If you’re looking for delivery driving work, you’ve probably come across two very different ways of getting started: joining a driver network, or working through a temp agency. They can sound similar at first, but how you get work, how you get paid, and how much support you get are quite different.
This guide breaks it all down in plain terms, so you can work out which option is the better fit for you.
What is a driver network?
A driver network, like the one run by Skilled Solutions, connects self-employed delivery drivers with big carriers such as Amazon Logistics and DPD. Instead of applying to one of these carriers directly, you join a local network that handles your recruitment, onboarding, and day-to-day support.
Once you’re set up, you’re usually given a regular route or area, so you get to know the roads, the drop-off points, and often even the customers. You’re self-employed, which means you’re your own boss, but the network is still there to help you if something goes wrong.
If you want the full picture, our guide on what to know before joining a driver network covers the requirements and the application process step by step.
What is agency work?
Agency work is when you’re placed into jobs by a recruitment agency, often on a short-term or temporary basis. The agency finds you shifts with different businesses, and you might work somewhere different from one week to the next.
Agency work can suit people who want maximum flexibility and don’t mind not knowing exactly where they’ll be working next. It’s a well-established way of working, and there are clear rules in place to protect people who work this way. If you want to understand your rights as a temporary worker in more detail, the government’s guide to agency worker rights explains what agencies must provide, including equal treatment and pay information.
Key differences at a glance
The table below sums up the main differences between the two ways of working.
| Factor | Driver Network | Agency Work |
|---|---|---|
| How you get work | Regular route or area, arranged once you join | Different shifts and locations, arranged week by week |
| Employment status | Usually self-employed | Usually a worker employed by the agency |
| Pay frequency | Often weekly, sometimes daily | Usually weekly |
| Consistency of hours | Steady, ongoing work | Can vary a lot depending on demand |
| Support | Local team who knows your route and area | Central agency team, less local knowledge |
| Getting to know the job | You build up knowledge of your regular route | You may be somewhere new each time |
| Flexibility | Some choice over days, less over location | High flexibility over when and where you work |
How you get your work
With a driver network, you’re usually given a set route or postcode area once you’ve completed onboarding. This means you get to know your patch well, which often makes the job easier and quicker over time.
With agency work, you might be offered different shifts in different places depending on what’s available that week. Some people like the variety. Others find it harder to settle into a routine.
How often you get paid
Most driver networks pay weekly, and some offer daily pay depending on the carrier and the role. Agencies also typically pay weekly, though the exact terms depend on the agency and the contract you’re on.
Because driver network roles are usually self-employed, it’s worth understanding what that means for your take-home pay and taxes. Our page on self-employed courier jobs explains how pay works, and what you’ll need to budget for, such as fuel and van costs.
How much support you get
This is one of the biggest differences between the two. A good driver network gives you a local point of contact who understands your route, your area, and the specific carrier you’re delivering for. If a delivery app plays up or you hit a problem on the road, there’s someone nearby who can help.
Agency support tends to be more general, since agencies often place workers across lots of different industries and roles, not just delivery driving. That’s not a bad thing, but it does mean the support may be less specific to the job you’re actually doing.
How steady the hours are
Driver network jobs tend to offer more consistent, ongoing work because you’re building a relationship with a set carrier and route. Agency work can be steadier some weeks than others, since it often depends on which businesses need extra staff at any given time.
If having predictable hours each week matters to you, a driver network is usually the more reliable option.
Which one is right for you?
There’s no single right answer. If you want steady hours, a route you get to know, and support from a local team, a driver network is likely to suit you better. If you’d rather have maximum flexibility and don’t mind moving between different jobs and locations, agency work might be the better fit.
Whichever route you’re considering, it’s worth reading up before you commit. You can find out more about Skilled Solutions and how our driver network works, or check our FAQ page for answers to common questions about applying, requirements, and getting started.
This article is for general information and does not constitute legal or financial advice. If you’re unsure about your employment status or rights, it’s a good idea to check the official government guidance or speak to an adviser.
