70 per cent of the UKs 3.2m delivery drivers and courtiers conducted more business on their mobiles in 2011 than previously, according to a uShip survey. 55 per cent, meanwhile, said they expected increased usage of their mobile for business in 2012.

The survey, of over 8,5000 transporters on online transport marketplace uShip, also found that 75 per cent purchased their current handset within the last two years. 46 per cent have downloaded an app onto their smartphone, meanwhile, putting the UK firmly ahead of the rest of Europe – 33 per cent of German and only 16 per cent of French transporters have ever downloaded an app.

“Clearly, adoption of mobile technology, smartphones and applications by transporters is quickly becoming a necessity,” says Lupo Westerhuis, general manager, uShip Europe. “And, through the uShip app, transporters now have an easier way to find business while on the road and fill the empty miles that reduce their profit margins.”