- Original Poster
- #1
More and more people are looking at delivery driving as a way to become self-employed. Amazon, Yodel, DPD, Evri, DHL — they’re all constantly recruiting. At the same time, there are thousands of people thinking about starting their own courier business, with their own customers, on their own terms.
But here’s the thing: there’s a big difference between being an “owner-driver” for a big company and running as an independent courier. Both can work, but you need to go in with your eyes open.
Insurance – Don’t Skip This
You’ll almost certainly need three layers of cover:
A normal van insurance policy won’t cut it — so look for a specialist broker who knows the courier market.
Earnings & Costs
This is the million-pound question: how much can you actually earn?
It’s very possible to make good money — but only if you keep on top of costs.
Life on the Road
It’s not just about driving. There’s waiting around for loads, dealing with returns, chasing payments, and finding your next job. The flexibility can be brilliant, but the hours are long and the margins can be tight.
The Big Question: Is It Worth It?
For some, absolutely yes. Especially if you like working independently, setting your own hours, and building something for yourself. For others, the long days and uncertainty can be a tough fit.
I’d love to hear from others on here — are you working as a courier already, or thinking about starting this year? What’s your biggest question or worry?
But here’s the thing: there’s a big difference between being an “owner-driver” for a big company and running as an independent courier. Both can work, but you need to go in with your eyes open.
Insurance – Don’t Skip This
You’ll almost certainly need three layers of cover:
- Hire & Reward insurance (to legally carry parcels for payment)
- Goods in Transit (to protect the stuff you’re carrying)
- Public Liability (to cover you if something happens at a customer’s property)
A normal van insurance policy won’t cut it — so look for a specialist broker who knows the courier market.
Earnings & Costs
This is the million-pound question: how much can you actually earn?
- Multi-drop contracts (Amazon, Yodel, etc.) often pay around £130–£180 a day, but that usually means 100+ drops and 10–12 hour shifts.
- Independent couriers charge by the mile — averages in the UK range from £1.20 to £2.00 per loaded mile, depending on van size, location, and demand.
- Fuel, insurance, maintenance, tax, and downtime all eat into that headline number.
It’s very possible to make good money — but only if you keep on top of costs.
Life on the Road
It’s not just about driving. There’s waiting around for loads, dealing with returns, chasing payments, and finding your next job. The flexibility can be brilliant, but the hours are long and the margins can be tight.
The Big Question: Is It Worth It?
For some, absolutely yes. Especially if you like working independently, setting your own hours, and building something for yourself. For others, the long days and uncertainty can be a tough fit.
I’d love to hear from others on here — are you working as a courier already, or thinking about starting this year? What’s your biggest question or worry?
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