Which is better: Courier Exchange, AnyVan or Shiply?

None of these platforms is universally better. Courier Exchange suits urgent B2B courier work, AnyVan suits planned moves and part-loads, and Shiply suits competitive transport and removals-style jobs. The best choice depends on vehicle type, pricing strategy and work style.

Do couriers need more than one platform?

Many couriers use more than one platform to reduce empty miles and avoid relying on a single source of work. However, spreading yourself too thin can reduce focus and profitability.

Which platform pays the most?

Courier Exchange generally offers higher rates per job, but includes membership fees. AnyVan and Shiply have lower barriers to entry but stronger price competition, which can reduce margins.

Which platform is best for new couriers?

New couriers often start with lower-risk platforms or direct work before committing to paid exchanges. Understanding costs is more important than choosing a platform early.

Guide for UK couriers & owner drivers

Courier Exchange vs AnyVan vs Shiply

Trying to decide between Courier Exchange, AnyVan or Shiply? This guide compares how each platform works, what type of jobs you’ll see, and which one actually suits different types of couriers.

Quick answer: which platform is best?

There is no single “best” platform for all couriers.

Courier Exchange suits urgent B2B courier work.
AnyVan suits planned moves and part-loads.
Shiply suits competitive transport and removals-style jobs.

Choosing the wrong platform for your vehicle or work style can seriously hurt profitability.

How Courier Exchange works

Courier Exchange (CX) is designed for business-to-business courier work. Jobs are usually time-critical and priced per job rather than bid down.

Monthly or annual membership fee.
Urgent same-day and specialist deliveries.
Higher rates, but higher expectations.

How AnyVan works

AnyVan focuses on planned transport rather than urgent courier work. Many jobs involve households rather than businesses.

No membership fee.
Commission taken per job.
Strong competition on price.

How Shiply works

Shiply allows customers to post transport jobs and receive bids from drivers. This creates flexibility but also pricing pressure.

Lower barrier to entry.
Wide range of job types.
Rates depend heavily on bidding behaviour.

Key differences at a glance

CX prioritises speed and reliability.
AnyVan prioritises route planning and consolidation.
Shiply prioritises price competition.

Which platform suits which type of courier?

Courier Exchange is best for:

Same-day and express couriers.
Drivers with strong time management.
Those comfortable paying membership for access.

AnyVan is best for:

Larger vans and removal-style work.
Drivers planning routes in advance.
Those filling backloads.

Shiply is best for:

Flexible operators.
Drivers testing different work types.
Those comfortable bidding and negotiating.

Should you use more than one?

Many experienced couriers use more than one platform strategically. The key is avoiding dependency and understanding which jobs are profitable.

Using all platforms blindly can lead to long days and low margins.

Final verdict

These platforms are tools, not solutions.

The most profitable couriers:

Know their costs.
Choose platforms deliberately.
Gradually build direct clients.

The right platform is the one that supports your business model — not the one with the loudest marketing.