If you have been searching for driver network jobs but are not quite sure what a driver network is or how the whole process works, you are in the right place. This guide explains everything in plain language, from what a driver network actually does to what you will need before you apply.
What Is a Driver Network?
A driver network is a company that connects self-employed delivery drivers with large carriers, such as Amazon Logistics and DPD. Instead of applying directly to Amazon or DPD, you join a smaller, local network that manages drivers on their behalf.
Think of it like this: a carrier needs hundreds of drivers across different areas. Rather than hiring and managing all of those drivers directly, they work with trusted local partners who do the day-to-day recruitment, onboarding, and support. That local partner is the driver network.
About Skilled Solutions explains this model clearly. Skilled Solutions was set up in 2018 by Dan and Garth, two logistics professionals with over two decades of combined experience. They built the company specifically to bridge the gap between drivers looking for reliable work and the major carriers who need them.
How Is This Different from Being Directly Employed?
When you join a driver network, you are typically working as a self-employed contractor rather than as an employee of the carrier or the network itself. This means:
- You are responsible for your own tax and National Insurance contributions
- You have more flexibility over your working pattern
- You do not receive the same benefits as an employed worker, such as paid holiday or sick pay
This model is common across the courier and parcel delivery sector. If you want to understand more about what the role involves day to day, the National Careers Service delivery van driver profile is a helpful, independent resource.
What Do Carriers Look For?
Before a network like Skilled Solutions can put you forward to a carrier, you will need to meet some basic requirements. These are set by the carriers themselves and are non-negotiable.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Full UK driving licence | Category B as a minimum; must be held for at least 12 months |
| No more than 6 penalty points | Some carriers will not accept more than 6 points |
| Right to work in the UK | You must be able to prove this with valid documents |
| Basic English communication | Needed for scanning, customer contact, and depot instructions |
| Smartphone | Required to use the carrier’s delivery app |
| Van access | Either your own van or a rented one |
Some networks, including Skilled Solutions, can help you access van rental if you do not yet have your own vehicle. This removes one of the biggest barriers for new drivers.
What Documents Will You Need?
Getting your paperwork ready before you apply will speed up the process considerably. Here is what you are likely to need:
- Your UK driving licence (both parts if you have a paper counterpart)
- Proof of right to work, such as a passport or share code
- Your National Insurance number
- Proof of address (a recent utility bill or bank statement)
- Your vehicle documents, if you are using your own van
Background checks are also standard. Most carriers require a basic DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service) before you start. This checks your criminal record and is straightforward for most applicants.
How Does the Joining Process Work?
The process varies slightly between networks, but at Skilled Solutions it follows these steps:
- Apply online – Fill in a short form with your details and driving experience. It takes just a few minutes.
- Initial chat – A member of the team will be in touch to talk through your application and answer any questions.
- Document checks – You will submit the documents listed above so the team can verify your eligibility.
- Onboarding – Once everything is confirmed, you will be set up with the carrier and given the information you need to start.
- Start driving – You will be assigned a route and begin earning.
The whole process from application to first shift can move quickly, particularly if you have your documents ready.
What About Pay?
Pay varies depending on the carrier, the location, and how many drops you complete each day. Multi-drop routes typically involve delivering between 80 and 120 parcels per shift. As a self-employed driver, you are usually paid a daily rate per route rather than an hourly wage.
Current rates at Skilled Solutions start from £184.75 per day in areas such as Maidstone and Barking, rising to £204.25 per day in Bow, East London. These figures can change, so always check the live job listings for the most up-to-date pay information.
Start Your Journey
Ready to start your journey as a Multi Drop Delivery Driver with Skilled Solutions?
Begin your application and schedule your interview appointment to secure your spot!
Is a Driver Network Right for You?
A driver network is a good fit if you:
- Want to get into parcel delivery quickly without dealing directly with large carriers
- Are comfortable working on a self-employed basis
- Value local support and a team you can actually contact
- Want consistent work rather than ad hoc shifts
It may not suit you if you are looking for traditional employment with holiday pay and sick pay, or if you prefer irregular hours and variety of work.
Common Questions Before Applying
If you have questions before you apply, the best place to start is the frequently asked questions about joining on the Skilled Solutions website. The FAQ covers topics including what documents you need, how the self-employment model works, and what to expect in the first few weeks.
You can also hear from our drivers to get a real sense of what working within the network is like on a day-to-day basis.
Ready to Apply?
If you meet the basic requirements and like the sound of consistent, well-supported delivery work, the next step is simple. Browse the current driver network jobs available across Essex, London, Kent, and West Sussex, and apply online today.
