Although many of us no longer choose to send letters by post, the delivery sector still gets plenty of business. The internet may have impacted negatively on the need for everyday post from banks, utility firms and so on, but it has fuelled demand for packages ordered through online stores and marketplaces.

The exponential growth in the UK’s ecommerce sector has seen many major delivery brands take off, but how can you get a piece of that pie? Becoming a force to be reckoned with in long haul logistics involves plenty of hard work. With some careful planning, research and a few key partners, you will be well-placed to corner the market for delivery.

Fleet of Vehicles

Your first step into the logistics business should be to buy the appropriate vehicle. For long haul jobs where you need to make several deliveries, you’ll need something bigger than a hatchback. A van would be sufficient and not as expensive as a haulage truck, though the size of the vehicle depends on what you want to deliver.

With vehicles come drivers. For HGVs and vans, you will need separate driving licences. These depend on how big each vehicle is. Hire an experienced driver with all the relevant paperwork and qualifications.

Next, there is the business of getting clients. If you know what you’re capable of delivering, tailor your business to that and the sellers of those products. Starting off small with a few deliveries will help you to acclimatise to being a logistics company. Then, once you’re more experienced, take on more jobs.

Building Partnerships

Finding partners to make your logistics company tick in the UK is surprisingly simple. One partner you will need is someone to supply pick-up points. Pass My Parcel run pick-up points in corner shops and convenience stores throughout the country. These allow customers to pick up their parcels without having to wait for a delivery at home or work.

Next, look at where to get your packaging from. A local stationery supplier or even a national chain of stationers could offer bulk deals on cardboard boxes. For postage, your only port of call is the Royal Mail.

For foreign markets, these should be considered after you’ve mastered the local market. To deliver abroad, consider getting a EU driving licence. Choose a preferred airline for the countries and regions you plan on delivering to. Finally, look at the driving and packaging laws for each country you deliver to; you can never be too careful.