What you need to know about Working as a Freelance Courier

If, after reading through the information we previously posted about the advantages of going to work as a self-employed courier, you have decided it is the best career choice for you, the tips in this article can help you get started.

In the following section, we’ll address how best to get started in this potentially lucrative business, as well as providing information on how to improve your chances of long-term success.

Starting a Business as a Freelance Courier

Even though you are working as a freelancer, you will still stand the best chance of success if you work with established courier companies. Ideally, these companies should list you as being self-employed as a courier.

Begin looking for companies that you can work with by searching through your local phone book or local business listings. If you prefer, you can also find reputable companies that work with freelance couriers through the Courier Exchange website.

Although you may find it slow going when you first start out with these companies, as long as you affiliate yourself with as many different service providers as you can, you should start seeing regular work come your way fairly quickly. Assuming you do a good job, there will always be demand for the services that you offer.

Ideally, you should get business cards printed with your contact information. This can help ensure that the companies always have a record of your contact information. Your cards don’t need to be elaborate. The only information you need to include is your name and a telephone number or email address where they can reach you. If you would like, you can also add a letter that further outlines your qualifications.

Keep track of which companies you contact and which ones you hear back from. If you don’t receive a response from a particular company in a timely manner, consider contacting them again so they know you are still interested in working with them.

Maintain a Professional Appearance

Always make sure you present yourself in a professional manner. The items you deliver are most likely addressed to professionals or high-end clients. You should dress accordingly so that you make a good impression.

The courier companies you work with will definitely take note of your appearance. If you don’t meet their expectations, they may stop contacting you with work.

Insurance and Cover

People will have all sorts of different needs and requirements when it comes to delivery and many will be sending expensive and highly regarded parcels with you. The nature of work as a courier is a dangerous one – you travel a lot by van or motorbike and packages can be quite delicate, meaning quality cheap courier insurance can be a necessity.

Focus On Speed

Make your deliveries as fast as possible by investing in a good GPS system to help you avoid heavy traffic or other delays.

If for some reason you are delayed, you should notify the recipient that their package may be later than anticipated. This is a far better way to deal with the situation than just showing up late with no warning.

Ideally, however, you will find a way to avoid traffic since it can severely cut into your earning potential.

Record Keeping

It is important to track your income and expenses carefully. Stay on top of this by setting aside time every few days to enter invoices and payments. You can do this manually the old-fashioned way, or invest in bookkeeping software for your computer.

Because you are self-employed, you are in charge of keeping track of all of your earnings. By staying on top of your record keeping tasks, you can make sure that everyone who owes you money pays you in a timely fashion. You can also be well prepared when tax time rolls around.