Become a Yodel Self-Employed Driver
This side hustle at a glance
| Earning Potential | Time to Start | Set-Up Cost | Location | Time Commitment | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Moderate | Moderate | On-the-Road | High | Intermediate |
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OUR guide on how to Become a Yodel Self-Employed Driver in the uk
Working as a courier is a great side hustle for a lot of people. However, the market is becoming too saturated nowadays. The top delivery companies already have too many drivers, resulting in lower earnings for the latter.
Consider
Yodel, one of the established courier companies in the UK. It may not hold the same market share value as Royal Mail or DHL, but this company is still a force to be reckoned with. Plus, it may offer more delivery opportunities depending on the type of self-employed driver you choose. We’ve shared a guide on how to become a Yodel self-employed driver to help you get started. Keep reading to learn more!
key takeaways
| Key Takeaway | Details |
|---|---|
| Yodel's Market Position | Yodel, while not as large as Royal Mail or DHL, offers substantial market presence and less competition, leading to more delivery opportunities for self-employed drivers. |
| Types of Yodel Driver Roles | Three main roles are available: Core Delivery Driver, Lifestyle Delivery Driver, and Service Delivery Partner, each with different commitments and earning potentials. |
| Earning Potential | Self-employed drivers can earn up to £20 per hour, and Service Delivery Partners can start earning from £58,000 annually, significantly above the UK minimum wage. |
| Minimum Requirements for Drivers | Essential requirements include an insured vehicle (car or van), a full UK Driving License, proof of right to work self-employed in the UK, and a smartphone. |
| Start-Up Costs to Consider | Potential initial costs include fuel expenses, business insurance, and a mobile data plan for managing routes and deliveries. |
About Yodel: Things To Know
Yodel is a home-grown courier service that has been around since 2008. It’s based in Liverpool, but the company operates throughout the country and even in some international territories. The company picks up and delivers parcels through their couriers, most of whom work as self-employed workers.
As of writing, Yodel brings in around $500 million in revenue every year, which is around £400 million. This value means Yodel is still among the top 10 courier companies in the United States. Currently, it owns around 8% of the market share. Since it’s a relatively stable company, working under them can provide some level of job security.
Minimum Requirements To Become a Yodel Driver
As a courier, you will need to have a minimum set of skills and equipment to ensure that you can carry out your role. Here are the minimum requirements to become a Yodel self-employed driver.
First, you need an insured van or car. Yodel will ask you to have access to a car or van with the appropriate registration and insurance documents. You don’t need to own the vehicle, but you should have permission to use it for delivery work. Unfortunately, Yodel doesn’t do deliveries with motorcycles or bikes.
Further, you’ll need to have a phone with an updated operating system. This is the equipment you’ll use to manage your delivery routes.
You will also need to following:
- Full UK Driving License
- Proof of Right To Work Self-Employed in the UK
- Proof of Own Bank Account
- Proof of National Insurance
- Attitude for Customer Service
Types of Yodel Self-Employed Drivers You Can Try
There are three ways you can register as a self-employed driver with Yodel. These are Self Employed Core Delivery Driver, Self Employed LifeStyle Delivery Driver, and Service Delivery Partner.
Self Employed Core Delivery Driver
As a Core delivery driver, you will work six days a week. While you are self-employed, being a Core driver entitles you to support and benefits afforded to the wider Yodel team. Best of all, you won’t need to have prior experience to start. As a Core driver, you can expect to earn £18 to £20 an hour.
Self Employed LifeStyle Delivery Driver
If you want a more flexible option, you can try being a Lifestyle delivery driver. Under this classification, you’ll only need to work for up to five days a week. You’ll have more freedom and flexibility, with plenty of opportunities to top-up your earnings. Similar to a Core courier, Lifestyle drivers can earn up to £18 to £20 hourly.
Service Delivery Partner
As a Service Delivery Partner, you will work like a franchisee for Yodel’s brand. You will manage your own team and vans, and you will work on your own dedicated routes. As a delivery partner, you could earn starting from £58,000 annually.
Earning Potential as a Self-Employed Yodel Driver
As mentioned above, you could earn up to £20 an hour, whether you’re a Core or Lifestyle delivery driver. This is way above the current UK minimum wage, which is £10.42. In theory, being a Yodel self-employed driver is an ideal primary job. Many people can achieve an amount close to this, making this career path sustainable in the long run.
Outside of what Yodel claims, let’s check what past drivers have to say on websites like Indeed. According to the website, the average salary for a Yodel courier is £16.59. This amount can go higher or lower depending on the number of deliveries, weather, and other factors. However, the average salary is already a respectable amount.
Possible Start-up Costs
Before you begin working for Yodel, you may need to shell out a few pounds for start-up costs. These include the following:
- Petrol: Yodel does offer fuel cards, but this is only for those who qualify for it. Otherwise, you will handle your own fuel costs.
- Insurance: Aside from car insurance, you may need professional indemnity insurance to protect yourself from mishandling accusations.
- Data plan: You will need an internet connection while on the road, so make sure you have mobile data on your phone.
Signing Up for Yodel
To start the application process, visit Yodel’s home page and find information about the three types of self-employed delivery drivers.
- Click the button that corresponds to your choice driver classification.
- Once you’ve arrived at the information page for your chosen courier type, click Apply Now.
- Fill out the application and upload the required documents.
- Pass the background check.
- Wait for Yodel’s response of acceptance or rejection.
Tax Considerations for Self-Employed Drivers
When you start driving with Yodel, it's key to remember you're effectively setting up your own small business. This means you'll be taking on the role of managing your own taxes, since, as a self-employed individual, you won't have tax automatically deducted as you would in regular employment.
Keep a good record of what you earn and what you spend. When the time comes, you'll need to fill in a Self Assessment tax return for HMRC, and pay your due Income Tax and National Insurance. It's all part of making your Yodel venture a proper, tax-compliant business.
It's advisable to set aside a percentage of your earnings to cover these tax obligations.
Consulting a
Chartered Accountant
can provide you with personalised advice and help you understand the tax implications more thoroughly.
FAQs
Is Yodel a Good Side Hustle?
With the competitive hourly rate, courier types, and access to an array of benefits, working as a Yodel self-employed courier is a great primary income source or side hustle. Plus, the company has an established reputation that provides some degree of job security. If you’re considering working as a delivery driver for the company, follow this guide to get started.
BEFORE YOU GO...
Embarking on a journey as a Yodel self-employed driver is just the beginning of exploring the vast landscape of delivery side hustles. But why stop there? Just like finding the perfect driving route, there's always more to discover. If you're intrigued by the world of courier services and seeking even more opportunities, don't miss our next article. We'll shift gears to explore becoming a DPD self-employed driver — another exciting avenue for those looking to expand their horizons in the delivery domain. So, buckle up and get ready! Our next piece promises to steer you through the ins and outs of DPD, ensuring your side hustle journey is as smooth and rewarding as possible. Stay tuned, and let's hit the road to success together!
sidehustles.co.uk one-minute podcast
🎧 Listen Now: Sidehustles.co.uk One-Minute Podcast
Become a Yodel Self-Employed Driver.
Welcome to the Sidehustles.co.uk One Minute Podcast. In the next 60 seconds, we're sharing a real-world insight from our network of seasoned side hustlers. This quick tip is designed to offer you practical advice that you can apply immediately in your side hustle journey.
Today, we're talking about becoming a Yodel Self-Employed Driver. If you're looking for a flexible, profitable side hustle, consider the world of courier services. A key tip for anyone venturing into this field is to carefully choose your courier company. Not all courier companies are created equal, and in a market that's becoming increasingly saturated, your choice can significantly impact your earnings and work-life balance. For instance, Yodel, a well-established UK courier company, offers unique opportunities for self-employed drivers. Unlike some bigger names, Yodel's market position means potentially more delivery opportunities and less competition, allowing you to maximise your earnings. So, before diving in, research and select a courier company that aligns with your financial goals and lifestyle needs. This strategic approach can make all the difference in your success as a self-employed courier driver.
That's your one-minute real-world insight. Stay tuned for more!
ARTICLE SOURCES
https://ukprefulfillment.com/top-7-parcel-shipping-companies-in-the-uk-2022/
https://yodeldriver.co.uk/home
https://yodelopportunities.co.uk/search-and-apply/detail/?id=QFFFK026203F3VBQBLO6G79BN-47208
https://yodelopportunities.co.uk/search-and-apply/detail/?id=QFFFK026203F3VBQBLO6G79BN-47207
https://yodelopportunities.co.uk/search-and-apply/detail/?id=QFFFK026203F3VBQBLO6G79BN-47216
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