Startup cost
$2k–$25k
TRUiC Business Ideas
How to Start a Delivery Service
Decision Snapshot
Delivery
Idea Score
55
Profit margin
11%
Break-even
4 mo–12 mo
Time to launch
12 wk–36 wk
Demand trend
Stable
5-yr failure rate
—
Capital intensity
Medium
Time commitment
Full time
Part 1 - How to start a Delivery Service business - Background
While there are national delivery services, such as USPS, FedEx and UPS, people often need packages delivered to nearby locations in a shorter timeframe than these services are able to provide. A delivery service provides fast, often same-day delivery, within a particular area. A service may specialize in a specific type of delivery, such as delivering food, or it might deliver all kinds of packages.
Our guide is in 3 parts:
- Part 1 - How to start a Delivery business - Background
- Part 2 - Our planner tool to see if this idea is the right fit for you
- Part 3 - Action plan to get started
What are the costs involved in opening a delivery service?
A delivery business’ largest startup cost is the acquisition of a suitable vehicle. A vehicle doesn’t need to be fancy, but it must be reliable. Such a vehicle usually costs several thousand dollars, at least.
The second-largest startup cost is often insurance. Delivery businesses might need commercial auto insurance, and they may want insurance for the packages being delivered. Without the proper insurance coverage, the business may be responsible for reimbursing any customers whose packages are damaged en route.
The other startup costs are minimal, often totaling only a few hundred dollars. These include any fuel, equipment costs (e.g. for a hand truck and ratcheting straps), licensure fees and marketing expenses. A cell phone is also needed to make calls, and most business owners rely on a computer as well.
Business owners who want to keep their upfront costs as small as possible can use a personal vehicle until the business’ profits support purchasing a different one. They also can use free marketing strategies, such as door-to-door marketing and social media marketing. Fuel can’t be avoided, but only a little is needed to get a business started. Revenue from the first delivery can be used to purchase more fuel for subsequent deliveries, which will generate more revenue.
What are the ongoing expenses for a delivery service?
The main ongoing expenses for a delivery service business include vehicles’ maintenance and depreciation, fuel costs and insurance premiums. All of these should be considered when determining what to charge.
Who is the target market?
A delivery service business’ ideal customer is a business that needs to make lots of quick, local deliveries. Partnering with local flower shops, cake shops and pizza places can provide steady business.
How does a delivery service make money?
A delivery service makes money by charging customers for deliveries made.
How much can you charge customers?
A few different factors go into how much delivery service businesses charge. A typical delivery charges may include a mileage charge of $0.50 to $2.50 per mile, with longer deliveries tending toward the higher end of the range, and a fuel surcharge of 15 percent. Deliveries that take longer than normal may be charged on an hourly rate rather than a distance-based rate.
There may be additional fees assessed for waiting, rush orders, after-hours deliveries, and heavy or oversized packages.
How much profit can a delivery service make?
A national survey of couriers found that the average deliverer makes $34 per hour. According to the survey, most work part-time by choice. Working 40 hours a week at this rate would provide a weekly paycheck of $1,360.
How can you make your business more profitable?
A delivery service business can generate more revenue by investing in more fuel-efficient vehicles. Although this won’t increase revenue, it will greatly reduce operating expenses because fuel is one of the biggest ongoing expenses. The net result will be an increase in profitability.
Day-to-Day and Growth
What happens during a typical day at a delivery service?
A delivery service business owner spends much of their day taking delivery orders, picking up packages and dropping them off. As a business grows, more drivers may be hired. Once there are multiple drivers, a business owner may transition to overseeing the fleet of couriers. This may involve accepting orders, passing them onto drivers and ensuring deliveries are made in the most efficient manner possible.
What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful delivery service?
In large metropolitan areas, such as New York City, some delivery services may deliver packages via bicycle. Most delivery services, however, rely on cars to take packages from their pickup location to their drop-off point. Therefore, most delivery service business owners need to have a driver’s license. Interested business owners who don’t have a driver’s license should contact their state’s department of motor vehicles to learn about the permitting and licensure process.
Customer service skills are also important in the delivery industry, as customers regularly change their orders. They may have more packages to deliver than they originally mentioned, need a package taken to a different address or want a package delivered sooner than initially agreed upon. Being able to gracefully respond to requests will help ensure customers are satisfied with the service provided.
What is the growth potential for a delivery service?
A delivery service may be a local operation that has just a few drivers, or it might be a national company. GrubHub and Zipments are two examples of larger delivery services.
How and when to build a team
While a small delivery service business might be able to be run by one person, having multiple drivers lets a courier service deliver more packages and extend its delivery hours. Some companies directly employ couriers, but most hire them as independent contractors (the same way Uber hires drivers). Deliverers sign up to drive for a company, and they’re given a percentage of the delivery charge on all deliveries they make.
The independent contractor model is easier to scale, and it ensures businesses only have to pay deliverers if they make deliveries.
Part 2 - Is a Delivery Service business the right fit for you?
Business Evaluation & Strategy Tool
We'll walk you through the four pillars every business needs: Points of Leverage, Marketing Strategy, Financial Model, and Personal Compatibility. At the end you'll see a personalized report and your action plan below will be tailored to your answers.
Step 1 of 4 — Points of Leverage
Every viable business has natural advantages. Below are common leverage points across four categories. Pick the ones that apply to your Delivery business. We've pre-suggested a few based on your idea — review and adjust.
Step 2 of 4 — Marketing Strategy
Without a way to connect with customers, even great businesses fail. Pick the channels you plan to use to reach your customers.
Step 3 of 4 — Financial Model
Enter your monthly baseline costs — the minimum overhead to keep the business running. Then we'll calculate how many sales per month you need to break even.
Step 4 of 4 — Personal Compatibility
A business that doesn't fit your life will fail no matter how good the numbers look. Tell us how this business fits you.
Your Delivery Evaluation Report
Complete the four pillars and your personalized summary will appear here.
Points of Leverage
Marketing Strategy
Financial Model
Personal Compatibility
Part 3 - Action plan to launch your Delivery Service business in 90 days
Nine concrete steps to take you from idea to open business, grouped into 30-day phases. Complete the planner above and we'll highlight what's most important for your situation.
First 30 days — Foundation
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Form your legal entity
An LLC keeps your personal assets separate from business debts and lawsuits — the most common reason small business owners choose this structure. Sole proprietorships and partnerships do not provide this protection.
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Get an EIN and register for taxes
Apply for your free Employer Identification Number through the IRS, then register for any state or local taxes that apply to your business (sales tax, franchise tax).
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Open a business bank account and credit card
A dedicated business account is required to maintain personal asset protection. Mixing personal and business finances ('piercing the corporate veil') can void your LLC's liability shield.
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Set up business accounting
Recording expenses and income from day one makes tax filing easier and lets you see when the business is actually profitable. Use software (QuickBooks, Wave) or a part-time bookkeeper.
Days 30–60 — Compliance & Risk
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Get permits and licenses
State and local requirements vary widely. Brick-and-mortar businesses typically need a Certificate of Occupancy; service businesses may need specific professional licensing; food businesses need health permits.
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Get business insurance
General Liability Insurance is the most common starting point. If you'll have employees, most states require Workers' Compensation. Specific industries need additional coverage (product liability, professional liability, etc.).
Days 60–90 — Launch
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Define your brand
Your brand is how customers perceive and remember you. A clear name, logo, and visual identity make every later marketing decision easier and protect you legally as you grow.
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Create your business website
Every legitimate business needs a website. Social media pages are not a substitute — you don't own the platform. Modern website builders mean you can launch a clean site in a weekend without a developer.
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Set up your business phone system
A dedicated business number keeps your personal life private, makes the business look legitimate, and lets you route calls professionally. Cloud phone services start under $20/month.