Tags – Freelance Driving
The majority of the UK’s goods are transported by road.
Data from the Department for Transport calculated that 76% of goods were transported this way.
And as our reliance on internet shopping grows (especially during the COVID-19 pandemic), the demand for deliveries does too, with 87% of UK households having made online purchases within the last 12 months.
With the demand for deliveries so high, there’s a parallel need for freelance delivery drivers.
So if you’re considering a freelance driving career, what are the positives, and more importantly, what are the negatives that could prompt you to pump the breaks on such an occupation?
Let’s take a look.
The Positives
There are several benefits to freelance delivery driving. Here’s just a few:
1. Say No To The Desk
For anyone who can’t bear the idea of being chained to a desk, courier/freelance driving gives you the option of being out on the open road.
There’s no office politics, and you get to meet different people every day and see plenty of new places too.
2. Flexibility
For anyone who needs (or enjoys) a working week that doesn’t hinge around 9am to 5pm, freelance driving offers greater freedom.
Namely, because you can pick and choose your daily start and finish times to suit your work-life balance.
3. No Experience Needed
Unlike many desk jobs, it’s possible to start a career in freelance driving without any experience.
As long as you have a clean driving licence that’s suitable for the vehicle you’re driving, you’re good to go.
4. Be Your Own Boss
As a freelancer, you can make your own decisions about who you work for, for how long, and you could even consider setting up your own firm.
The Negatives
However, there are a few downsides to this type of freelance work. Here’s just a few:
There Are No Guarantees
When you work for yourself, there are no guarantees that work will always be readily available.
The pressure is on you to find your own business and customers. Simply, no business = no money.
Not For Night Owls
If you’re not a morning person, this career choice may play havoc with your body clock!
Many deliveries begin in the early hours of the morning when it’s still dark, and everyone else is still asleep. This may not appeal if you’re not an early riser.
Legislation
It’s your responsibility to keep on top of any relevant legislation.
From consulting with HMRC regulations around tax returns to ensuring you have the right information about speed limits, parking, loading, and unloading restrictions, to studying DVSA requirements around laden weights in delivery vans.
In short, it’s up to you to make sure you comply with the law.
Round-Up
Hopefully, the pros and cons of freelance delivery driving listed above, have given you a better idea of whether or not to get into gear or put the brakes on.
The choice is yours!
To learn more, get in touch with us today.
In the meantime, please check our Vehicle Weighing solution here.