How to Start a Courier Business
Setting up a delivery business, from license and vehicle checks to your first business accounts and the first invoice.
This page is about launching a courier business: what to check for drivers and vehicles, registering, tax IDs and insurance, and winning the first regular accounts. Per-delivery pricing, surcharges and monthly statements are on the courier invoicing guide linked below.
On drivers, the BLS delivery truck drivers and driver/sales workers profile (In the US, last modified August 27, 2026) says "All delivery drivers need a driver’s license." It adds "They must have a driver’s license from the state in which they work and have a clean driving record." Ask the motor vehicle agency in your state about the vehicle and loads you plan to use.
A first courier invoice with sample figures: 12 same-day downtown deliveries x $28.00 = $336.00 and 2 rush pickups x $15.00 = $30.00 come to $336.00 + $30.00 = $366.00 before any tax.
Step-by-step startup guide
Follow these steps to launch your courier business on solid footing.
- 1
Choose what you'll deliver
Decide on documents, parcels or other loads, and the area you'll cover. That decides the vehicle you need and the clients you'll pitch.
- 2
Check driver and vehicle requirements
The BLS delivery truck drivers and driver/sales workers profile (In the US, last modified August 27, 2026) says "To have a driver’s license, delivery truck drivers and driver/sales workers must be able to pass a state vision test." Ask your state's motor vehicle agency what your vehicle and loads require.
- 3
Register and get an EIN
The SBA's launch guide (In the US, SBA, checked October 31, 2026) says "Your Employer Identification Number (EIN) is your business’s federal tax ID number." The IRS EIN page (In the US, IRS, last reviewed or updated October 16, 2026) says "You never have to pay a fee for an EIN."
- 4
Look into insurance
The SBA's launch guide (In the US, SBA, checked October 31, 2026) says "You also may be legally required to purchase certain types of business insurance." Ask an insurance agent about cover for your vehicle and the goods you carry.
- 5
Win regular accounts
Approach businesses that send items on a schedule, such as offices, pharmacies or print shops, and set your delivery windows in writing.
- 6
Send the first invoice
Invoice each account for its deliveries in the period you set, with the date and route of each job.
Tips for starting your courier business
- Log your business miles from day one. The IRS recordkeeping page (In the US, IRS, last reviewed or updated May 1, 2026) says "You must keep your records as long as needed to prove the income or deductions on a tax return."
- Keep a proof of delivery, such as a signature or a photo, for each job.
- Write down your delivery windows and surcharges before the first job with a new account.
- Check your state's rules before you hire drivers or use their vehicles.
How Billed helps you get started
Features to look at as you set up your business.
Recurring Invoices
Billed's features page says: "Save time by sending invoices on a regular schedule so you don’t have to create invoices again and again."
Client Invoices
Billed's features page says: "See all of customer’s invoices in one place and save time."
Record Offline Payments
Billed's features page says: "Record offline payments easily with Billed App payment management."
Payments Report
Billed's features page says: "Get all the payment details in a specific period of time."
Frequently asked questions
Invoice Your First Account
Create invoices, track payments and keep your clients' details in one place with Billed.
At a glance
| Step | What to check | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Driver's license | Your state's rules and vision test | BLS (In the US, last modified August 27, 2026) |
| Tax ID | An EIN, at no fee | IRS (In the US, last reviewed or updated October 16, 2026) |
| Insurance | Vehicle and cargo cover | SBA (In the US, checked October 31, 2026) |
| First invoice | Deliveries in the period, with dates | Courier invoicing guide |
When this isn't for you
If you deliver for a platform or a carrier as their driver rather than running your own courier business, this setup guide won't fit your situation.