Over the last few years, the logistics industry has come a long way. The popularity of delivery apps such as Deliveroo has created a whole new market for short-distance couriers, much like Uber and Lyft did for private hire vehicles.
If you want to make some extra money on the side or start a new career, working as a courier might be for you. Let’s look at the steps you need to take to make your dream a reality.
Plan
Before you go any further, you should consider your options and decide what type of couriering you want to do. Are you available to work late at night or on weekends? What is the maximum distance you are willing to travel? Do you have any other work or family obligations?
Purchase a Vehicle
After you’ve decided what you want to do, you can look for a vehicle that’s suitable for the job. Keep in mind that your vehicle will be subjected to additional stress while being used for professional purposes. Before making a decision, consider the cost of fuel, ongoing maintenance, and replacement car tyres.
Costs of Exercise
Ideally, you’ll write down all of these costs so you can determine whether the business is viable and whether the reward is worth the effort you’ll be putting in. If there is anything you can do ahead of time to reduce your costs, do it.
There are additional costs to consider, particularly if you intend to expand later on. For example, you may decide that a sizable marketing budget is required to spread the word, or that you must invest in uniforms, warehousing facilities, and computer systems. This is something that should ideally be included in your business plan.
Qualifications
To operate the vehicle, you must have a valid driver’s license. This means that non-drivers will have to rely on bicycles. If you’re transporting a large amount of goods in a single trip, obtaining a license for larger vehicles (larger than 7,500kg) may help to make your potential business more viable.
Insurance
If you drive a car for work, you may discover that your current insurance policy does not cover you. Make certain that this is established, and that you are driving with adequate coverage. If you aren’t, you could be in for a nasty surprise if you decide to file a claim.
Getting Going
It can be difficult to break into the courier business. Competition for space can be fierce, and you may find yourself having to focus on a specific niche in order to break through. However, if you’re determined and competent, there’s nothing stopping you from starting a profitable and fulfilling business.
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