DTE goes Dutch

Coach trip empty leg ‘matching service’, Don’t Travel Empty (DTE) has announced details of a partnership with Dutch firm, Rentautobus. Launched in Norfolk in 2008, Don’t Travel Empty ensures coaches are less likely to be on the road traveling empty. It has seen significant growth in the last 12 months and hopes the new collaboration will create further benefits for its expanding member base. Their united concept is a move away from some of the more traditional processes seen in the industry, where the client pays the broker and the broker then pays the operators, less their commission. The ‘trusted partnership’ with Rentautobus is expected to bring an increase in the amount of work opportunities being brought to the Don’t Travel Empty system, enabling more journey matching for anyone within the membership. Rentautobus has a more direct style of operation than some traditional brokers, giving clarity around commission and the ability for the client to book direct with the operator, rather than via a third party. The operator is then paid by the client and it is then up to the operator to pay the commission to the Rentautobus, a very different approach.

Don’t Travel Empty MD, Anthony Marett, said, ‘We believe this is the way forward for our members. There is nothing wrong with good quality brokers who understand internet marketing, spend a lot of money on it and make a commission on it. What is wrong is the unscrupulous brokers who do this then don’t pay the operator. Doing it this way turns the whole thing on its head and gives the operator the security of being paid directly by the broker’s customer before the vehicle even leaves the yard.’

Don’t Travel Empty made around 250 recoveries last year, with a success rate of getting a vehicle onsite within an hour of 95% in the UK. The scale of the business has seen growth into the European market, with members coming from France, Spain and Italy, as well as the UK. The membership is initially free, with an enhanced option at a one off registration fee of £150.00 then just £30 per month plus VAT. For more information, contact DTE on 0845 548 5003.

 

 

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