Refrigerated lorry haulage for contract work

Food wholesalers, distributors, producers and haulage firms that subcontract loads.

Paid per load or per run, often by agreed rate per mile or per pallet. Regular contracts or subcontracting through haulage firms give steadier income.

• Holding the right driving licence for the vehicle
• Planning routes and managing driver hours
• Handling paperwork and customer accounts

• Operator's licence rules for goods vehicles over certain weights, check the current requirements with the DVSA or the relevant traffic commissioner
• Driver CPC, tachograph and drivers' hours rules may apply, so check before you buy a vehicle
• Large upfront costs: a used refrigerated rigid lorry can cost tens of thousands of pounds, and you also need money for insurance, licensing and working capital
• Running costs such as fuel, tyres and refrigeration unit servicing are high
• Customers may pay on 30 to 60 day terms, so keep enough cash to cover the gap
• Food hygiene and temperature control requirements for transporting food, check Food Standards Agency guidance

Startup costs are typically around £45,000 to £140,000, depending on the lorry you buy, plus insurance, licensing and working capital. These are estimates, so price up your own vehicle and running costs before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically around £4,000 to £16,000, depending on your contracts and routes, and you should expect to work from about 35 hours a week. These are estimates. Fuel, tyres and servicing are high, and customers may pay on 30 to 60 day terms.

Check operator's licence requirements with the DVSA or the relevant traffic commissioner, and whether Driver CPC, tachograph and drivers' hours rules apply to you. Do this before buying a vehicle. Also check Food Standards Agency guidance on transporting food.