Step-by-step plan: Starting as a parcel delivery driver
Do you want to become a parcel deliverer? There are rules you must follow. Decide whether you will work only in the Netherlands or also in other countries. You will need a licence in some cases. Read what you need to arrange to become a parcel deliverer or independent courier.
Entrepreneurs who intend to stay in the Netherlands must meet several requirements. You may need a residence permit, depending on your country of origin. Check out which requirements apply to you. Also read about the general first steps when setting up a business in the Netherlands.
You want to become an independent courier or parcel delivery driver and transport goods. You will do this for payment, ordered by someone else. For example, as a self-employed parcel deliverer for an online shop. By law, you are then a professional haulier. You must apply for one or more road haulier licences.
Own-account transport
A professional haulier is not the same as so-called own-account transport. Own-account transport means you transport goods for your own company to support your main activity. For example, a caterer who delivers meals, cooking utensils, and crockery to customers.
You do not need a licence for own-account transport within and outside the European Union (EU).
According to the Employment Relationships Deregulation Act (Wet DBA), you must ensure that your working relationship with your client(s) is correct. For example, does your client determine how you do your work? Or do they continue to pay you when you are on holiday or ill? Then chances are that, according to the rules, you are actually employed. This situation is called false self-employment. Find out how to prevent false self-employment.
If you meet the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce KVK's criteria for entrepreneurs, you must register in the KVK Business Register.
You pay a registration fee for this.
You do not have to register separately with the Netherlands Tax Administration. This is done automatically.
Read what you need to prepare before registering with KVK.
You buy or lease a vehicle to deliver goods. There rules that apply to the driving licence you need:
Driving licence B
Driving licence B allows you to drive a vehicle with a total weight not exceeding 3,500 kilos. The total weight is the vehicle and parcels added together.
Do you drive a zero-emission van that weighs between 3,501 kg and 4,250 kg? You may drive your electric van with a B licence instead of a C1 licence (light trucks). However, you must take an additional road safety course and have had the B licence for 2 years.
Read more about the rules for driving licences.
Trailer
Do you want to tow a trailer behind your van? Then you sometimes need a driving licence BE or B+ code 96. This is the case if the weight of the trailer or semi-trailer exceeds 750 kilos. And the weight of your vehicle and the trailer together exceeds 3,500 kilos.
More information about the rules for driving with a trailer (in Dutch).
Rules for road transport
Check the laws and regulations that apply to road transport.
As a parcel delivery driver, you need a Euro licence if the load capacity of your vehicle exceeds 500 kilos. Is the load capacity of your vehicle less than 500 kilos but the maximum permitted weight 2,500 kilos or more? Then you must also apply for a permit. Read more about applying for a Euro licence (in Dutch) on NIWO.nl.
Calculate load capacity
The load capacity is the maximum permitted weight you can transport with your vehicle. To calculate the payload, you need your vehicle's registration card. This shows the ‘maximum authorised mass’ and the ‘mass in running order’. Subtract these 2 weights from each other. The weight that remains is the payload.
Will you only transport goods within the Netherlands? Or will you also transport goods in another EU country? Domestic transport within another EU Member State is called cabotage. Restrictions apply (in Dutch).
For parcel delivery outside the EU, you may need an ECMT licence (in Dutch) or a journey authorisation (in Dutch). The requirements differ per destination country.
You are required to have motor vehicle liability insurance (WA-verzekering). Do you share your van with another parcel delivery driver? If so, you should discuss this with your insurance company beforehand.
As an independent parcel deliverer, you are at risk and responsible for the financial consequences. For example, if you fall ill or are involved in an accident. You can get insurance against many risks. For example, with business liability insurance and disability insurance.
Business records give insight into your financial position. If you want to benefit from tax advantages, you have to meet the hours criterion, for example. You can do your administration yourself or hire someone to do it for you. You are obliged to keep your records for 7 years.
You cannot view this video due to your cookie settings. Would you like to watch?or Watch this video on YouTubeHow cookies are used on Business.gov.nl.You determine your own rates. Calculate in advance what you need to live on. You also have to pay income tax and an income-related healthcare contribution (Zvw). And arrange insurances and a pension.
Tools for calculating your hourly rate and income
You can use the KVK Verdiencheck (income check) to work out whether you can earn enough as a self-employed parcel deliverer or an independent bicycle courier.
Use the KVK calculation tool (in Dutch) to calculate your hourly rate based on the net income you expect to need.
You can also do a turnover calculation which will give you clarity.
With some large clients, the rate for self-employed parcel deliverers may already be fixed.
Check in which cases you may make agreements with other self-employed parcel deliverers about your prices.
Many cities now have an zero-emission zone in their city centre. This means that vans running on diesel or petrol will no longer be allowed to drive into the inner-city area. Do the license plate check to see if you are allowed to enter the zero-emission zone.
Environmental zones
In big cities and in areas where many people live, there are often environmental zones. These are places where diesel motor vehicles are banned or restricted. Check whether you can enter an environmental zone with your vehicle.
Apply for subsidies for electric driving
You may be able to take advantage of subsidies and tax breaks for electric driving. Check the subsidy guide from Netherlands Enterprise Agency, RVO (in Dutch) to see if there is a scheme that suits your sustainable transport plans.
Become a self-employed bicycle courier
You can also deliver parcels and mail by (electric) bicycle. There are advantages to delivering parcels by bicycle. You can work as an independent bicycle courier without a driving licence. And you do not have to take environmental zones into account.
Draw up general terms and conditions so that it is clear what rights and obligations you and your clients have. And who is responsible for what. You are not obliged to have general terms and conditions. Do you draw up general terms and conditions yourself? Then there are rules you must follow. For example, you may not set unreasonable conditions and you must provide information to clients.
You have to pay turnover tax (VAT) and income tax. You can submit your own tax returns to the Netherlands Tax Administration. Or you can hire someone to file your tax return for you. For example, a bookkeeper, accountant, or tax consultant.
You are entitled to a basic government pension when you stop working. This is regulated by the General Old Age Pensions Act (AOW). As an entrepreneur, you do not automatically build up extra pension like someone in employment. There are various options for supplementing the basic pension yourself as a self-employed professional.
Personal to-do list: starting a business
There is a lot involved in starting a company. Create a to-do list tailored to your situation by answering a few questions. Find out about the rules and regulations that will be relevant to your business and what else you need to do.