Delivery driver
Discussion
Thinking of doing some delivery/courier work on a part-time basis as I have a lot of spare time on my hands. I have my own reliable transport(Peugeot 206 so nothing too large) and I am located in Milton Keynes which is pretty central, physically fit so can help with loading/unloading, have a mobile, Sat Nav etc and able to travel anywhere. Im good for urgent evening/weekend delivery or heavy items. £50 per 60 miles from Milton Keynes(min £50 charge), no other expenses, fee arranged before collection/delivery. PM if interested.
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Wigeon Incognito said:
I'm interested in this topic as a friend is hoping to quit his job to start a courier business.
Have you guys got suitable insurance, or are you aiming for clients/loads that won't require it?
Make sure he really really does his sums on this - small package logistics is notoriously difficult to make any money on. Even the big guys run on 2-3% margins and they have economies of scale to benefit from.Have you guys got suitable insurance, or are you aiming for clients/loads that won't require it?
The idea of running his own business may be tempting but ending up on a 50p/drop parcel contract is not a great place to be.
For a bit of cash in the arse-pocket it's a bit of fun, but it's rarely a great career move.
Hitch78 said:
Wigeon Incognito said:
I'm interested in this topic as a friend is hoping to quit his job to start a courier business.
Have you guys got suitable insurance, or are you aiming for clients/loads that won't require it?
Make sure he really really does his sums on this - small package logistics is notoriously difficult to make any money on. Even the big guys run on 2-3% margins and they have economies of scale to benefit from.Have you guys got suitable insurance, or are you aiming for clients/loads that won't require it?
The idea of running his own business may be tempting but ending up on a 50p/drop parcel contract is not a great place to be.
For a bit of cash in the arse-pocket it's a bit of fun, but it's rarely a great career move.
I can't see it as a great move at the moment but I'd like him to make a go of it if he does try it as I'd be happy to invest if he can prove himself over 24 months.
Wigeon Incognito said:
I'm interested in this topic as a friend is hoping to quit his job to start a courier business.
Have you guys got suitable insurance, or are you aiming for clients/loads that won't require it?
Are we talking one man and van or a larger business?Have you guys got suitable insurance, or are you aiming for clients/loads that won't require it?
What size/type is he planning on carrying?
Parcels you'll struggle to compete with the big boys on. However, some of the larger firms use owner drivers rather than having their own fleet. Get him to speak to the distribution manager at as many logistics companies as he can find. That'll give him a good lay of the land.
You don't have to have Goods in Transit insurance but most customers/clients require you to have the same insurance that they do. That said, it's a risk. You can have it and feel safe no matter what or do without, trust that your paperwork is in order and your damage/loss rate low and take the hit if it comes along. Depends what sort of thing you're carrying.
He's going for the one man and a van approach planning on carrying anything up to the size of a pallet that could fit in the back of a Berlingo size van.
He does have an idea of buying a Berlingo Multispace type car/van so he can also earn some cash doing private cab work when the seats are in for one of the local firms in case the courier work won't cover the bills.
I've advised him to check load capacity very carefully in that case as I'd be wary that the car orientated versions may have different limits. I also wasn't sure if that may affect insurance having an uncaged and visible load area - obviously he'll check that out.
He does have an idea of buying a Berlingo Multispace type car/van so he can also earn some cash doing private cab work when the seats are in for one of the local firms in case the courier work won't cover the bills.
I've advised him to check load capacity very carefully in that case as I'd be wary that the car orientated versions may have different limits. I also wasn't sure if that may affect insurance having an uncaged and visible load area - obviously he'll check that out.
Muzzer said:
Get him to speak to the distribution manager at as many logistics companies as he can find. That'll give him a good lay of the land.
Good idea. I'll pass all of this on.Edited by Wigeon Incognito on Tuesday 30th September 11:19
Ask away here
http://www.codforum.org.uk/forums/index.php (courier forum)
Other bits of info here
http://www.courierexchange.co.uk/default.html
http://www.codforum.org.uk/forums/index.php (courier forum)
Other bits of info here
http://www.courierexchange.co.uk/default.html
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