How to become a self-employed courier in the UK: complete checklist

Going self-employed as a courier in the UK can take you from zero to earning in under two weeks if you sequence things in the right order.

Week 1: paperwork

• Register as self-employed with HMRC
• Open a separate business bank account
• Get hire & reward courier insurance with goods-in-transit cover
• Buy or hire a suitable van (see our van guide)

Week 2: get on the road

• Apply to Amazon Flex, Evri, DPD owner-driver or local same-day firms
• Buy a phone holder, sat-nav, hi-vis and steel-toe boots
• Fit a dashcam — front and rear — for insurance and disputes
• Set up a mileage and expenses tracker app

What to budget for

Realistic startup cost is £1,500 – £3,000 if hiring a van, or £6,000+ if buying used. Aim to have one month of running costs in reserve before your first job.