How do you become a courier in the UK?

A courier’s job is to collect and deliver goods—whether parcels, food, or documents—quickly, safely, and reliably.

While the core of the work is transport, success depends on timekeeping, organisation, and good customer communication.

If you’re a parcel courier, you’ll likely start your day by collecting a batch of deliveries from a depot. Whether you’re subcontracted by a logistics company or working through a platform like Amazon Flex or Evri, you’ll scan parcels, sort them by location, plan your route, and hit the road.

If you’re a food delivery driver or rider, like those on Uber Eats, Just Eat or Deliveroo, your workflow is more reactive. You’ll log into an app, accept orders as they come in, collect meals from restaurants, and deliver them promptly—often within 20–30 minutes.

In both cases, your day may include:

• Route planning to avoid traffic or delays
• Using proof-of-delivery apps or customer signature tools
• Managing fragile or high-value items (parcels or food bags)
• Handling issues—like missing items, incorrect addresses, or unavailable recipients

Food delivery is often faster-paced with shorter trips and more customer interaction. Parcel delivery involves more sorting, lifting, and route efficiency. Both roles require stamina, strong time management, and the ability to stay calm when plans change mid-shift.

Whether on two wheels or four, full-time or part-time, courier work is more than just “drop and go.” It’s about moving fast, staying sharp, and delivering a good experience every time.

The best vehicle for courier work depends on what you’re delivering, where you’re working, and how often you plan to be on the road.

Most couriers use a small van, a reliable hatchback, or a scooter for urban food delivery.

Here’s how different vehicle types compare:

Vans

Vans are ideal for parcel couriers with high volume or bulky deliveries. They offer plenty of space, can be fitted with shelving, and are often preferred for depot-based work. But they’re more expensive to insure, less fuel-efficient, and not ideal for tight city driving.

Cars

A small, fuel-efficient hatchback is a great choice for multi-drop courier routes—especially local delivery work. Lower running costs and affordable insurance make them popular for solo traders and part-time gig workers. However, space is limited, so route planning and organisation matter more.

Scooters or Motorbikes

Perfect for food delivery in busy urban areas. They can navigate traffic easily, are cheap to run, and attract lower insurance premiums. That said, they’re weather-dependent and offer little cargo protection—so not suitable for all delivery types.

Bicycles (incl. e-bikes)

Best for short-range food deliveries or hyperlocal parcel drops. You’ll avoid vehicle costs and parking headaches—but you’re limited by speed, load size, and stamina. Ideal for urban zones with high delivery density.

Whichever vehicle you choose, make sure it’s:

• Roadworthy and properly taxed/MOT’d
• Insured for commercial use (hire and reward)
• Practical for your delivery type and area

Also factor in fuel efficiency, maintenance costs, and how easily you can load, secure, and access goods during the day. Over time, the right vehicle pays for itself in time saved and stress avoided.

To work as a self-employed courier in the UK, you need to register with HMRC, track your income and expenses, and handle your own tax returns.

It’s a simple process, but skipping it can land you in trouble—especially once you start earning regularly.

Here’s how to get started:

Registering with HMRC

Visit gov.uk and register as a sole trader. You’ll receive a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number, which you’ll need when filing your Self Assessment tax return. Registration is free and takes just a few minutes.

You’ll need to submit a Self Assessment every year, reporting your income, expenses, and any tax owed. The tax deadline is 31 January for the previous tax year.

National Insurance Contributions

As a self-employed person, you’ll usually pay Class 2 and Class 4 National Insurance. These are based on your profits and are calculated automatically when you file your return.

Keeping Records

Keep a log of your:

• Income (job payments, platform earnings, tips)
• Expenses (fuel, insurance, vehicle maintenance, data plan, parking, tolls)
• Receipts for any purchases related to the job

There’s no need to overcomplicate it—a basic spreadsheet or bookkeeping app will do the job. Just make sure you store everything clearly in case HMRC requests records.

Business Bank Account (Optional)

Not a legal requirement, but separating business and personal expenses makes tracking much easier. It also looks more professional when invoicing clients directly.

Once registered, you’re officially a business—and that gives you more freedom over how, when, and where you work.

Couriers in the UK typically earn between £80 and £180 per day, depending on the type of work, vehicle used, and how efficiently they operate.

Some food delivery drivers earn less per hour, while high-volume parcel couriers or medical couriers can earn more—especially with experience.

Here’s how earnings break down:

Parcel Delivery (e.g. Amazon Flex, Evri)

• £13–£17 per hour typical
• Around £100–£140 for a full day of multi-drop routes
• Peak times (Black Friday, Christmas) often pay higher rates
• Some platforms pay per drop, others offer fixed shifts

Food Delivery (e.g. Deliveroo, Uber Eats, Just Eat)

• £2.50–£4.50 per drop, depending on distance and time
• £8–£12 per hour during quiet times
• £14–£20+ per hour during lunch/dinner rush, weekends, and peak zones
• Tips can add an extra £20–£40 per shift in busy areas

Independent or Specialist Couriers

• Same-day couriers and medical delivery drivers can charge £1–£2 per mile
• Contract rates for private clients may reach £150–£250 per day
• Local courier work (solicitors, estate agents, florists) often pays well per trip

Factors That Affect Income

• Route density and planning efficiency
• Fuel costs and vehicle type
• Time of day and location
• Whether you work weekends, evenings, or peak delivery windows

It’s possible to earn a decent full-time income—but like any self-employed role, your results depend on how you work, not just where you work.

Being a courier can be rewarding—but it comes with pressure, unpredictability, and physical strain.

Knowing what to expect (and how to manage it) makes all the difference between burning out and building a solid career.

Here are the most common challenges—and how experienced couriers tackle them:

Long Hours and Fatigue

Early starts, late finishes, and back-to-back deliveries can take a toll—especially during peak seasons. Breaks are essential. Hydrate, stretch, and avoid overbooking your day. Many couriers work 4–5 strong shifts per week, not 7 just-for-the-sake-of-it days.

Fuel and Maintenance Costs

With rising fuel prices and constant wear on tyres, brakes, and oil, running costs can eat into your income. Drive smart (steady acceleration, avoid idling), use loyalty cards for fuel discounts, and set aside a small fund for repairs.

Traffic and Delays

You’ll run into jams, road closures, and delivery addresses that don’t exist on the sat nav. Build buffer time into your route, use real-time traffic tools, and always have a backup stop ready if one delivery is blocked or postponed.

Difficult Customers

From aggressive notes to awkward delivery instructions, not every stop is smooth. Stay calm, document issues with your app or delivery photos, and don’t argue at the door. Let the platform handle disputes where possible.

Bad Weather

Rain, snow, wind—it all affects delivery times and safety. Wear waterproof layers, keep a towel or mat in the vehicle for wet parcels, and allow extra braking distance in icy conditions.

Motivation Slumps

Working alone, especially for long stretches, can take a toll. Listen to podcasts, rotate your routes where possible, or set personal challenges (e.g. hitting a certain number of drops by noon). The right mindset keeps the job fresh.

Every courier faces these issues at some point. The pros don’t avoid them—they outplan them.