Top ten Questions About Starting a Courier Business

If you are planning to start a courier or delivery business, you are definitely going to have a few questions.We compiled top 10 frequently asked questions about the courier businesses here:

1. What is a Courier?

A courier transports packages or other items across town, quickly and effectively. They provide a service similar to UPS or FedEx, but are set up to do a better job locally and for last-minute deliveries.

2. How much can you make?

The amount you can make as a courier varies based on where you live in the country. Those in big cities make the most, while couriers in smaller towns and rural areas make less. The US average is about $36 an hour. For India around its around Rs. 13,600 per month.

3. Do you need formal training?

No. There is no formal training or classes required. There is no certification required either.

4. What supplies do you need?

You have to have a reliable vehicle. You also need a computer and cell phone as a way to get jobs and keep track of business records. It also helps to have a day planner or other scheduling device, GPS unit, hand truck for hauling heavy loads and moving blankets for fragile items.

5. What type of vehicle do you need?

You just need something reliable. It doesn’t have to be a big van. You need something that won’t break down, and can carry whatever it is you’re asked to transport. In most cases, your car, mini-van or pickup truck will work just fine.

6. What hours do you have to work?

You don’t have to work any set hours. You can work as little or as much as you’d like. Delivering packages can be part-time, full time, or just a way to make extra money. You decide.

7. When will I get the most business?

You will get the most business if you can offer service between normal working hours, such as 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. But you could still get good work if you can work later or even earlier than that. Weekends are also be a time to get a good amount of work.

8. Do you have to have a lot of money to start a courier service?

If you have a reliable vehicle, then you won’t need to have a lot of money to get started. Chances are you probably have a cell phone and computer too, so after this you’ll just need to pay for insurance, licensing fees and the optional supplies that could help your business run smoothly, such as a GPS unit or a day planner. Over all, you won’t need a lot of money to start a courier business.

9. Are there free ways to promote your business?

Yes, of course. Write a press release and send it to your local newspaper. Advertise on Craigslist.org or Backpage.com. Make a web site or blog. And finally, just get out there and talk to people about your business. Networking is still the best way to build a courier business, and it doesn’t cost a penny!

10. Who uses a courier service?

Banks, architects, lawyers, medical professionals, shop owners, property managers and more. It’s a long list. There is a lot of work available.