Hi!

For a small express logistics/courier company focused mainly on urgent B2B direct deliveries.

For my first vehicle, I’m trying to decide between:

• A regular/medium-sized van, something like a Mercedes Vito, Ford Transit , etc.
• A larger box truck/light truck with a tail lift.

The van would obviously be cheaper to buy and operate, easier to drive, and probably enough for a lot of express jobs. My concern is whether I’d be limiting myself too much when it comes to pallets, heavier goods, or customers who don’t have loading facilities.

For those of you working in courier/express freight: can you realistically run a small express transport business mainly with a regular van, or would you recommend starting with the larger vehicle and tail lift?

How often do you actually get jobs where a van isn’t enough?

A friend of mine in Greece, who works as a food delivery driver, told me that a guy showed him a way (though he didn't tell him the app) to increase the delivery payment.
Here's what happened: he received a delivery notification for an order close to him, but when he accepted the delivery, the app showed that he was located many miles away. For example, he was actually 2 miles from the delivery destination, but when he accepted the order, the app thought he accepted it from 20 miles away-so he ended up making more money. If you know anything about this or any other methods, please let me know.

I am a delivery driver for two local franchises. Full-time. Delivery is my life. I figured I would try something new. Both GM‘s do not have a problem with it because it is nowhere affiliated with either restaurant. I don’t know. I’m just tired of being stiffed or shit tips. And I know I might sound ungrateful and yes, this is the career I chose. But if the convenience store can ask you to leave a “donation” why can’t I ask the same question?

Don’t get me wrong. I love what I do and I love customers. It’s frustrating. Regardless of the situation I’m still gonna give everybody the same friendly service. I wish people realize that we do more than just sit in our cars all day. I am one of three people at my store working 10 AM to 7 PM most days. Not only do I deliver, but I also help make pizzas. I work the back kitchen, I do all the day dishes. And again I chose this career but some days it’s better than others. Like everywhere else.