Getting into the booming courier business sector
Some find it hard to believe, but the lockdowns, restrictions and precautions people are now living with have been endured for more than 160 days by many. This has shut the doors of many shops and business. It has also set off a booming courier business sector that may never change.
The grocery stores like ASDA and Tesco have been a force for decades in England. Now they are becoming the preferred method of the consumer for how they will get their groceries. This is by ordering online and having them delivered in a contactless manner.
For many, the delivery of groceries is now being preferred to ready to eat meals because they are lower in costs per meal. While Uber Eats and Just Eat are still thriving businesses, it is the grocery stores that are booming. This is due to, in part because of the financial hardships most households are encountering with the extended lockdown periods and movement restrictions. This has opened the door for more jobs as more couriers are needed to help bring the food to the people.
How to get into the courier business sector
There are several paths people are now taking to join in on this expanding field of employment. There are working for the big delivery services, being an independent contractor for the big and small delivery services, and being a small delivery service themselves. If you are self employed you will be responsible for taking out courier insurance necessary for the items that you will courier. If fast food, then you will need fast hot food courier insurance.
Fleet couriers
The big food outlets do employ a fleet of couriers, but not all of them. They have good benefits and steady hours, but the jobs are limited. Some big firms still prefer to hire contract workers instead of full-time employees.
Contract couriers
Contract couriers are independent workers that choose who they will deliver for and at what hours. This is the path with the greatest amount of freedom along with the largest amount of associated risks involved. As a self employed courier, you will still need self-employed courier insurance, but you can work when you want too. This was a viable option for many as a second job to earn extra cash before the pandemic. Many of these workers lost their primary jobs and are now becoming full-time couriers, but with no benefits and the requirement that the vehicle must be covered with courier vehicle insurance, not all of them are happy.
Small delivery service
Many independent minded people are now starting up their own courier businesses. They are starting small by providing a local service in their neighbourhood. By owning an economical vehicle, these couriers can go get the essential supplies needed by their at risk neighbours during this time of fear over the virus. Payments can be made to the couriers over the phone using Apps such as Google Wallet, Venmo, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and PayPal to mention a few.
One step the other couriers do not have to do is register with Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs office because you are now a business. The fee for this is between £12 to £100. You must also have courier driver insurance to be insured while making deliveries.
Getting into the booming courier business sector is easier than what most think. Joining the expanding job market while others are hunkered down is possible and can help create the necessary revenue stream so that your family will survive and even flourish during the changing world we live in.