On Demand Transport has announced the launch of The HUB, a freight exchange platform designed by hauliers for hauliers, reports Peter Brown.
It was created to address the challenges faced by small and medium-sized hauliers, setting new standards for fairness, transparency and efficiency in the UK logistics industry, explained Stuart Hodgkinson, founder of The HUB and owner of Inverclyde-based On Demand Transport.
“The logistics sector is under pressure as new e-invoicing rules in the UK tighten compliance requirements and late payments threaten the survival of small hauliers,” he added.
According to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), more than 60% of UK SMEs suffer from late payments, with road haulage companies the worst hit. Many hauliers are left waiting 30, 60 or even 90 days for payment, straining cash flow and putting jobs at risk.
The HUB offers:
• Standard 14-day payment terms
• Digital PODs and automatic invoicing
• Free membership for hauliers; £24.99 per month for forwarders and businesses
• Simple, transparent 5% commission model
• No race to the lowest price, work is awarded based on professionalism, reliability and trust, not just the lowest cost.
“As a small haulier, I have experienced the frustration of waiting months for payment while trying to keep my business afloat,” he said.
“Too many small carriers are forced out of the industry due to late payments and unfair terms. HUB is changing that. We’ve created a platform where cash flow is protected, service standards are more important than price wars, and small businesses finally have a fair chance to thrive.”
HUB provides small and medium-sized businesses with the digital tools they need to compete, comply and grow. By eliminating long payment cycles and unsustainable bidding practices, the platform aims to keep small carriers in the industry.
The hub launches across the UK this autumn.