Benefits of Life as an Inter-city Courier Driver

To successfully negotiate inter-city work, one must be aware of the realities of the industry. Here are a few factors you need to consider.

Flexible Hours

The work of a longer distance courier driver can have a remarkable predictability in some regards. Since goods are needed at all hours, all hours are open for these workers. The reality is therefore one of randomness and flexibility and, often, this can require energy. Some people will thrive on this irregularity while others will find it a challenge. However, the flexibility is something almost everyone sees as a positive. You are not trapped by a nine-to-five schedule and you can work when you want, as long as the work can be found.

Simpler But Familiar Routes

The courier driver on the inter-city route knows the curses and blessings of familiarity all too well. To the novice, the long open road has a hint of adventure and the peace of solitude. The veteran understands that once a route has been conquered its simplicity becomes familiarity, which can cause the mind to wander. The basic work of delivering goods on long, straight routes is a great appeal to some. But to be successful, one must be able to develop reliable means to combat the weariness, monotony, and capacity for your mind to slip in and out of alertness.

Clear But Complex Maintenance

Many a courier driver takes responsibility for their own vehicle – especially, of course, the owner driver. This reliance on your own vehicle is another attraction to many, as the bread and butter of your business plans comes down to the clear maintenance of your mode of transportation. But if you are using your vehicle for frequent long trips, the practicalities of this care can be a little more complex. Understanding the mechanics, insurance needs, and regulatory requirements of caring for your vehicle demands attention and practice.

Steady But Fluctuating Income

There is a good reason why hundreds of owner operators pick up the phone daily, work out a contract, and set off with their cargo across inter-city routes. A courier driver who travels longer distances knows there is always a demand for goods to move from one city or town to the next. The sustainability of this work is a drawcard; the uncertainty is a corresponding reality. The fluctuations of various industries and economic changes can leave you feeling vulnerable, but knowing how to plan your business to take into account this uncertainty is the start of a long road to success.

Norman Dulwich is a correspondent for Courier Exchange, the world's largest neutral trading hub for same day courier driver jobs in the express freight exchange industry. Over 4,000 transport exchange businesses are networked together through their website, trading courier jobs and capacity in a safe 'wholesale' environment.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.