How To Become a Stuart Courier
summary
- Flexible Stuart delivery slots offer work-life balance.
- Stuart couriers require 'hire and reward' insurance.
- High earning potential in London: up to £14 hourly.
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How To Become a Stuart Delivery Driver
Working as a food and parcel delivery driver is a great side hustle for those with a vehicle, such as a bike or car. Many local and international delivery companies enjoy a robust and growing presence in the UK market, making them reliable sources of income. Stuart is one of these, being a subsidiary of the large-scale La Poste Group based in Paris, France.
Below is our primer guide to help you start as a Stuart delivery driver. Let’s dive in!
About Stuart
Stuart has been around since 2015, opening a London headquarters a year after. Since then, the company has become one of the largest last-mile delivery companies for urban areas. Stuart is known for food delivery but also handles other types of parcels. You can deliver documents, e-commerce products, and other items to customers.
As a Stuart delivery driver, you get to choose your time slots. This flexibility allows you to work as often or as little as you want. You’ll also get varied rates depending on your location. For example, those who work in London usually get the highest per-drop rates.
Working as a Stuart Delivery Driver
As a delivery driver or courier, you won’t be an official employee with Stuart under PAYE. Instead, you'll work as an independent contractor in charge of your own schedule, insurance, and self-assessment tax obligations.
Most of your deliveries will involve food and food items since Stuart focuses on this area. However, any user can book a delivery on the Stuart app. Expect to occasionally deliver documents, pharmaceuticals, and other small or medium-sized items. However, in most cases, you will visit restaurants to pick up orders and deliver them directly to those who placed them.
The Sign-Up Process
We found that the signup process for Stuart has a few differences from other delivery companies — here’s how it goes.
- Visit the Stuart Courier application page and click the “Apply” button. Add the correct personal details as requested.
- You’ll need to watch the onboarding videos and take a quiz. When you pass the quiz, Stuart will know that you’re capable as a driver and comfortable on the road. Then, upload the requested documents.
- Stuart will verify your documents and ask you to undergo a background check. If you pass this check, you’ll get approved.
- After the initial verification, you can buy the necessary equipment for deliveries. Stuart offers items like thermal bags and high-visibility jackets.
- Once you’re approved, download the Stuart app and start delivering!
Minimum Requirements To Become a stuart Courier
According to Stuart’s courier application page, you must meet the following requirements to become a delivery driver.
Aged 18 and Up
You must be of legal age to start working as a Stuart delivery driver.
Working Permit/Right To Work in the UK
You have to show proof that you’re eligible to work in the UK, so make sure to secure the proper documents for this requirement, such as a passport or birth certificate.
Smartphone
You will use the Stuart app to book slots and handle orders as a courier. So, make sure to have a smartphone with an updated operating system to download the app. Phones should have iOS 10 or Android 5 and above.
Vehicle
You can use any of the three: bike, moped, or car.
While not mentioned, the appropriate vehicle insurance is a must-have, especially if you’re driving a car or a moped. And, of course, a friendly attitude is always a plus, given how you will interact with customers during most of your deliveries.
Earning Potential as a stuart courier
Stuart claims that some delivery drivers can earn £400 on a single Friday. While this amount is possible, reaching this level takes a lot of effort and patience. According to Glassdoor, the average hourly rate for Stuart Delivery drivers is £10, which translates to around £80 for a full eight hours.
You can increase this amount by choosing the best from the two payment systems Stuart uses.
1. Minimum Guarantee
This rate is close to an hourly wage. You get a set amount of money so long as you meet the criteria outlined by Stuart. For example, you need to be logged in to the app for 90% of your shift and return to your designated area if you’re not delivering.
Rates
- Bike: £8 (London); £7.50 (Non-London)
- Moped: £9 (London); £8 (Non-London)
- Car: £14 (London); £8 (Non-London)
2. Per Drop
The per-drop payment scheme is great if you believe the area has a high demand. However, you will be paid based on the mileage you travel, not on a per-drop basis, which can be confusing.
London Rates
- Bikes: £4 – £4.75 per mile + £1.5 for additional miles after 2.5 miles
- Mopeds: £4.5 – £5.25 per mile + £1.65 for additional miles after 2.5 miles
- Cars: £6 – £7.25 per mile + £2.45 for additional miles after 2.5 miles
Non-London Rates
- Bikes: £4 – £6.75 per mile (up to 5 miles)
- Mopeds and Cars: £4.5 – £7.50 per mile + £5 for additional miles after 5 miles
Insurance Requirements To Consider
It’s not just vehicle insurance that you will need. As a delivery driver, you will need to have “hire and rewards” insurance. This policy will help protect you from liability in case the items you deliver get damaged. However, you pay for this insurance, so make sure to account for this when considering possible startup costs.
Tax Considerations as a Self-Employed Worker
As an independent courier, you’ll be technically a sole trader. Stuart will not handle your taxes, so this will be up to you. You won’t need to register for self-assessment with HRMC until you reach £1,000 in revenue within a tax year. Make sure to record your earnings to ensure accurate filing once you do need to start paying taxes.
FAQs
final thoughts
Admittedly, compared to other companies like Just Eat or Uber Eats, Stuart isn't (yet) a household name. However, Stuart does offer two payment options, allowing you to choose whichever payment scheme may yield more profit. Given that, we think that being a Stuart delivery driver is a great side hustle, thanks to its robust UK market share, comprehensive onboarding process, and other benefits for drivers.
BEFORE YOU GO...
Remember that exploring side hustles is about discovering diverse opportunities to fit your lifestyle and earning goals. If you found the insights on becoming a Stuart Delivery Driver intriguing, you won't want to miss our next feature: "How to Become a CitySprint Courier." This article will delve into another promising courier service, offering you a detailed guide on how to navigate this potential side hustle. Stay informed and expand your horizons – make sure to read our upcoming piece to explore more about the dynamic world of courier services.
sidehustles.co.uk one-minute podcast
🎧 Listen Now: Sidehustles.co.uk One-Minute Podcast
How to Become a Stuart Courier.
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 looking at How to Become a Stuart Courier in the UK. A practical tip for those considering a side hustle as a delivery driver: pay close attention to the insurance requirements. For instance, working with Stuart Delivery, you’ll need more than just standard vehicle insurance. 'Hire and reward' insurance is essential to cover you for the goods you’re transporting. Many overlook this detail, but it’s crucial for your financial protection. This tip isn't just for couriers; it applies broadly to any side hustle involving transportation. It's a small investment that safeguards you against unexpected costs, ensuring your side hustle remains profitable and stress-free.
That's your one-minute real-world insight. Stay tuned for more!
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