How to Start Up a Courier Company

Dec 14, 2016Courier Insurance

If you’re thinking of starting a courier company then there are many things to be aware of.  Firstly it’s important to be aware of the realities of the industry. Although there is more demand than ever for couriers, that doesn’t mean it’s an easy industry to be successful in.

The majority of start up courier companies will not make it past the first year. There is already a lot of competition out there from the big names in the industry so you’ll need a lot determination to succeed. This not to say that success is not possible but rather you need to go about things in the right way in order to be successful.

Minimum requirements

In order to start your own courier company, whether you plan to work freelance or take on other couriers and expand your business over time, there are certain minimum requirements you should meet in order to have a chance of success. These include –

  • A good amount of experience in the industry – This is an absolute must. You should not only have a good amount of experience working as a courier yourself but also have a good idea of how the business works. This experience will make things much easier for you when starting out.
  • A good business plan – Even if you have a lot of experience in the industry and have a fairly good idea of how you’re going to go about things, you still need to write out a clear business plan. This will give you a proper direction and make it easier to execute your plans in a strategic and organised fashion. If you don’t know how to go about writing a business plan then don’t be afraid to get outside help.
  • A budget and plan for marketing your service – Finding customers is always a challenge for new businesses and the courier industry is no different. Many people simply stick with firms they already know and trust so it can be tricky to find customers at first. This is why having a clear marketing plan and a decent budget is a must.
  • Reliable employees – If you want your courier operation to be a success then finding reliable drivers is an absolute must. You should look for drivers who have a lot of experience in the industry, who are over 25 and who have their own vehicle. It’s a lot more realistic to hire owner drivers who already have courier insurance than it is to buy a fleet of vehicles that you insure.

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Example of a minibus that would require minibus insurance