Tips for a New Courier Driver

Working as an owner-driver in the delivery industry is the ideal job for many people. If you love driving and being out on the road, being a courier driver can provide you with a great deal of freedom and the opportunity for great financial rewards. However, getting started on your own can certainly have its challenges. Here are some tips to help set you on the right path to success in the delivery industry.

Sort Out the Basics

You will need a number of things to get started in the courier industry - the most important thing any courier driver will need, of course, is a vehicle. You can buy, rent or lease a van or motorbike, and some people even use a bicycle when they start out.
You will also need an operator's licence and you must hold a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC).

In addition to those basics, you need to create a detailed business plan. This should include the market you want to work in, which services you will provide, the types of clients you want to work for and any other detail. A coherent business plan can provide you with perspective as you forge a new career.

Before you even take on your first job you need to research and purchase appropriate insurance. This is an important factor for any courier driver, so you should spend some time finding a suitable policy that covers things like goods in transit and breakdown cover. Don't just get the cheapest policy you can find - the most important thing is finding a policy suitable for your needs and making sure you are fully covered.

The Challenge of Finding Customers

Often, the hardest thing when getting started in a new business is actually finding customers. This may be easier if you already have some experience in the courier industry, but it can still be a challenge for the 'new kid on the block'. A valuable technique is to look to your strengths: by working independently you may be able to carve out a niche in your local area or build more personal relationships and provide better customer service than larger companies.

One thing to consider, and be prepared for, is the variations you'll experience in terms of your workload. You will probably experience quieter times, which will be offset by very busy periods such as during the lead-up to Christmas. The key is understanding the ebb and flow of business and using it to your advantage.

Subcontracting

As your business grows, something you may want to consider is subcontracting work to other drivers, and you may even want to employ other drivers to work for you. Alternatively, you may want to work as a subcontractor for a larger company yourself.
Search online for websites and exchanges where you can post jobs for other drivers and find jobs for yourself. An online exchange can make the process of finding subcontractors and subcontracting jobs a lot easier.

Grow Your New Business

Working independently as a courier driver can be a rewarding and lucrative path, but getting started can be a challenge. Focus on finding customers and providing an excellent service and, over time, you will see your business grow.