How much can couriers earn?

Overview of UK Courier Salaries

The earning potential of couriers depends on a number of factors, including the type of company they work for, the nature of the job, and the individual driver's experience. The average salary of a UK courier is £31,000; these are of course earnings for employees. Self employed drivers can earn considerably more or, conversely considerably less.

Delivery van driver employee salaries can range from £16,000 to £40,000, depending on a number of factors, such as the driver's level of experience, the type of job, and the type of employer. However, it's important to keep in mind that these are only average figures. Your salary may be higher or lower than the figures listed above, depending on your individual circumstances.

Which Factors Impact Courier Salaries?

• The type of employer you work for: the companies you work for and their level of experience will determine your salary. An employer who has been in the business for a long time will likely pay more than a start-up company.
• The type of work you do: this can also have an impact on your salary. Driving a van may be a standard job, but if you're driving a refrigerated van, a bulk transporter or a heavy vehicle, you can expect a higher salary because of the additional responsibilities.
• Your level of experience: this will have a significant impact on your salary.
• The type of deliveries you make can be a major factor when determining your salary. Companies that deliver perishable goods, such as food, have to get their deliveries to customers as quickly as possible. If a courier gets stuck in traffic, the perishable goods in his or her van could spoil. Because of this, food delivery companies often pay their drivers more than other industries. Van drivers who work for medical supply and pharmaceutical companies are also paid more than the average courier. This is because this type of delivery is critical to people who are sick or in a medical emergency.
• The location where you work is another major factor that impacts courier salaries. Van drivers who work in rural areas generally earn less than van drivers who work in urban locations. In urban areas, there is more traffic and more demand for deliveries. This requires more van drivers to meet this demand. Rural areas have less traffic and less demand for deliveries. This means rural areas need fewer couriers to meet customer demand; and so employers can often offer less competitive wages.

How to Find the Right Courier Job With The Right Salary

If you're thinking of switching careers and becoming a courier, you'll need to find the right job. Here are a few ideas you can use to find the right job with the right salary:

Talk to Existing Couriers - they can be a mine of information and may be prepared to share information about the best companies to work for.

Be Diligent in Looking For Companies to Work For - there are a lot of job opportunities so don't just apply to the first one you see. You can find potential employers online, in newspapers, magazines, and job search sites.

Ask Your Employer for a Promotion - if you're currently employed as a courier, you might be able to negotiate a higher salary. After all, you have nothing to lose. Your current employer might be happy to increase your salary if you ask for a promotion; after all good staff are hard to find.

How to apply for a well paid job

If you find another job you'd like to apply for, but the salary offered is lower than you expected, don't be afraid of asking for more. After all, you're worth it. However, you need to be careful when negotiating your salary. There's a right way and a wrong way to do it. Here are a few tips to help you negotiate your salary successfully:

• Prepare Thoroughly - before you go to the interview, do your homework. Read the job description carefully and get to know as much as you can about the company that is interviewing you. This will help you ask the right questions during the interview and show the employer that you're serious about the job.
• Know Your Worth - before you head to the interview and start negotiating your salary, make sure you know your worth. You can do this by researching salaries online and comparing your skills with those needed for the job.
• Dress Appropriately - even if you are really good at your job you need to look the part as well. A smart turn out with clean shoes, a decent haircut and a shave can go a long way towards convincing an employer that you are worth employing, or holding onto, even though you want better earnings or conditions.
• Smell Good - personal freshness is essential as well. Smelling of stale tobacco or body odour is not going to impress anyone!