How to become a courier?

[Alex_123]

...I started my own business a year or so ago. The business is going well but taking longer than expected to generate enough income to support myself and my family.
I am looking for a part time job to supplement my income and would like to hear from anyone that has tried being a courier.
I only have a standard licence and I have a BMW 5 series estate.
Any help appreciated.
Alex

 

[maxh]

...I started my own business a year or so ago. The business is going well but taking longer than expected to generate enough income to support myself and my family.
I am looking for a part time job to supplement my income and would like to hear from anyone that has tried being a courier.
I only have a standard licence and I have a BMW 5 series estate.
Any help appreciated.
Alex

I would recommend being a bicycle courier. Mainly because you can travel faster and will probably earn more. http://www.interparcel.com/contact.php

Or, join me http://www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=174463

 

[vvaannmmaann]

Have you joined the courier forums.They may be better placed to help you,although I imagine it is tough going in business at the moment.Could you try something else as a job?

PS.How many pallets can you get into a series 5?

 

[Alex_123]

Thanks for the replies. Admittedly I cant get a single pallet into the back of my car - I was thinking more in terms of documents/letters/parcels.
Maybe I'm being unrealistic it's just I need to supplement my income though part time work.
Any other recommendations of the type of work I could do?
I've considered blog writing, anything, I just need to earn some more money to pay the bills.
Any advice gratefully received.

 

[vvaannmmaann]

Any good to you?
http://jobs.yakaz.co.uk/work-for-hermes-delivery

 

[Hedgie]

Thanks for the replies. Admittedly I cant get a single pallet into the back of my car - I was thinking more in terms of documents/letters/parcels.
Maybe I'm being unrealistic it's just I need to supplement my income though part time work.
Any other recommendations of the type of work I could do?
I've considered blog writing, anything, I just need to earn some more money to pay the bills.
Any advice gratefully received.

DOn't bother bcoming a bicycle courier.....bin there done that

As for carrying letters, make sure you ae charging a minimum of £1 per letter otherwise you will have to register for a postal licence to carry mail.

 

[Mpg]

The Insurance costs alone will make it a non starter for part time work.
Business cover wont cover it you will need "Hire or Reward" insurance.

You have to commit to it.

Where are you based

 

[Smart Courier]

It's a full time job, and even then you need to work all the hours god sends.

As MPG stated you need GIT Insurance and public liability, plus some Companies require a CRB check.

Hermes is an option but you will still have to jump through quite a few hoops.

Why not try leaflet, catalogue distribution for Companies.
e.g. http://www.pdcuk.co.uk/employment/individuals.aspx

 

[Bargains]

first you need to get a high volume van. then try doing other servies such as man and van and house removals etc hop that helps