4 Diverse Types of Self Employed Courier Jobs

The modern transportation industry has continued to diversify. With more types of opportunities there are more ways to do work, and with more ways to do work, there is a greater diversity to the way cargo, goods and messages are delivered. This is more than likely to continue as the world and its means of communication and connection tighten.

Understanding this diversification, therefore, becomes vital when you wish to decipher the options for work in the industry. For those who transport messages, information and small packages, there are several avenues for employment to suit your tastes and abilities, particularly if you seek to work independently.

City cycle delivery

The modern metropolis is always abuzz with transportation and traffic. One of the main challenges for delivery in this context is the decreased space and mobility. Hence many people seeking self employed courier jobs would be wise to invest in a bicycle. While this is by no means a new method of conveyance, there is an increasing trend to deliver mail and goods in the city via this most compact and versatile of means.

Small vehicle

While a bicycle will give you options to weave in and out of clogged CBD lanes, sometimes it won't have the speed or space for navigating a broader city sphere. This is why the core business for those who work self employed courier jobs still revolves around the small vehicle. From cars, to motorbikes, to small vans, these vehicles give you the freedom to travel significant distances while also finding ways to park and wind through inner city streets. These vehicles are also a significantly smaller investment than larger or more luxurious means of conveyance, especially since the advent of scooters and energy efficient cars that run on less fuel.

Large vehicle

Since this type of work demands flexibility, there are times when even those working in self employed courier jobs can’t look past a larger vehicle. This is, obviously, because a truck or larger van simply has more space. You have more options as to what type of content and cargo you can deliver. There are many trucks that are relatively versatile and fuel-efficient, and if you have the chance to consolidate multiple clients into single routes due to the size and space of your crate then you can save time and money.

Speciality services

It is also possible to differentiate self employed courier jobs based on the type of delivery and client. There are many companies who focus on having the expertise to deliver speciality cargo and provide selective services. From organ and medical transportation, to classified document delivery, to live animal haulage, it is possible to earn the certification and develop the skills necessary to deliver specialised cargo. This gives you a competitive edge in a smaller, yet often more lucrative, market.

Norman Dulwich is a correspondent for Courier Exchange, the world's largest neutral trading hub for same day self employed courier jobs in the express freight exchange industry. Over 2,500 transport exchange businesses are networked together through their website, trading jobs and capacity in a safe 'wholesale' environment.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.