When starting out as an owner-driver courier, there are many things you must consider to ensure you get work and make a profit. Here are some of the basics:
- The best way to start out as an owner-driver courier is by finding work with courier companies in your area.
- Find the contact details of local courier companies online. Phone them and ask if they need any couriers, either for regular work or during their busy periods.
- You may need to phone some companies several times to make sure they remember you.
- Stress your availability and do not dwell on your inexperience.
- If a person sounds interested, get their email address and send a short email to arrange a meeting.
- Many courier companies will ignore your emails or letters if you have not phoned first.
- Owner-driver couriers are self-employed subcontractors when working for a courier company. This is not a contract of employment, so you will be responsible for your own National Insurance contributions and Income Tax.
- Owner-driver couriers often work for several courier companies. If you work for only one courier company, HM Revenue & Customs may class you as an employee. This can have negative consequences for both you and the company.
- To find more work, you can set up a profile on an online courier work exchange.
- You will typically be paid an agreed percentage of the amount the courier company charges the customer per job.
- On top of the mileage rate, you should pre-agree the rate of waiting time, additional cost for en-route drops and the minimum rate per job.
- You can hire commercial vehicles at competitive rates. Many owner-driver couriers do this for their first few months, rather than buying a vehicle. This will give you time to find out what kind of vehicle is most suitable for your work.
- Owner-driver couriers choose their hours of availability and are paid only for the work they carry out. Exercise self-discipline and make yourself available as much as possible.
(Visited 662 times, 1 visits today)