Owner driver franchise (ODF)
An owner driver franchise is a self-employed contract to run a parcel route for a carrier, in your own or a leased van, as your own business. DPD's is the best known.
Last checked 29/09/2026.
DPD quotes £50,000 to £60,000 of revenue for a route. The franchisee pays for the van, fuel, insurance and everything else out of that, usually over five days a week.
What it means for your money
Revenue is turnover, not take-home. At that level Making Tax Digital for Income Tax applies, because the £50,000 threshold is measured on turnover. A van bought for the route usually qualifies for the annual investment allowance, which can make claiming actual costs worth more than the mileage rate.
Where to read more
Related
Driving for DPD: owner driver, employed or Connect
There are three ways to deliver for DPD, and they are three different jobs for tax. An owner driver runs a route as a business, an employed driver is on PAYE, and a DPD Connect courier uses their own car on a local round. Here is how to tell which suits you.
Getting startedUpdated 29/09/2026
How does driving for DPD work?
Usually as a self-employed owner-driver franchisee or as a subcontractor to one - which is a bigger commitment than app-based delivery.
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Capital allowances on a vehicle
A capital allowance is tax relief on something you bought to keep and use, spread over years rather than deducted at once. You cannot claim capital allowances on a vehicle and use the mileage rate for it, so for most gig drivers this is a road not taken.
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A day in the life of a DPD multi-drop driver
A realistic look at a shift driving for DPD, from early morning depot loading to the final parcel drop on your route.
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How to set up as a DPD owner driver franchisee
A step by step guide to setting up your business, buying a round, and getting on the road as a DPD owner driver franchisee.
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DPD owner driver vs DPD subcontractor: Which pays more?
Compare the earnings, costs and daily reality of running your own DPD route versus working as a driver for a depot subcontractor.
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