Establishing Yourself in the Courier Business: Survival Techniques

Tackle Dead Mileage

If you are beginning out in the courier business, learn how to survive by using these simple tips.

Drivers and companies similar in the courier industry dread thing over increased petrol prices: dead mileage. It is basically not cost effective when a litre of fuel now costs 40 pence over it did years ago.

Becoming part of a network of courier services allows drivers to work out their routes in advance and permits the chance of backload returns. Sharing the knowledge of routes and pickups is far more reliable than beginning out solo and trying to source and maintain clients without a large customer base to fall back on.

The rise of prices is a persistent concern for all owner-driver couriers. Several tips can help prevent you forking out the most expensive prices. Source the lowest priced petrol stations on your route, keep an eye out when you are passing them and jot them down when you cease. Sounds like a tiny bit of hard work, but doing this and using the lowest priced pumps on your trip can significantly cut your costs down over the year.

Beat Rising Petrol Prices

Sussex and the Orkney Islands (although there probably are not plenty of delivery jobs there) rank among the highest charging areas, with prices between £1.50 and £1.70 a litre. Several sites calculate the cost of petrol by typing in postcodes which help couriers figure out the most economic way to fill up. Be sure, however, not to go out of your way to do this or it will wipe out any cost cutting measures.

Be Patient

Before beginning out, be aware of the major myths. Yes, you can earn up to £300 a day but this might not happen every day nor when you are initially beginning out. As a courier driver you need to wait and see, persistent, be able to fund yourself and prepare for the cost of wear and tear and insurance. The first year might even see low profits or breakeven status but established courier drivers can make a comfortable living while simultaneously travelling around the country and in Europe.

Time is Essential
Giving a realistic delivery time and adhering to it is essential to survive in the industry. In the event you think you are going to be held up, call up the client or your contractor as soon as you know - don't leave it until the eleventh hour or repeat customers won't come back.