Couriers jobs or driving jobs as they are sometimes known are a great way to start your own business. Being a courier requires you to deliver packages and parcels usually for a courier company. This type of business has lower start up costs and overheads compared to some business and as you will be working on a freelance basis you can organise your work around your family and lifestyle.

Ok well how do I get started your probably thinking? The first thing you need to do is build a business plan. This needs to include what type of courier driver do you want to be ie do you want specialist driving jobs or would you rather deliver a wide range of goods. Next you need to do your homework on the following; competition for work available, costs involved in running this type of business, break even point and of course profit margins.

The major purchase you will need to make is a van. Your van is going to be your most expensive and most important purchase – you cannot be a reliable and profitable courier without a reliable van. Most new van drivers are not in a position to be able to afford to buy a brand new van and will have to find other ways of financing the purchase. Bank loans or hire purchase agreements are the usual way of financing. Always, always bear in mind that your brand new van is going to depreciate in value and this must be written into costings that you will have to recover.

Do you buy a new or second hand van? Well that depends on the finance available to you and how much you can realistically afford (this is why a business plan is so important). You must leave the family car running cost mindset behind. Running a courier business will mean a high annual mileage rate which in turn means more wear and tear. You will have to replace parts and have services more regularly than you would on your family vehicle. So the benefits of buying a new van are it should be covered by a warranty which should keep these expenses down during the first 12 months. Used vans can be purchased from van dealers who will offer warranties. You really do need to do your homework and shop around.

Insurance for anyone who uses their vehicle for work and not just going to and from your place of work is higher. As with the purchase of your van you need to really have a good look at all your options. Because this is your “bread and butter” reading the small print is absolutely essential. Imagine if you have borrowed money to buy your van and you are unable to drive it because of an accident etc and you cannot get a replacement. Your loan will still need paying.

Right we have gone through some of the basics – there are many more factors that you need to take into account before launching your new business. Do your homework and write your business plan. If it is not going to be profitable don’t do it. There is no point being a busy fool! Take your time to get the best deals available and don’t sign anything until you have read all the small print.