Home-based freight and pallet broker
Book pallet and parcel deliveries across the UK and Europe for small firms that have no time to shop around.
- £300-2k
- Side hustle
- From home
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
22,280 UK companies in this field, 43% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 52290 “Other transportation support activities”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
You act as the go-between for small businesses and haulage or courier firms. You get quotes, book collections, track loads and sort the delivery paperwork, all from a laptop and phone.
Your first three steps
- Pick a niche, such as furniture makers or food producers, and list the carriers and pallet networks that serve them
- Set up accounts with a few carriers or pallet networks and work out your margin on typical routes
- Contact ten local small businesses, offer to quote on their next shipment and ask for repeat work
Who pays
Small manufacturers, wholesalers, online sellers and trades suppliers that ship pallets or bulky goods but have no transport manager.
How it makes money
You add a margin or fee on top of the carrier's price for each booking. Regular customers shipping every week give steady income.
Skills that help
- Organised and good with detail
- Confident on the phone and by email
- Negotiating with carriers
- Basic spreadsheet or booking software skills
Watch out for
- Check what insurance you need, such as public liability and goods in transit or freight forwarder's liability cover
- Carriers may want payment before your customers pay you, so check your cash flow and credit terms
- Write clear terms and conditions covering lost or damaged goods, delays and who is liable
- Check carrier rules for hazardous or restricted goods before accepting them
- Check whether you can run the business from your home with your landlord, lender or council
🔒 Full research report for UK
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a freight brokerage from home?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around £300 to £2,000, depending on your booking software, insurance and website. The work is done from a laptop and phone, so most of the spending is on tools and cover.
How much can a home-based freight broker earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £600 to £3,000, depending on how many customers you win and how many loads you book. Most people begin at about ten hours a week. These are estimates, not promises.
What should I check before brokering freight?
Check which insurance you need, such as public liability and goods in transit or freight forwarder's liability cover. Also check your cash flow if carriers want paying first, your terms for lost or damaged goods, restricted goods rules, and home-working permissions.
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