Getting your name out there locally is a great starting point. Whilst the majority of couriers are self-employed, they actually contract with different courier companies. You should have a look on the Courier Exchange website, which helps you find courier work, increase business, reduce costs, network and expand routes. It may take a while before your self-employed courier jobs really take off, but if you complete the job well demonstrating reliability and build up an excellent reputation, there will always be work with courier companies who heavily depend on reliable couriers.
FAQ: Self Employed Courier
Do I need to have a vehicle?
Yes you do, as you will be a self-employed delivery driver.
What type of vehicle do I need?
There’s plenty of haulier and courier work available if you have a car, but the bigger the vehicle the better, so that you can courier bigger loads. Vans are preferred and will heighten your earning potential, but the most fundamental thing is that your vehicle is reliable and can go long distances without breaking down.
Do I need insurance? What insurance do I need?
As you will be driving a vehicle, you are required by law to have insurance and it is your responsibility to have the correct insurance. If you are driving a van, you will need to have courier insurance. It would also be a good idea to have Goods In Transit insurance too, as this covers you in the event of goods you are transporting being damaged or stolen, whilst in your vehicle. If you have a large number of vehicles then it may be wise to consider Fleet Insurance as well.
How and when do I get paid?
Courier drivers typically get paid very quickly via bank transfer, with all invoices being processed and paid usually within 30 days.
What requirements are there?
You don’t need any qualifications to become a courier driver – the only real requirement is that you have a full and clean driving licence, along with a vehicle that is MOT’d with the correct type of business insurance. Becoming a self-employed courier driver does require certain skills. The most crucial skill for self-employed couriers is that they know where to go. With familiarity of traffic patterns and roadworks, they can plan the best and quickest routes possible, not only to ensure they arrive at their destination in good time but also for fuel efficiency. Courier drivers will also need to manage their bookkeeping, keeping track of packages and costs. People skills and a cheerful personality won’t go amiss either, as you will be dealing regularly with customers when delivering parcels. Finally, it will be handy to know what to do in the event of something going wrong with your vehicle – there’s always the chance of a flat tyre or your vehicle breaking down.
What are the advantages to becoming a courier driver?
There are plenty of delivery driver advantages. With a change of scenery with every courier job, you’re not stuck behind a desk in an office job and there’s lots of flexibility, especially as you can choose your own hours and can choose the work you take on.
How much money can I make as a courier?
Courier driver jobs make a decent wage. A self-employed courier salary can be as much as £300 a day. Whilst wages will be low to begin with, it increases over time and you can still work in your day job, whilst being a courier driver. You can also earn more if you have a van, instead of a car as you will be able to deliver bigger loads.
What does a courier do / main duties of a courier?
The main duties of a courier driver are transporting items that require urgent delivery. These packages can range from fragile items and legal contracts, to medical delivery and business documents. Courier drivers will need to plan delivery routes, load items into their car or van, examine vehicles, signing for items and collecting instructions.
If you’re becoming a self-employed courier driver and need the appropriate insurance, or if you are an experienced courier driver needing to renew your insurance, get in touch with Business Choice Direct today. We can give you fantastic bespoke insurance policies tailored for your own needs.