The economy relies on van couriers to get crucial products and packages from their sources to the customers and clients that need them. In fact, van couriers are a critical component of keeping the modern economy running smoothly.
This industry is always in need of qualified drivers willing to do the work well, and there are many reasons why you might want to consider leaping into this industry for your next career phase. Keep reading to learn five great reasons behind this. However, there are also five good reasons that might give you pause, so read on to learn what those are too.
Knowing all of this will help you make an informed decision with balanced information.
The Pros Of Van Courier Work
The van courier industry isn’t just a chance to make the money you need to pay your bills, as it actually offers some serious advantages and benefits that many in the labour force find appealing. They include but are not limited to the chance to escape from desk jobs, being their own boss or at least not having on looking over their shoulder, flexibility in their work schedule, and enjoying open roads and more holiday time with friends and family.
It’s Certainly Not A Desk Job
If you’re someone that enjoys meeting new people all the time, then working as a van courier might just be the line of work for you. Many van couriers wind up making deliveries to 50 or even 70 different places each day, and that’s a lot of fresh faces you get to meet while getting to make their day. Since you’re showing up with packages and goods they need or want, they’re usually going to be very happy to see you.
Your Boss Is In Your Mirror
If you decided to do this as a freelancer or establish your own firm, then you’re going to be the one calling the shots and making your own decisions. Many don’t get the chance to harness the power of their own future. You get to keep all your profits. Even if you do van courier work for an actual boss, you’re going to be on the road all the time where you don’t have to worry about them.
Flexible Scheduling
Sometimes, keeping the same schedule week in, week out for years can lead to boredom, burnout, and stress. Van courier jobs typically mean varying hours, and sometimes you can actually set your schedule as you prefer. Long-distance runs can get you out of town when it suits you, or you can do local deliveries if you want to stay closer to home. Being able to start and also finish early frees up your day, and you can even shift your patterns every week based on what’s good for you and your family.
Enjoy Open Roads
Many couriers enjoy the constant movement involved with the work. The roads have endless energy and motion to them, and you can be a part of the eternal flow.
Enjoy More Holidays
When businesses that use couriers are closed and taking time off, that means you get to do so as well. This puts a lot more holidays on your calendar.
The Cons Of Van Courier Jobs
After reading all those advantages and benefits to van courier opportunities, you might be thinking it’s time to sign up and give this career a go. However, for all the perks of this kind of work, you should also be aware of the downsides and disadvantages that can come along with it. They include potential lack of work, not something morning people like, the expenses involved, having to obey the rules of the road, and unpaid time off. You may also have to get your own van insurance policy.
Work Isn’t Guaranteed
If you work as a self-employed van courier, then you have to find clients, or you have no business. Even if you work a van courier job as an employee of someone else, if their orders dry up, your hours might get cut.
Not For Morning People
A lot of courier work happens in the morning, even when it’s still dark. Courier customers also have delivery needs at all times of day or night, and often different days of the week or month. If you’re looking for a routine and structured schedule, this might not be the kind of work that suits you.
Expenses
The prices for unleaded and diesel are in a constant state of flux. Road tax and vehicle renting can also eat into your profits if you’re self-employed. Even when you work a van courier job for another company as an employee, those costs can eat into their operating margins, which can impact how much they have to spend on payroll, benefits, and raises.
Rules Of The Road
While the ‘open road’ appeals to many as they thrive on being part of the endless motion, many roads aren’t actually all that open. You might spend a lot of time just sitting in traffic. Also, keep in mind that professional driving means adhering to sets of rules and regulations that recreational drivers don’t have to bother with.
Fewer Benefits, If Any
Employee van courier workers don’t have to worry about this as much unless perhaps they are part-time and just don’t get benefits for not working enough. However, self-employed van couriers don’t get any benefits they don’t provide for themselves. All those extra holidays are unpaid.
Final Thought
Now you know five pros and five cons of van courier jobs. Hopefully, these help you decide whether or not this is right for you as a potential line of work.