Fuel
Fuel is usually your highest day-to-day cost, especially for long-distance or multi-drop routes. Your total spend will depend on mileage, vehicle type, and fuel prices.
Insurance
You’ll need specialist cover, including:
Hire & Reward insurance (required to carry goods for payment)
Goods in Transit insurance (to protect the items you’re delivering)
These are essential and can be a high monthly or annual cost.
Vehicle costs
As a self-employed courier, you’re responsible for:
Maintenance and servicing
Tyres and repairs
MOT and general upkeep
These costs can vary, but they add up over time and should be factored into every job.
Additional expenses
Other costs to consider include:
ULEZ or congestion charges
Parking and tolls
Depreciation (your vehicle losing value over time)
Overall, the key to staying profitable is understanding your total running costs and factoring them into the jobs you take.
Return to guide: Earning more as a courier driver