The Coronavirus, and more specifically the UK lockdown that was put in place to slow the spread of the virus, has caused huge upheaval and seen thousands of people lose their jobs or their businesses collapse because of the restrictions and loss of trade. Most likely as a cause of this, we are witnessing a huge rise in the number of people enquiring about delivery driving work.
It’s well known that logistics is considered a key-industry. Goods need to be kept moving. And because many transport businesses are still finding ways to operate, it’s offering chances for people to find desperately needed work.
Couriers can play a big part in helping Britain get through these difficult times.
A recent study estimated there were over 21,000 couriers in the UK, and with such a wide range of delivery vehicles, it means there is a great capacity for moving essential and urgent goods throughout the country.
Whilst hauliers often take much of the praise due to their capacity to carry goods in bulk with HGVs, whilst vans, motorbikes and bicycles are able to react faster and carry smaller, more specific loads. In a fast changing environment like we are in right now, this is an important skill to have.
If you’re going to do it, do it right.
The problem right now is that many people are assuming that the fact they have access to a van means they can just get out and deliver.
They effectively can do that, but they’ll be lacking some essentials. Not least of which, is courier insurance. Don’t assume that you can use the cover you have from a different industry. If a builder with their own van decides to turn to delivery work, their vehicle will not be insured correctly. And more than likely they also won’t have Goods-in-Transit cover for the loads they carry either.
Insuring a vehicle for any form of delivery work is NOT cheap by any means. Couriers are higher risk than most people because of the amount of time we spend on the roads, the distances we travel and the fact we carry other peoples goods.
As well as insurance, if you’re going to do it right, you’ll need other equipment and accessories too – read more in our blog about what equipment a courier needs.
Simply put, getting into this area of transport and logistics work is not cheap. So if you’re looking for a short-term fix to bring in some wages, then starting out on your own is not the right answer. Only go down this route if you plan on sticking to it.
Drive for an established company
The best way to get work quickly if you want to become a courier, is to drive for an established business that needs extra drivers and has the vehicles available.
These companies already have available vehicles and the right insurance in place. Many parcel delivery firms such as DPD, Yodel and Evri (formerly Hermes) are still operating and may need drivers. Do a quick search and you’ll find lots of job listings.
Some well known same-day companies are also in need of drivers, do some research and see who’s still working and find out what their situation is.
Let us know your situation
We’re going to be using the power of our network to try and connect people. We’re currently working on setting up a noticeboard page for those in need of work to post their information, and also one for those people who need staff, have loads available and want to buy/sell related items.
If you want to be a part of this, use our contact form here
