Courier drivers jobs and the public view of the “white van man” seems to go hand in hand!! The truth is though you do not always need a van – it depends on which line of the courier business you are in.
You see what you really need if you are looking to specialize in a sub-niche is a reliable and fuel saving car. Something like a Corsa would be fine although there a numerous other vehicles which would be adequate.
If you are still keen to purchase your own van you could always trial this method before you commit. I know some couriers who just hired a van for a short period of time to see if they liked it. Just make sure, as with anything, that you read the small print. Costs mount up and also you would need to be very clear where you stood regarding insurance and any possible accidents and subsequent claims.
If you already own a van and are considering using that then do your maths!!! You see a large van is rather like a large house – the costs etc are always higher and these will eat into your profit margins. You might find that a smaller “parcel” car is more efficient.
If you take this example you can see how a van could be eating into your profit margin. Say for example the difference between a van and a car was 8 pence per mile. Multiply this with your average weekly mileage and you will be able to see the difference to your profits.
If you already own a car and are thinking of using that bear these factors in mind before making your mind up. How old is the vehicle? How reliable is it? Does it cost much to repair? What tax band is it in? A car that might be suitable for domestic use may not be right for business use.
You also need to bear in mind the following;
There are some companies that prefer vans to cars and you also need to take into account that you are competing with other, more established businesses. But don’t worry I found that I still was able to gain business using my car. However, my car did look professional not like something out of a “carry on film” so no baby seats, no fluffy rugs, no nodding dogs and no caravan club stickers aka 1966. You have to look professional and committed and if your car is covered in these adornments then you will just look like your on a day trip!!!!
The second biggest implication of going down the parcel car route is the dreaded tax. Yep that one thing we can never get away from.
If you are using a car and not a van then you need to check what tax implications this could pose for you. There are different taxes for different vehicles. Please double check this with either the tax office or a good accountant. Don’t just listen to heresay.
If you are still totally undecided how about taking a look at smaller vans such as Fiat or Peugoet. These I guess are more of a half way house and you get to deliver parcels without the hassle of a huge van parked outside your house.
Before you do decide carry out your research properly and please don’t think that just because you have a family car or large van that this will be suitable and profitable for your courier driving jobs.