The Pros and Cons of Self Employed Courier Jobs

The idea of taking on self employed courier jobs is attractive to many people in the transport and delivery industry. Being your own boss, enjoying the open road, having flexible working hours are just some of the obvious benefits. It’s worth forming a balanced view, though, just to ensure you're suited to being your own boss.

The Open Road

A lot of people enjoy driving, cycling or getting around on a scooter or motorbike – and a job where they get to do it all day can be a dream come true! However, on a realistic note, you do need to keep in mind that many UK roads aren’t ‘open’ in the true sense of the term, and you may be spending considerable amounts of time dealing with traffic.
Remember also that there’s a big difference between recreational and professional driving – and certain rules and regulations apply that you'll be required to adhere to.

Income and Profit

There is no doubt that the demand for courier services is very high and that can mean an attractive income forecast if you're prepared to work hard. However, keep in mind that income isn’t the same thing as profit, so you'll need to keep an eye on the business side. You’ll have taxes to pay, along with operating costs for things such as your vehicle’s repayments, maintenance, fuel and commercial insurance. If you’re not confident with figures, get an accountant to check out your business projections before you make a decision about taking on self employed courier jobs as your main source of income.

Flexible Working Hours

Anyone who is self employed has a greater degree of control over their working hours than a regular employee, and that's a powerful attraction for many people. But you do need to keep in mind that, in reality, in order to both maintain your income and build a reputation with a customer base, you’ll need to work the hours your customers require your services. That can mean long hours and not always at a time of your choice - and saying ‘no’ to customers is a recipe for business disaster.

Another related factor is what are known as the 'peaks and troughs' of demand for your services. Sometimes you’ll be quiet and have little to do – typically at a time you’d like to be working. At other times, demand will be high and that may coincide with periods when your friends aren't working! It’s not easy, but the rewards are well worth it if you put the effort in.

Be Your Own Boss

The attractions of not having a boss to dictate to you are very appealing. The flip side though is that with self employed courier jobs, your customers are your boss! Customers can be demanding and they’ll expect you to meet their requirements – if you don’t, they’ll just go to someone else who will. Sometimes customers can be less sympathetic and understanding and at the same time more demanding than many bosses! You need to find the happy medium and always remember the old adage that 'the customer is always right.' They are the backbone of your business.

Summary

Starting to undertake self employed courier jobs needs to be thought of as a serious business enterprise from the outset. If you approach it from a well-rounded business-management perspective, it can be a rewarding field - both financially and in terms of some of the other life objectives mentioned above.