Whether you’re heading to a builder’s yard, a warehouse or a distribution centre, the right PPE can be the difference between getting the job done and being turned away at the gate.
For new self-employed courier drivers, especially those booked through platforms like Courier Exchange, having the right kit in your van is a smart move. Some sites follow strict safety policies, while others have unexpected requirements that can catch you off guard.
In this guide, we’ll explain what you should carry and why it matters, especially when you’re just starting out.
What we’ll cover
Get access to 15,000+ courier loads a day on Courier Exchange
Be your own boss. Set your own hours. Make your own money.
What counts as PPE for couriers?
PPE stands for personal protective equipment, and for couriers, that usually means clothing and gear that helps reduce the risk of injury while working on-site or near vehicles.
In the UK, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 sets out employer and site responsibilities for keeping people safe. But even if you’re self-employed, most sites will still expect you to follow their safety rules.
What you need often depends on the type of job. Construction sites, for example, might ask for full PPE, while a depot collection might just need a vest and boots. The more varied your jobs—from overnight courier jobs to international courier work—the more useful it is to keep a full set in the van.
Start with the basics: gear every courier should carry
If you’re just starting out, these two PPE items should be at the top of your list. Most sites expect them as a bare minimum, and they’re relatively affordable to pick up.
Hi-vis vest or tabard
Whether you’re doing late-night deliveries or music festival courier jobs, a high-visibility (hi-vis) vest helps keep you safe and seen. It’s a basic site requirement at depots, construction sites, and large distribution centres.
Most sites will accept yellow or orange, but check the job type first. Rail sites, for example, usually require orange hi-vis, while road and depot work often prefer yellow.
Where to buy
- Screwfix and Toolstation both stock entry-level vests for around £3–£5.
- Amazon offers multi-packs if you want a spare or two in the van.
- For higher-spec vests with multiple pockets, look at Portwest, Leo Workwear, or Dickies.
What to expect
- Waterproof or insulated options: £20+
- Entry-level: £3 to £5
- Premium/multi-pocket vests: £10 to £20
Safety boots with protective toe caps
Protective boots aren’t just about passing site checks, they protect your feet from dropped pallets, tail lifts, and heavy loads.
You can choose between steel-toe caps or composite: Steel offers solid protection, while composite is lighter and often more comfortable for long shifts.
Where to buy
- Screwfix often stocks affordable boots from brands like Site and Scruffs.
- For long-distance or all-day work, check DeWalt, Caterpillar, or Amblers Safety.
- Arco and SafetyBootsUK also offer a wide range and cater to specific standards.
What to expect
- Basic steel toe boots: £25 to £40
- Composite/lightweight: £35 to £60
- Waterproof or insulated models: £50+
Avoid trainers. Even if the job looks simple, many customers won’t let you on-site without proper footwear. And they won’t always lend you a pair.
Common extras to keep in the van
Once you’ve got the basics sorted, it’s worth adding a few extras.
You won’t use them every day, but when a site asks for full personal protective equipment, you’ll be ready.
Hard hat and safety glasses
Builder’s merchants, construction zones, and some larger retail sites will expect you to wear a hard hat and safety glasses, sometimes even during vehicle drop-offs.
A basic hard hat does the job, but if you’re wearing it often, go for one with an adjustable headband or ventilation. Safety glasses should meet EN166 standards and be scratch-resistant at the very least.
Where to buy
- Toolstation and Screwfix offer combo packs for around £10–£15.
- Premium options from JSP, 3M, and Uvex are available via Arco and RS Components.
- Amazon has bulk packs of safety glasses if you need extras.
What to expect
- Basic hard hat: £5 to £10
- Premium hard hat (ventilated or adjustable): £15 to £30
- Safety glasses: £2 to £10
- Combo pack (hat + glasses): £10 to £20
Some sites may offer loan equipment, but don’t rely on that. When you’re trying to pick up international work or complete jobs quickly, having your own kit avoids delays.
Work gloves
Gloves often get overlooked, but they’re one of the most practical additions to your PPE kit. They protect your hands during loading, offer better grip in bad weather, and in some jobs, they’re a requirement.
For general courier work, a durable pair of grip gloves will cover most needs. If you’re dealing with hazardous loads or doing premium white glove deliveries, you’ll want more specialised options.
What to get
- General grip gloves: Ideal for loading pallets, handling packaging, or protecting your hands from sharp edges. Look for rubber or nitrile-coated gloves with breathable backs.
- Waterproof or thermal gloves: Useful for winter work, outdoor loading bays, or working in the rain.
- ADR-rated gloves: Needed for hazardous goods, especially if handling or inspecting containers. Must be chemical-resistant and meet required safety standards.
- White glove sets: Clean cotton or branded gloves for high-value jobs, especially when handling electronics, furniture, or presentation-sensitive items.
What to expect
- General work gloves: £3 to £8
- Waterproof/thermal: £10 to £20
- ADR chemical gloves: £10 to £25
- White glove kits: £5 to £15
It’s smart to keep at least two pairs: one for daily handling and one clean set for specialist work. Stash them in your PPE bag so they’re easy to grab when needed.
Long-sleeve hi-vis clothing
Some sites have stricter rules and won’t accept short sleeves, even in summer. A lightweight, long-sleeve hi-vis jacket or hoodie solves that problem instantly.
Look for moisture-wicking materials in warmer months, and insulated or waterproof versions for winter. A lot of drivers prefer softshell jackets that are both weatherproof and breathable.
Where to buy
- Some Sports Direct stores have workwear ranges with high-vis jackets.
- Arco, Dickies, and Leo Workwear offer high-quality, EN ISO 20471-rated jackets.
- Toolstation and Screwfix also stock branded options suitable for courier work.
What to expect
- Lightweight long-sleeve tops: £12 to £20
- Waterproof jackets: £25 to £60
- Softshell hi-vis: £40 to £80
If you’re running chilled transport or doing winter overnight courier jobs, a decent jacket is worth the spend. Some sites may even expect full-body hi-vis, including long sleeves and trousers.
Think ahead with full-body PPE
While most jobs won’t require you to be covered head to toe, some sites have strict entry rules, especially those tied to construction, rail, or waste handling. Turning up in shorts on a hot day might seem fine, but it can easily get you turned away.
Long trousers – preferably high-vis joggers or work trousers – cover you for these situations. Many are lightweight and breathable, so you’re not overheating during summer jobs.
Where to buy
- Screwfix and Toolstation stock hi-vis trousers from Site, Scruffs, and DeWalt.
- Arco offers certified hi-vis trousers and joggers from Portwest and Leo Workwear.
- Amazon and eBay also offer budget-friendly options, though check for EN ISO 20471 compliance.
What to expect
- Standard hi-vis joggers: £15 to £30
- Waterproof over-trousers: £20 to £40
- Insulated or lined trousers: £40+
It’s worth keeping a spare pair in the van, folded and bagged. For self-employed couriers, preparation like this builds a good reputation with depots and shippers alike.
Specialist PPE for specialist jobs
Certain types of deliveries call for more than the standard gear. If you’re handling controlled goods, chemicals, or high-security freight, the site or customer will often expect additional personal protective equipment.
Airport, ADR, and high-value deliveries
When you’re handling ADR courier work, standard PPE won’t be enough. You may need gloves, goggles, eyewash kits, and an approved ADR kit with clear labelling.
Airport deliveries, particularly airside, often require specific-coloured hi-vis, photographic ID, and background checks. Even before unloading, you’ll need to meet their onsite courier safety requirements.
For high-value courier work, customers may expect white glove standards. That might include branded or clean protective wear, overshoes, or gloves to prevent damage to packaging or products.
Where to buy
- Hazchem Safety, Greenham, and Arco all stock full ADR kits and airside-compliant PPE.
- For airport-specific gear, check your job brief or contact the delivery coordinator ahead of time.
What to expect
- ADR gloves and eyewear: £10 to £20
- ADR kit (fire extinguisher, signs, eyewash, hazard panels): £40 to £80
- White glove protective wear: £10 to £30 per kit
- Airside hi-vis vests: £10 to £25 (check site colour requirements)
Before accepting any ADR courier work or airport delivery, confirm what courier safety kit is required. Some shippers will provide specifics, but having a ready-to-go kit in your van saves time and helps you win repeat jobs.
When personal protective equipment can be site-specific
Don’t assume every site has the same rules. You might wear orange hi-vis for one job and be told to change into yellow for the next. Royal Mail depots, for example, can be surprisingly strict about colour, even turning away couriers with non-standard gear.
Certain sites that deal with chemicals, packaging waste or food-grade freight might expect extra clothing layers, splash-resistant aprons, or specific gloves.
Jobs that require a waste carrier licence might also expect more durable courier safety gear due to the risk of contamination.
Tip: Keep a small checklist on your phone or van dashboard. Over time, you’ll get to know which customers expect what. But as a general rule, it’s better to carry too much PPE than not enough.
Staying prepared: your PPE checklist for the van
Store your gear in a clean, sealed bag or box. Keep spares if you can, and always check your kit before heading out. Here’s a checklist of what to store in your van:
| PPE item | Description and typical cost |
|---|---|
| Hi-vis vest | Required at most sites. Keep both yellow and orange if possible. From £3 to £15. |
| Safety boots (toe-protected) | Steel or composite toe caps. Composite is lighter for long shifts. From £25 to £60. |
| Hard hat | Needed for builder’s yards, depots, and construction sites. From £5 to £20. |
| Safety glasses | Must be EN166-rated. Some sites won’t allow entry without them. From £2 to £10. |
| Long-sleeve hi-vis jacket | Covers sites that don’t allow short sleeves. Choose waterproof or breathable. From £15 to £60. |
| Hi-vis trousers or joggers | Full leg coverage often required. Joggers are lightweight and site-compliant. From £15 to £40. |
| ADR kit | For ADR work. Includes gloves, eyewash, extinguisher, hazard signs. £40 to £80. |
| White glove PPE | May be required for high-value jobs. Clean, professional protective wear. £10 to £30 per set. |
| Airside hi-vis | Needed for airport deliveries. Some sites require specific colours. £10 to £25. |
Having your own full PPE kit in the van isn’t just about ticking boxes—it saves time, avoids awkward delays, and shows you’re ready to take the job seriously. Whether you’re working with regular depots or heading to new sites, you never know what a customer might expect until you arrive.
Some sites might offer a spare vest or lend you safety glasses, but you can’t rely on it. Turning up prepared means you can crack on with the job without waiting around or missing out altogether.
It’s a small investment upfront, but one that pays off fast. A few missed jobs because of missing kit will cost you more than the gear itself.
By keeping everything organised in a kit bag or crate, you’ll always be ready, whatever the site throws at you.
Get access to 15,000+ daily loads on Courier Exchange
Be your own boss. Set your own hours. Make your own money.
Courier PPE FAQs
What is the minimum PPE a courier should carry?
You’ll need a high-vis vest and protective boots at the very least. Most sites won’t let you through the gate without them. Keeping a full kit in your van means you’ll never miss out on a job due to missing gear.
Are couriers legally required to wear PPE?
As a self-employed driver, you’re not bound by employee rules. But site owners can set their own requirements. If you want to pick up or drop off at their premises, you have to follow their rules.
What happens if I turn up without the right PPE?
You might be turned away or delayed. In some cases, it could cost you the job entirely. It’s not just about meeting site rules—it helps protect you, too.
Is there specialist PPE for ADR loads?
Yes. ADR deliveries usually require more than just a vest and boots. You’ll need an ADR kit, gloves, hazard labels, and sometimes additional documentation. This is standard for ADR work.
What’s the difference between orange and yellow hi-vis?
It depends on the site. Rail sites often ask for orange. Other places, like some Royal Mail depots, may only accept yellow. Carrying both can help cover all bases, especially when doing chilled transport or secure depot work.
