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In the last few years, a career as a self-employed courier driver has become a popular choice. And it’s no surprise why — the earnings can be good, and you get more flexibility than you would with a traditional 9–5 job.

But it also comes with its own set of challenges. As a self-employed courier driver, you’re responsible for delivering packages to the right places at the right times. You’re also responsible for your own costs and expenses, including having the right insurance in place.

In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of self-employment as a courier driver, the amount you can earn, and which courier companies pay the most in the UK. We’ll also discuss whether it’s worth becoming a self-employed driver, plus a few tips to help boost your earning potential.

How much can a self-employed courier driver earn?

The amount self-employed drivers earn varies a lot. Many couriers are able to earn a comfortable living, with some top drivers bringing in over £1,200 a week. But the actual amount you’ll get depends on a few things, including the number of parcels you deliver on a daily basis, the types of parcels you deliver, and where you work.

The salary ranges and hourly rates for self-employed couriers depend on the company they work with. Some companies pay drivers a flat rate per package delivered, while others pay on an hourly basis. That’s why it's always a good idea to research different companies and work providers to compare rates before you start working as a courier driver.

The most successful self-employed courier drivers tend to be those who have built up a loyal customer base, and can consistently deliver packages on time and with care.

Pros and cons of being a self-employed courier driver

Advantages of being a self-employed courier driver

One of the biggest advantages of being a self-employed courier is the flexibility to work when you want. This allows you to work around other commitments, such as your family, hobbies and social life.

As mentioned earlier, self-employed courier drivers have the potential to earn a comfortable living, with high-earners bringing in £1,000 or more each week. This can make self-employment a good option if you’re looking for a flexible way to maximise your income.

Being a self-employed courier driver also comes with the satisfaction of being your own boss. You’re in control of your business, with the freedom to make decisions about how and when you work.

Disadvantages of being a self-employed courier driver

As a self-employed courier driver, you’re responsible for maintaining your vehicle and covering expenses like fuel and 

. These costs can soon add up, so it’s worth factoring these into your overall earnings before you get started.

Unlike a regular job, self-employment doesn’t come with the security of a guaranteed income. It’s your responsibility to find work with clients and delivery platforms, which can be unpredictable.

Being a courier driver can be a physically demanding job, requiring lots of time spent driving and lifting packages. This can be challenging for people who aren’t used to this type of work, or those who are less able.

Which courier companies pay the most in the UK?

There are a few courier companies in the UK offering competitive driver rates. Some of the top-paying companies include CitySprint, Crown Couriers, TVR Express and AFS Logistics. These companies offer drivers a range of payment structures, including flat rates per package or set hourly rates.

The national average earnings of a self-employed courier are in the region of £35,000, with some top drivers earning considerably more. But salary ranges (plus any extra commission or compensation) can vary depending on which company you work for. For example, the average salary for a DPD courier in London is around £27,000–£30,000 a year.

Is it worth becoming a self-employed courier driver?

Becoming a self-employed courier can be a good option for people who want to be their own boss while having the potential to earn good money. But, before deciding if courier work is for you, it's important to consider a few different factors:

Self-employed courier drivers have the potential to earn a good income. But, it's important to remember that earnings can vary depending on things like the type of work you do, the company you work for, and where you’re based. You’ll also need to consider the costs you’re responsible for; things like vehicle maintenance, repairs and fuel.

Working as a self-employed courier driver can offer a great deal of flexibility — you’re able to choose your hours and own work schedule. But, it's important to consider the physical demands of the job, as well as the fact that you’ll be spending lots of hours driving.

Becoming a self-employed courier driver can be a good option for those who want to work independently and be in control of their own career. However, it's important to consider your personal preferences and your long-term career goals.

How to maximise earnings as a self-employed courier driver

If you decide that a job as a self-employed courier driver is for you, there are a few things you can do to boost your earnings and build a successful career.

 can help you find work and build your reputation as a reliable courier driver. With that comes the potential to earn more money and grow your client base.

Once you’ve built a good reputation as a reliable courier, it’s important to keep it going. By consistently delivering packages on time, providing a great service to your customers, and communicating effectively with clients, you can make a successful career as a self-employed delivery driver.

Stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and best driving practices — these things can help you build a strong, successful career as a self-employed courier. Consider taking a course or training program, attending an industry event, and networking with other drivers and professionals in your field.

Being a self-employed courier comes with plenty of benefits. You get loads of flexibility, the potential to earn a decent income, and the satisfaction of being your own boss. However, it's important to consider the costs you’ll need to cover, as well as the demands of the job.

By working hard, using courier networks where you can, building a strong reputation, and continuously improving your skills, you’ll be on track for a successful career and a decent income to match.

. As a self-employed delivery driver, it keeps you protected while you’re working, so it’s a crucial part of your business.

We offer a range of policies for courier drivers, from 


Get a quote online. It only takes a few minutes, and we’ll give you a personalised price straight away.

As a self-employed courier, you get flexibility and the potential to earn good money. But there are challenges, too. Here’s everything you need to know.

Is it worth being a self employed courier driver? (The complete guide 2023)

Whether you’re looking for a little extra money or a full-time career, becoming an Uber driver could be the right option. You get to choose when and where you work, which makes it ideal for fitting around your life and other commitments.

But aside from a suitable vehicle, what else do you need to become an Uber driver? It’s a question we hear a lot, so we thought we’d put this handy guide together.

 and sign up using your email address, then download the Uber app on your phone.



Apply for a private hire licence from your local council (check to see if your local area accepts Uber drivers first).



take out a private hire taxi insurance policy

 so you can legally carry passengers in exchange for money.



Upload your proof of ID and necessary documents to the Uber app.



Complete the virtual onboarding course.



Activate your account and start making money.

Check whether you meet the Uber requirements

Before you can start driving for Uber, you’ll need to make sure you’re eligible. Here are the basic requirements you’ll need to meet:

You hold a valid UK driver's licence. If you have an EU driver's licence, you'll need to convert it to a UK driver's licence before onboarding.


You have an approved private hire licence from your local council.


You’re covered by a private hire taxi insurance policy (also known as hire and reward insurance).


Your vehicle meets Uber's standards in the UK.

Once you've signed up to drive for Uber, you'll need to upload a few documents to verify your identity and eligibility. These include a valid UK driver's licence, your private hire licence, a bank statement, and a driver profile photo.

You'll also need to complete the Edume Course, a virtual onboarding course that familiarises you with the Uber app and its features.

Aside from making sure your vehicle meets all the requirements, you’ll also need to provide proof of ownership, private hire insurance, and that your vehicle has passed its MOT.

If you don’t own a car (or your car isn’t eligible), Uber does offer other vehicle solutions for drivers.

Once you've completed all the steps and activated your account, you’re ready to start making money as an Uber driver.

So you’ve signed up to Uber and started your first shift as a driver. Nice one!

Next, it’s important to start building a good driver rating so you can get more passengers, more fares, and (hopefully) better tips. Here are a few tips to get you started:

No one likes to ride in a dirty car, so make sure to clean your vehicle regularly, inside and out. First impressions count.

Greet your passengers and ask if they need help with their luggage. Keep the noise and temperature in your vehicle comfortable and drive safely and considerately.

Small gestures like offering hand sanitizer, tissues, and charging cables can make a huge difference to your passengers.

Try to find the shortest, fastest and most fuel-efficient route to get your passengers to their destination quickly. Let your passengers know why you're taking a certain route to make them feel like they're in good hands.

Make sure to download the latest version of the Uber app and keep your phone in good working order. Consider using a phone mount to make it easier to see your destination and follow map directions.


You’ll find more tips like these in our full guide to 

Curious to find out more about working as an Uber driver? Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive.

What kind of car do I need to drive for Uber?

Uber accepts different types of vehicles for each of its services (Uber and UberEats, etc.), but there are specific requirements for each one. Generally, your car should be a 4-door vehicle that’s no more than 10-15 years old.

Do I need special insurance to drive for Uber?

As a driver for Uber in the UK, you’re legally required to have private hire taxi insurance. It’s known as hire and reward (H&R) insurance, and it’s different from your regular car insurance (known as SD&P).

It provides drivers with extra cover for transporting passengers in exchange for money, as well as public liability cover in case somebody tries to sue you following an accident.

You can find out everything you need to know about this in our guide to 

what insurance you need to drive for Uber

How much money can I make as an Uber driver?

Your earnings as an Uber driver can vary based on a number of factors

, such as where you live, what time of day you work, and how many hours you work. Uber drivers are paid a fare for each ride, minus Uber's service fee (which is currently 25%).

Driving for Uber is a relatively safe way to earn money, especially now that the company has introduced measures to protect drivers and riders. These include in-app emergency assistance, GPS tracking, and 24/7 customer support. Uber also carries out background checks on all drivers to make sure they have a clean driving record and no criminal history.

Yes, you can drive for Uber part-time. You have the flexibility to set your own schedule and work as little or as much as you want, which makes driving for Uber a popular choice, especially for people who want to fit their work around family and social commitments.

Do I need to own my own car to drive for Uber?

No, owning a car or minicab isn’t a requirement to drive for Uber. They offer rental programs and partnerships with car leasing companies. So even if you don’t have a vehicle, you can still earn a living as an Uber driver.

What if I have a problem with a passenger or ride?

If you encounter any problems while on the road, Uber's support team is available to help. You can contact them through the app and they’ll help to get you back on track.

As an Uber driver, you get to choose when and where you work. But how do you become an Uber driver in the UK? Here’s everything you need to know.

How to become an Uber driver UK (Beginner’s Guide 2023)

Driving a taxi can be a great way to earn money, but it also comes with its own challenges. One of the biggest is staying alert and focused while working long hours behind the wheel.

Driving for extended periods of time can be exhausting — if you’re not careful, you can end up putting yourself and your passengers at risk. So it’s important to know how to stay safe.

In this blog post, we'll look at all the ways you can stay focused while working as a taxi driver. By following these tips, you can help to reduce the risk of an accident, and provide a better, safer service to your passengers.

Let's face it, driving when you're tired is dangerous. When you're drowsy, your reaction time slows down, and you're more likely to make poor driving decisions. So the risk of causing or being involved in an 

accident goes up as does the cost of your insurance policy.

In the UK, driving while sleepy is responsible for a significant number of accidents each year. According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), driver fatigue contributes to around 20% of road traffic accidents — that means 1 in every 5 accidents is likely to be caused by drowsy drivers.

The good news is, there are simple ways to avoid drowsy driving, so you can stay safer while out on the roads.

8 tips for staying alert and focused while driving

Let's look at a few of the ways you can stay focused during those long taxi shifts.

 Make sure to get plenty of rest before you start work. A good night's sleep is essential to help stay alert behind the wheel.



Schedule regular breaks during your shift. Take a short walk, stretch your legs and get some fresh air. It's amazing how a quick break can rejuvenate you.



 Play some upbeat tunes, chew on some gum, or open the windows to let some fresh air in. Engaging your senses can help keep your brain alert and focused.



Dehydration can make you feel sluggish and tired. Always drink plenty of water and stay hydrated throughout your shift.



 Avoid heavy, greasy foods that can make you feel sleepy after eating. Instead, choose healthy snacks like fruit, nuts or veggies to keep your energy levels up.



 If you feel yourself getting drowsy, pull over at a safe rest stop and take a quick nap between shifts. Just be sure to set an alarm to wake you up!



There are lots of gadgets out there to help keep you alert while driving. Check out things like lane departure warnings, collision avoidance systems, or wearable devices that track your alertness levels.

 Those late-night fares may be tempting, but driving through the night can really tire you out. Try to limit your late-night trips as much as possible.


Driving a taxi for long hours can be tiring. Drowsy driving is a serious issue that can impair your judgement, slow your reaction time, and even cause fatal accidents.

But by following a few simple tips, you can stay alert and focused while on the road. These include things like getting enough sleep, taking regular breaks, staying hydrated, and using technology to stay alert.

By taking steps to avoid drowsy driving, you’ll help to prioritise your safety and the safety of your passengers.

And finally, for complete peace of mind, i

t’s important to have the right taxi insurance policy

. It keeps you and your vehicle protected while you’re working. Luckily, private hire taxi insurance is one of our specialities!

What Insurance do I need to drive a taxi?

Long hours behind the wheel can be a challenge for many taxi drivers. Find out how to stay focused and alert during those long shifts.

Taxi driver tips for staying alert and focused during long shifts

We all hope it never happens to us, but if you do find yourself involved in a road traffic accident, it pays to be prepared.

If you’re a Zego customer and you’ve been involved in an accident, please 

 as soon as you can. We’ll help to get you back on track.

We spoke to our experts to find out exactly what you should do following a collision.

If you’re involved in an accident, remain calm and make sure you’re safe. Call the emergency services to let them know what’s happened, then start taking information at the scene (photos, videos and details of other drivers).

Here's what to do when an accident happens

Let's take a look at this in more detail.

Move your vehicle to a safe place if you can (like a layby).

Turn the engine off and switch your hazard lights on.

If the accident happens on a motorway, try to move safely to the hard shoulder and stand well away from your vehicle and moving traffic.

Take a few deep breaths — stay as calm as you can.

Check yourself and your passengers for signs of injury.

The Road Traffic Act says that you need to report any accident to the police within 24 hours.


If it’s an emergency situation, or anyone has been injured, call 999. If the accident isn’t an emergency, you should call 101.

As a driver, you must give your name, address and vehicle details to anyone else involved in the accident. 

You should also have your insurance details handy — share your insurance information with the other driver(s), and ask for the same back.

You shouldn’t apologise or admit responsibility for the collision until it’s completely clear what happened. Doing so could make you liable, even if it wasn’t your fault.

It’s important to record as much information as you can before leaving the scene of the accident. This will help to speed up the claims process for everyone involved.

Try to collect the following information:

The make, model, colour and number plate of any vehicles involved in the accident.

Use your phone to take pictures or videos of the scene — capture the positions of the vehicles, and any damage caused by the collision.

Make a note of any injuries to drivers, number of passengers or pedestrians.

Take the names and contact details of any witnesses who saw what happened.

Also capture or make a note of the road and weather conditions.

Report the accident to your insurance company

Once you’ve captured as much information as you can, contact your insurer and let them know what happened. Try to do this straight away, ideally on the same day, to avoid causing delays with your claim.

 and tell them that. You won’t get into trouble, and being honest at the start will make the claims process much easier and smoother.

, you can report an accident using the Zego Sense app. Or you can 

 directly and let us know what happened — we’ll get your claim started for you.

We always aim to be supportive, fast and fair, so you can get back on track as soon as possible.

We all hope it never happens to us, but if you do find yourself involved in a traffic accident, it pays to be prepared. Here’s what you need to do.

What to do if you're involved in an accident

 and to mark the occasion, we've compiled some of best stories from Zegons about important women that have impacted their lives and careers. Here are our favourites:

To celebrate International Women's Day 2023, we've compiled a collection of stories from our team sharing stories about important women that have impacted their lives. 

Supporting International Women's Day 2023 at Zego

If you’re looking for the best delivery route planner apps to help you save time and manage your deliveries more efficiently, you’re in the right place.


We’ve done the research and compiled a list of the top 8 delivery route planner apps that could help to make life a little easier when you’re out on the road.


In this in-depth review, we take a look at each of these apps to compare their features, pros and cons. Keep reading to find out which one could work for you.

A route delivery planning app is an advanced smartphone app that helps you plan and manage your delivery schedule effectively. There are loads of features available in each app, and we'll take a deep dive into all of them. But the main aim of these apps is route optimisation.

Route optimisation is the process of planning and calculating the most efficient route. It’s more than just finding the shortest path – it also includes how many stops you’ll make and when the best time to do them is. 

All of this helps to save you time and money.

Best free route planner apps for delivery drivers

  or looking to test some free delivery apps, here's a few you might like:

If you're just starting out as a delivery driver or looking to test some free delivery apps, here's a few you might like:

Waze's user interface is intuitive and easy to follow, allowing drivers to quickly find their destination without having to go through multiple menus or search pages.

The app also displays helpful information such as current average speed limits, road closures and traffic delays.

Waze also allows drivers to plan trips using its "Route Optimization" feature, which suggests the fastest route based on real-time traffic conditions.

Variety of voices for navigation and driving directions

Alerts about hazards, police incidents and traffic

Arrival time is based on live traffic data

Google Maps’ route planner is a popular choice for new delivery drivers. It's available on most Android phones and you've probably come across it when planning personal journeys.

The layout is easy to navigate, the voice assistant is handy, and mapping out a route with multiple destinations isn't too complicated.

Google Maps makes it simple to pinpoint the quickest available route, allowing up to 10 different stops to be included (including your starting address).

There's no dynamic route optimisation, so once you've added your stops, Google will only take you on the fastest route from stop to stop (even if that means coming back on yourself).

Google Maps is OK if you only make a few deliveries each day, and the fact that it's free makes it a good choice to get started with.

You can share your location with other people

You can add route preferences to avoid toll roads and motorways

You may be familiar with it for personal use

Get real-time traffic updates and accurate arrival time

Automatic rerouting if you miss your turn

MapQuest is an incredibly helpful online mapping service that can help make your journey smoother and more efficient. You can add a variety of addresses and stops into MapQuest, far more than you would find with other mapping services like Google Maps. Adding these addresses is easy, and you even have the option to upload them using a CSV file.

MapQuest also offers a very convenient routing solution for delivery drivers, including planning for a round trip or just a one-way outing. With the option to set your route as a round trip, MapQuest factors in the time it takes you to return to the warehouse.


MapQuest is a great free app to use if you're looking for a convenient and cost-effective way to plan out routes for delivery trips. You can easily manage up to 26 different stops on a single journey, entering in your start and end addresses as well as all the points between.

The only downside is the occasional pop-up advert, which can be a bit annoying. Still, MapQuest is a great option to consider if you're looking for an easy way to manage your delivery trips.

Option to tailor your route based on the quickest time or shortest distance

The post reviews the 8 best delivery route planner apps (the ultimate guide for courier drivers).

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Is it worth being a self employed courier driver? (The complete guide 2023)

How to become an Uber driver UK (Beginner’s Guide 2023)

Taxi driver tips for staying alert and focused during long shifts

What to do if you're involved in an accident

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8 Best Delivery Route Planner Apps For 2023 (In-Depth Review)

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