Niche freight forwarder from home

Small importers and exporters, online sellers, makers and wholesalers who ship too little to deal with big forwarders directly.

You buy transport from carriers and sell it on with a margin, plus fees for paperwork, customs handling and storage coordination.

• Organised with detail and deadlines
• Comfortable with documents and online systems
• Clear communication with clients and carriers
• Willingness to learn customs and shipping terms

• Insurance: check freight forwarder's liability and goods in transit cover, as well as public liability
• Customs: check what you need to make declarations yourself (such as an EORI number) versus using a customs broker
• Cash flow: carriers may want payment before clients pay you, so plan your working capital
• Dangerous or restricted goods need special handling, check before you accept them
• Check which terms and conditions to use, and whether trade body standard terms suit you
• Check your landlord, mortgage or council rules if you work from home

Startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £7,500, depending on the systems you use and the niche you choose. Carriers may want payment before clients pay you, so plan your working capital separately.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on your niche, client numbers and the fee or margin you charge. This type of work usually needs around 15 hours a week or more.

Check freight forwarder's liability, goods in transit and public liability insurance. Check whether you need an EORI number to make customs declarations yourself or should use a customs broker, and how to handle dangerous or restricted goods.