Cargo van or box truck? Picking your first delivery vehicle

The vehicle you buy decides which listings you can accept, so start from the work you want rather than the deal on the lot. A car or SUV covers pharmacy runs and small parcels with the lowest running costs. A cargo van opens up route contracts and same-day freight, which is where most full-time couriers settle.

A box truck earns the highest day rates but adds insurance, parking and maintenance overhead that only makes sense once you have steady contracts. Whatever you choose, price out insurance before you sign anything; it varies more than the vehicles do.