Advertised pay is a starting point, not take-home. Employed drivers may be paid hourly and must meet the current National Living Wage if they are workers or employees. Self-employed and owner-driver cards are often day rates. Those rates still have to cover fuel, empty miles, waiting, the day the van is off the road, and tax you set aside yourself. Ask what the day actually includes: expected miles, stops, waiting, a second wave, and who pays congestion, parking and AdBlue. Two cards with the same headline figure can be very different jobs. Use the earnings calculator on this site to run the advert through fuel and standing costs. The result is an estimate for reading the card, not a forecast of what you will keep. Figures and examples on this site are illustrative. They are not financial, legal or insurance advice. Check current rules with the relevant authority or a qualified adviser.
Is there an official average courier wage?
No reliable official figure covers employed, self-employed and owner-driver work together. Treat any “average earnings” claim as marketing until you see the actual card.
Is this official guidance?
No. It is general information from Courier Drivers. Check current rules with HMRC, ACAS or a qualified adviser.