There are a growing number of courier companies. This is because packages are constantly being sent. This has to do with the arrival of the internet. As a result, more and more people are working as couriers. The salary of a courier is not necessarily very high. It is hard work in a market where there is a lot of competition. Despite the fact that requirements are also imposed on a delivery person, it is a relatively accessible sector. The economy is doing badly, but there are also sectors where things are going well. One of the fastest growing sectors is the courier market. The number of courier companies is increasing rapidly. The main reason for this is the advent of the internet. Less and less mail is sent, because more and more is sent by e-mail. Large postal companies are seriously affected by this. At the same time, consumers have started ordering more and more on the internet. This often concerns larger products that cannot simply be sent by post. That is why courier companies are used. In 2006, six in ten Dutch people had ordered something via the internet, in 2011 this was already almost seven in ten. This market will only grow faster in the coming years.
Working as a courier
There are several major postal companies that have their own courier services, such as TNT Express, Sandd and DHL. The various large mail order companies use these companies or have their own courier service. There are also many independent courier services. Sometimes they rent themselves out to large companies, in other cases they collect orders via the internet. There is strong growth in this number of companies. This is because there are relatively few rules and therefore newcomers can easily enter the market. In 2011, there were almost five thousand courier companies. That year, thirteen hundred new companies were established. It seems an attractive option for private individuals, especially if they cannot find work elsewhere. Because it is a growth market, there seems to be enough work to be done in the coming years.
How much does a courier earn?
At the same time, it is not all gold that shines. The life of a courier usually means hard work for a relatively low wage. Because there are so many courier companies, there is also great competition. The various companies therefore try to deliver at the lowest price. This also has consequences for the delivery person’s wages. They work long hours and often don’t have time for a break. This is because most couriers are paid per item of mail delivered. This also means that they do not get paid if someone is not at home. They usually earn less than the minimum wage. The House of Representatives is trying to change this by including in the new postal law that parcel deliverers and couriers must earn at least the minimum wage.
What should I consider when starting my own courier company?
Someone needs more than just a car and a driver’s license when he or she starts as a courier. It is wise to consider in advance whether this is what you really want. It is also wise to make a budget with a realistic estimate of income and expenses. When someone sets up a company, he can register as a sole proprietorship, but it is also possible to do this as a general partnership or BV. The Chamber of Commerce provides information about what works best in each individual case. Furthermore, requirements are also imposed on someone’s van. For example, emissions must not be too high and the car must be able to carry a certain weight. Many companies also have separate requirements, so coordinate this with the company you will be working for. Furthermore, courier and express services also need certain insurance, such as VAW Insurance (Carrier Liability Insurance) and AVB Insurance (Liability Insurance for Companies).