Van courier for local businesses

Small businesses, medical and legal offices, online sellers, print shops, and courier or freight companies that subcontract work.

Per-job or per-parcel fees, a rate per kilometre, or a set price for a regular weekly run. Contract drivers are often paid per drop or per run.

• Reliable and punctual
• Route planning and local knowledge
• Careful handling of goods
• Basic invoicing and record keeping

• Standard car insurance may not cover courier work, so check you have the right commercial or carriage cover
• Goods in transit insurance, to check for valuable or fragile parcels
• Fuel, tolls, servicing and vehicle wear can eat into earnings, so work out your cost per kilometre before setting rates
• Check whether state or territory rules apply to you as a contractor, including workers compensation and any heavy vehicle or licence requirements for larger vehicles
• Register for GST once turnover reaches the threshold

Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $6,000, depending on your vehicle, insurance and equipment. These are estimates only. Work out your cost per kilometre, including fuel, tolls, servicing and vehicle wear, before setting your rates.

Monthly revenue is typically around $2,500 to $8,000, depending on how many regular runs you win and how many hours you work. These are estimates, not guarantees. Fuel, tolls, servicing and vehicle wear can eat into what you keep.

Check that your car insurance covers courier work, or whether you need commercial or carriage cover, plus goods in transit insurance for valuable parcels. Also check state or territory rules for contractors, including workers compensation, and GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold.