The courier industry in the UK is bigger than ever, offering many opportunities for owner-drivers and people who are new to the industry. Choosing the right location to operate in can make a big difference to your business. Some areas have more demand for couriers, better transport links, and more opportunities.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best locations for couriers and jobs in the UK, from the Midlands to the North, the South East, the South West, and London.
Locations we’ll cover
1. Birmingham
663 loads posted on CX per day (2024 daily average)
Birmingham is the UK’s second-largest city, with over 1.1 million residents. Known for its industrial history, the city is now a centre for business, retail, and manufacturing. It’s also home to the famous Bullring shopping centre and the NEC, one of the UK’s largest event venues.
Easily the best location for couriers
Birmingham’s central location provides excellent transport links. It’s well-connected by major motorways, including the M6, M5 and M42, making it easy to reach other parts of the UK.
Birmingham also has several large distribution centres and logistics hubs and sits with the so-called ‘golden triangle‘ of logistics centres. The high demand and good infrastructure in and around Birmingham make it a top location for courier work.
2. London
539 loads posted on CX per day (2024 daily average)
London, the UK’s capital, is home to nearly 9 million people. It’s one of the world’s most important financial and cultural centres, attracting millions of visitors and businesses. With its landmarks, shopping districts, and busy commercial areas, London is always on the move.
Why it’s one of the best locations for couriers
London has an extensive public transport and road network, making it easy to navigate. The city is home to major financial institutions and corporate headquarters, as well as many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that require regular deliveries.
The variety of businesses and the sheer volume of work available make London one of the best locations for couriers.
3. Nottingham
457 loads posted on CX per day (2024 daily average)
Nottingham, known for its links to Robin Hood, has a population of over 330,000.
It’s a vibrant city with two major universities and a strong economy based on retail, manufacturing, and services. The city centre is a hub of activity, with thriving markets and shopping areas.
Why Nottingham is a hotspot for couriers
Nottingham sits at the heart of the Midlands, making it a strategic location for deliveries.
It’s well connected by the M1 motorway, and its industrial estates create steady demand for courier services. E-commerce and retail businesses also drive frequent same-day deliveries.
4. Leicester
452 loads posted on CX per day (2024 daily average)
Leicester is one of the oldest cities in England, with a rich history dating back to Roman times.
Today, it’s home to around 360,000 people and is known for its textile industry, vibrant multicultural community, and strong sporting culture, including Leicester City FC.
Why Leicester is a top location for couriers
Leicester has a strong manufacturing and distribution sector, with many warehouses and industrial estates.
It’s located near the M1 and M69, providing easy access to major UK cities. The city’s thriving retail sector also creates high demand for courier services.
5. Coventry
394 loads posted on CX per day (2024 daily average)
Coventry, famous for its role in the UK’s car industry, has a population of around 350,000.
It’s also home to Coventry University and a growing tech sector, and is known for its rich cultural heritage. In fact, it was named the UK City of Culture in 2021.
Why Coventry is a busy city for couriers
Located near Birmingham and close to the M6, M69, and A45, Coventry is a key hub for logistics.
Many large businesses, including automotive and tech companies, require regular courier services. The city’s strong e-commerce sector also adds to delivery demand.
6. Manchester
383 loads posted on CX per day (2024 daily average)
Manchester is a major UK city with over 550,000 residents and a history rooted in industry and music. It’s known for its universities, football teams, and thriving nightlife. The city is also a major financial and business centre in the North of England.
Why it’s a prime location for couriers
Manchester has strong infrastructure, with extensive road and rail networks. The nearby Manchester Airport enables international freight, which increases the amount of courier driver jobs available. The city’s active economy and the large number of businesses create a constant demand for couriers.
If you’re looking for a bustling city with plenty of work opportunities, Manchester one of the top locations for courier work.
7. Sheffield
366 loads posted on CX per day (2024 daily average)
Sheffield, known as the Steel City, has a population of around 550,000. It has transformed from an industrial powerhouse into a modern city with strong healthcare, education, and retail sectors. Sheffield also has a large student population, adding to its lively atmosphere.
Why Sheffield is a hotspot for courier work
Sheffield’s location near the M1 makes it a key city for logistics. Many businesses in the area rely on couriers for manufacturing and retail deliveries.
The city’s growing e-commerce sector also boosts demand for fast and reliable courier services.
8. Northampton
363 loads posted on CX per day (2024 daily average)
Northampton, located in the East Midlands, is known for its historic shoe-making industry. With a population of around 230,000, it has a strong economy based on logistics, retail, and manufacturing. The town’s central location makes it a key business centre.
Why Northampton is a busy location for couriers
Northampton sits along the M1, providing fast transport links to London, Birmingham, and beyond. The town is a major hub for warehouses and distribution centres, creating steady work for couriers. Many national retailers and e-commerce companies operate from the area.
9. Derby
334 loads posted on CX per day (2024 daily average)
Derby, with a population of around 260,000, is known for its engineering and railway history. It’s home to Rolls-Royce, one of the world’s leading aerospace companies, as well as major rail and automotive firms. The city has a strong industrial and business presence.
Why Derby is an excellent location for couriers
Derby’s strong industrial base means a high demand for courier services, especially in engineering and manufacturing. The A38 and M1 provide key transport links, making deliveries across the region quick and efficient. The city’s businesses require regular logistics support.
10. Warrington
332 loads posted on CX per day (2024 daily average)
Warrington, a town in Cheshire, has a population of around 210,000. It has grown into a major business hub, with strong retail, technology, and logistics sectors. Its strategic location between Liverpool and Manchester makes it a key centre for trade and transport.
Why Warrington is a hotspot for couriers
Warrington is a major distribution centre, with many national and international companies operating warehouses in the area. It sits near the M6, M62, and M56, providing excellent road connections. This makes it a key location for couriers handling same-day and next-day deliveries.
The best locations for couriers in 2025 that works for you
All of these cities share several key features:
- They have excellent transport infrastructure, making it easy to navigate and reach different parts of the country.
- They also have high demand for courier services from diverse industries, ensuring a constant stream of work.
- Their central or strategic locations and the presence of major business hubs and distribution centres further enhance their appeal.
By choosing to operate in one of these prime locations, you can maximise your opportunities and grow your courier business.
If you want to find out how much you could earn with your vehicle type in your area, check out our potential earnings calculator.
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Sign upThe article was published on . It was updated on 28 February 2025 to make it more relevant and comprehensive.
