Now is the perfect time to get into the courier driver business. With more people shopping online and relying on home delivery services, there is a greater need for drivers and deliverers. Armed with a passion for driving and a little research, getting into the industry is quite simple.

Becoming a self-employed courier has many benefits and allows you the freedom of being your own boss and setting your own hours. So, if you have a full UK drivers’ licence and love the idea of being on the road while making money then becoming a courier driver could well be for you. Want to know how to become a self-employed courier driver? Here are our top tips to help you get started with your new career

What A Courier Driver Needs?

All companies require drivers to have a valid driver’s license in addition to a clean driving record and no criminal record. Many also require that their drivers be at least 18 years of age, and some even increase the age limit to 25. A driver should have a strong familiarity of the working area and be comfortable driving and working odd hours. In addition to car insurance, drivers are required to have courier insurance. As with any job, courier drivers need to be always professional, have excellent communication skills, be customer service oriented and highly organised. Drivers should also be healthy and capable of lifting heavy objects. Check out our requirements here

Here at Stripes, we require the following vehicles: Small Van, SWB (Small Wheelbase), LWB (Long Wheelbase), XLWB (Extra Long Wheelbase) or a Luton. If you do not currently own a van let us know and there are options available. Your vehicle must be clean, tidy and less than 8 years old. We want to be seen as professional as possible when delivering parcels to clients.

You must make sure your vehicle is fully serviced and has a valid MOT. To gain a better understanding of the industry, it is best to begin working with an established organisation. Look for companies that are reputable and that treat their employees well such as Stripes. There are several job sites that make it easy to find courier work. If you are not sure whether the profession is right for you, try just working part-time or free-lance courier.

Certain equipment is needed to do the job efficiently and safely this includes a Sack truck trolley, to move multiple packages at once or move larger and heavier items, Straps & bungie packs, to hold down and secure various package sizes. Keeps everything safe whilst driving, Blankets, used to cover contents in vans. Prevents packages outer walls from damage such as scrapes and dents,

An Android, or iPhone, it doesn’t matter which, but you will need to access apps and to communicate with customers and businesses and a proper SatNav system is generally more sophisticated than smartphone app navigation systems and offer better traffic information and features.

The Benefits!

As with any self-employed job your income can fluctuate depending on the amount of work you have coming in. According to Indeed the average salary for a courier driver is £123 per day in England, which is 24% above the national average. However, your salary will depend on how much time you commit yourself to your job – the longer you work, the further you travel and the more goods you can carry will all help increase your earnings.

The National Careers Service states that the salary for a courier range anywhere between £14,500 and £40,000 per year. A person is self-employed if they run their business for themselves and take responsibility for its success or failure, Self-employed workers are not paid through PAYE, and they do not have the employment rights and responsibilities of employees.

Being a courier driver is a rewarding job. The flexibility, ability to meet and interact with different people and the pay are just some of the many perks. While business may be slow at first, the more practice, positive feedback you have and the type of company you work for will contribute to a successful career. Does this sound like the job for yo

Want to become a courier driver today? Why not apply now to become a part of our Stripes team.