3 Top Reasons Experienced Drivers Should Join a Courier Company

Working part or full time as a self-employed courier may have its advantages, but such advantages also bring huge responsibilities. For that reason, some clients prefer to use big-name couriers, because of certain iron-clad assurances and the guarantee of safety; these are also part of the reason experienced drivers choose to join established delivery companies. While we’re not saying you only deal with such large courier companies, it’s important to know why customers may favour them, so you'll know how to craft a business plan if you’re starting your own company.

Clear Ideas on Responsibility

When a courier knocks on your door as an employee of an established company, safely delivering a parcel, you have a clear idea of who is responsible - just in case the delivery is botched up in some way. The courier’s insurance is paid for by the company, which also covers the parcel, but a good company also has its own liability insurance. That’s why if an accident occurs that results in injury or damage to your parcel, you know you won’t be left out in the cold. It is precisely because of this insurance protection that many experienced drivers choose to join larger companies; working on their own may be great for certain types of people, but if you need some extra assurance, joining an established organisation may be one of the best decisions you could make.

Training

Experienced drivers may already have what it takes to do the job well, but established delivery companies - with their slogans, corporate principles, and proven success record - will not simply stop at what’s stated on the driver’s resume. They will be required to attend further training. There are training programmes hat can be undertaken as part of a big organisations infrastructure, which an owner driver may not have access to for reasons of economy and time. Drivers may strike out on their own and rely on their daily experience to train them, however the advanced training to which large companies rigorously subject their employees allows them to see the big picture and understand long term ramifications.

Professional Focus

Owner drivers, or those who drive for small courier services certainly have their good points: they are usually enterprising, honest, responsible people who know and understand the full meaning of the phrase, ‘You are only as good as your last delivery’. On the whole, they therefore ensure that they do their jobs well. But a typical freelance delivery person may be servicing three or even more companies at the same time. On the flip side, experienced drivers employed by just one established company focus on only one employer, which allows them to finely hone their skills and know their routes far better.

Norman Dulwich is a correspondent for Courier Exchange, the world's largest neutral trading hub for experienced drivers and same day delivery service 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.