimited users, and drivers can confirm collection and delivery on their phones without seeing rates.
Keep reading
More on finding work
Fill the gaps between contracts.
Join free during launch and put your spare vehicles to work.