Courier work: how to assess and quote for delivery requests

Driver guide · 25 October 2026

Finding a delivery request is only the first step. Winning suitable courier work means understanding what the customer needs, checking that you can fulfil it and submitting a clear price for the complete service. Deliverate connects customers with independent couriers through the Nexus driver workflow.

Start with requests that match your business

Check the collection and delivery areas, dates, vehicle requirements and goods. A request may suit a local courier, a long-distance owner driver or a team with large-item handling capacity. Choose work that matches your actual capability and availability.

Look at the effect on confirmed bookings. A return load can be useful, but a collection heading in roughly the right direction is not automatically compatible with your route. Include detours, loading time and customer access in the decision.

Resolve missing information before committing

Check dimensions, weight, packaging, loading help and access at both ends. Ask about stairs, lifts and any timed collection or delivery requirement. Explain what your offer includes, especially when a customer needs two-person handling or room-of-choice service.

Do not assume a vague request means a simple job. If essential details are missing, seek clarification through the available workflow before making a commitment you cannot keep.

Submit one clear transport quote

Declare your VAT status and submit the required final all-inclusive customer quote, covering the costs of fulfilling the advertised job and VAT where applicable. Account for mileage, fuel, tolls, parking, labour and the agreed handling service.

Describe the service alongside the price. The customer needs to understand the collection window, delivery arrangement and handling included. Review the current marketplace terms for platform fees, payment and optional services rather than assuming every booking works identically.

Check the conditions for the opportunity

Driver approval and the relevant membership conditions apply. Customer marketplace requests and Deliverate- or Nexus-sourced opportunities can have different acceptance requirements. Check the current driver information and the conditions shown for the job before choosing a plan or accepting it.

A visible request is not a confirmed booking. Wait for the applicable acceptance and confirmation steps before collecting goods or treating the work as part of your committed route.

Use Drive It to organise the confirmed work

Drive It is the connected toolkit for your own bookings, route planning, supported customer tracking and proof of delivery. It can help you keep accepted work and your independently acquired customer jobs organised, subject to the chosen plan and supported workflow.

For multi-drop runs, keep every collection and delivery linked to the right booking. Update customers when agreed timings change and record the required delivery evidence. Tracking depends on the supported setup, device permissions and connectivity.

Choose the right starting point

Read the current driver membership and subscription details, then complete the secure Nexus Drive It onboarding. Be accurate about your vehicle, coverage and handling capacity. Deliverate is not an employer, and membership does not guarantee work or earnings.

Check current courier eligibility and membership options.