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Are you looking for a way to boost your income? Or are you thinking about changing careers? Maybe you’re seeking a job where you can show off your driving abilities while also providing exceptional value to your customers? Now is the ideal time to look for contract Delivery Driver jobs and apply for them.
In the year 2019, more than 100 billion packages were sent to consumers all around the world. The courier and messenger sector in the United States had already had the fastest employment growth rate — 22 percent — even before the pandemic struck. When the government imposed lockdown limitations, the industry’s employment grew from over 500,000 to over 1 million people.
The demand for delivery drivers and couriers is predicted to rise around the world. Therefore, in this field, what does it mean to be a contract worker?
In this article, we’ll provide you with the exact answers you’re looking for in this article. Continue reading to learn how to become a contract delivery driver.
Difference Between a Courier and a Delivery Driver
Essentially, delivery drivers and couriers do the same thing: they transport things and deliver them to their intended destination.
People usually order things online or send packages to their loved ones using normal delivery services. Standard shipping, despite its low cost, takes five to seven business days to complete. Processing and delivery take longer if the destination is further away.
A courier service, as opposed to traditional delivery services, provides greater variety and flexibility. You can get same-day delivery assignments if you work as a messenger for a courier company. A company like this can also provide global courier and delivery services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Once consumers have placed their orders, you will serve as a courier. This enables you to deliver packages more quickly. Companies acquire deliverables first before dispatching them to drivers in traditional shipping.
You can be your own boss if you work as an independent delivery contractor. Instead of receiving delivery assignments from your employer, you’ll be the one to seek them out and manage them yourself, providing you greater flexibility in terms of scheduling. It can be done as part-time or full-time employment.
You can also contract through another company if you want to efficiently broaden the area of your employment as a contract delivery driver or courier. FedEx, Amazon, and the US Postal Service are among the companies that hire contract drivers.
Understanding Contract Delivery
You can not only gain more flexibility as an independent contractor, but you can also maintain an enviable work-life balance while earning more money if you’re resourceful and have good time management skills. It’s no surprise that the so-called gig economy employs more than one-third of the US workforce.
You must first understand what this profession comprises before deciding to become an independent contractor in the courier industry.
Responsibilities of a Contract Driver
Your principal tasks as a contract driver are to operate a vehicle to transport supplies or items on a contract basis. Your responsibilities change depending on the specifics of each contract. Your responsibilities change depending on the specifics of each contract.
You could transport cargo in a truck on a set delivery route, or you could work as an independent courier, picking up and delivering materials for businesses, medical service providers, or private individuals. If you operate as a courier, you may be able to coordinate with a dispatch operator to get delivery information. The car that contract drivers drive is usually their own.
The following are included in the scope of your work:
Ensuring the security of the deliverables
As a contractor, it’s critical to establish and maintain a good reputation. One of the most important things to consider is the security of your deliverables. You must keep things, papers, and other items safe against damage or theft, whether they are goods, documents, or other materials. When the things they deliver are damaged or lost, both businesses and independent contractors lose consumers.
Investing in protective equipment such as straps is a good idea. Apps like Circuit can also help you optimize your routes and keep track of your goods.
Keeping track of your deliveries
You must keep precise records of your deliveries as a freelance delivery driver. You should keep track of your invoices, keep track of your expenses, and keep track of your profits. You’ll have to be more diligent in fulfilling these administrative responsibilities now that you’re independent.
You’ll need these documents for accounting and tax purposes if you work on your own. If you’re hired by a corporation, you can count on them to keep everything organized and transparent.
Obtaining signatures from the intended recipients
The signatures of your clients are crucial confirmation of delivery (POD). Securing PODs is more than a necessity. It can also assist you in lowering your debt and increasing your profits. You can improve and keep your good image with your clients and other prospects in the long run. PODs can also be images of the packages you delivered, in addition to signatures.
Independent couriers may also collect cash payments and ensure that the amount paid or given as change by clients is proper.
5 Most Common Independent Contractor Courier Requirements
If you’re serious about being an independent courier contractor, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:
A dependable automobile
If you’re looking for a contractual truck driver job, take note that although a van or truck is frequently advised for couriers and delivery drivers, working as an independent contractor courier with your own car is conceivable.
Just make sure the vehicle is dependable, and stick to the maintenance schedule to maintain it that way.
Licensing and insurance are required
A valid driver’s license is required, as are acceptable license plates for your car.
For courier work, you’ll also require insurance that protects both you and your vehicle.
Being a courier may not be covered by standard insurance, leaving you liable for damages to the goods or uninsured in the event of an accident.
A mobile phone
You must be able to communicate with customers, which necessitates the use of a cell phone.
However, if you choose a smartphone, you can load apps that make your job easier, such as a navigation app or one that provides the closest and cheapest gas rates.
GPS
If you don’t already have a smartphone with a GPS app like Google Maps or Waze, you should consider getting one. To stay safe, choose hands-free.
Other necessary materials
If you’re delivering huge items, you might need to use moving equipment like a dolly.
Straps may be required to secure packages. It’s also a good idea to bring a first-aid kit, put on a safety vest, and wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
Independent Courier Contractor Salary
If you’re thinking about becoming a delivery driver, one of your first inquiries is probably, “How much money can I make as a freelance courier?”
We can get an estimate of independent contractor courier compensation from a variety of sources.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median (or middle) wage for drivers in 2020 was $27,960 USD.
The bottom ten percent made less than $18,600, while the top ten percent made more than $50,910.
Light truck drivers earned median annual pay of $37,050 in 2020, with the lowest 10% getting less than $22,470 and the best 10% earning more than $70,080. If you’re interested to start your own delivery business, you might want to check out “Build An Massive Food Delivery Business With UberEats Clone.”
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