Free during launch
For self-employed couriersCourier work that shows the rate first.
Whether you run one van or a few, Laydn puts priced jobs in front of you, tells you when work lands in your area and takes no commission. You see what a job pays before you put your hand up.
- Van and Luton jobs
- Alerts for your area
- 0% commission
In short
How do self-employed couriers find work?
Most self-employed couriers use a mix: contracts with parcel companies or courier firms, direct customers, and freight exchanges where businesses post jobs. On Laydn you can browse priced jobs on the board, set alerts for your area and van, and put your hand up in a tap. When a shipper awards you a job, you deal with them directly.
How it works
Find it, win it, deliver it.
All from your phone, between drops.
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01
Find it
Browse priced jobs and filter by vehicle, area and date, or let a Laydr alert tell you when one matches.
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02
Put your hand up
Tap I want this job and add a note about your van or timing. The shipper is notified.
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03
Deliver it
When you're awarded, the shipper's details unlock. Confirm collection and delivery on your phone, with a signature if someone's there.
Laydr alerts
Work that finds you between drops.
Set a Laydr alert with your postcode, how far you'll go to collect, your van and your hours. When a matching job is posted, you get a push notification.
Choose straight away for the jobs you want to jump on, or batched if you'd rather not be interrupted on the road.
- Postcode, distance, vehicle and hours
- Straight away or batched
- As many alerts as you need
Deal direct
Every job is a customer you can talk to.
When a shipper awards you a job, their phone and email unlock and you sort the collection between you. The job goes into My Jobs, where you mark it collected and delivered.
Laydn doesn't sit in the middle and takes nothing from the rate, so a shipper who likes your work can simply book you again.
- Contact details unlock on award
- Collected and delivered from your phone
- No commission, ever
Getting started
What you need for courier work.
The basics most self-employed couriers have in place. Check the details with an insurer or adviser.
A suitable van
Most courier work runs on vans and Lutons. Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes carrying goods for hire or reward also need an operator's licence.
The right insurance
Usually hire and reward van insurance, goods in transit cover and public liability. Many customers ask to see them.
Self-employed admin
Register as self-employed with HMRC, keep records of your mileage and costs, and invoice promptly.
Your documents to hand
Upload your insurance to Laydn once. Shippers see it as uploaded when you put your hand up; Laydn doesn't check it.
How to find courier work in the UK
Self-employed courier work comes from a handful of places. Most couriers use more than one, so a quiet week in one doesn't mean a quiet week overall.
Multi-drop and parcel contracts
Parcel networks and delivery companies take on self-employed drivers for multi-drop routes. The work can be steady, but the rate per parcel and the hours are usually set for you.
Same-day and dedicated jobs
Same-day work means collecting a consignment and taking it straight to where it's going. The rate is for the whole run rather than per parcel, and it's where freight exchanges help most. See same-day courier work.
Direct customers
Local businesses that send regularly can become your best customers. Every job you do well is a chance to ask for the next one.
Freight exchanges and load boards
Exchanges put jobs from many businesses in one place. Some charge per user, some take a commission or run auctions. Laydn shows the rate on every job, has no bidding, charges one flat membership and takes no commission. Read more about UK load boards.
Ready? Join free during launch, or see how finding loads works and how to fill the way back.
Questions
Courier work questions
How do I become a self-employed courier?
Register as self-employed with HMRC, get a suitable van and the right insurance (usually hire and reward, goods in transit and public liability), then find work through contracts, direct customers and freight exchanges like Laydn.
How do I get more courier work for my van?
Use more than one source: contracts, direct customers and exchanges. On Laydn, set Laydr alerts for your area and van so matching jobs come to your phone, and use the backload suggestions to fill the way back.
Does Laydn take a cut of courier jobs?
No. Laydn takes no commission. The rate the shipper sets is the rate you agree with them, and payment is between you.
Can I use Laydn with a small van?
Yes. Laydn covers vans and Lutons as well as lorries. Pick your vehicle in your alerts and filters so you see the jobs that fit.
What insurance does a self-employed courier need?
Most need hire and reward vehicle insurance, goods in transit cover and often public liability insurance. The right cover depends on what you carry, so check with an insurer.
Does it cost anything to find courier work on Laydn?
Not during launch. After that it's one flat membership for everyone, with unlimited users and no commission, and you'll get a month's notice before anything is charged.
Keep reading
More on finding work
Got a van? Put it to work.
Join free while we grow the board. See the rate on every job and let Laydr watch your area.