Job Overview
Clothes Aid is looking for a reliable and professional self-employed owner-driver with their own van to carry out pre-arranged charity household collections across the North East.
The role operates from our Washington depot and would suit an experienced owner-driver looking for regular self-employed collection work. As an owner-operator driver, you will be the backbone of our delivery network, providing reliable and efficient transportation services. This role offers the flexibility to operate independently while ensuring timely deliveries that keep our customers satisfied. If you thrive on driving, managing your own schedule, and delivering exceptional service, this opportunity is perfect for you!
Owner-Driver Wanted — Charity Textile Collections (North East)
Self-Employed | Own Van Required | £120–£150 Day Rate + Collection Bonus | North East
The Role
You will be responsible for collecting bagged donated clothing, textiles, and bric-a-brac from households that have booked a collection with us.
Your daily collection round will be provided by Clothes Aid and will normally consist of up to 35 collection stops, depending on the area and volume of bookings.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Completing the collection round provided to you each day.
- Collecting donated bags and items safely and professionally from households.
- Providing a friendly and courteous service when dealing with members of the public.
- Safely loading and securing all collected goods in your vehicle.
- Returning collected donations to our Washington depot for unloading, weighing, and processing.
- Reporting any missed, inaccessible, or unsuccessful collections.
- Taking reasonable care of any collection materials provided by Clothes Aid.
- Maintaining your own vehicle and ensuring it remains safe, legal, and suitable for the work.
Please note: This is a collection-driver role. You will be attending households with pre-arranged collections rather than distributing charity bags door to door.
Pay
- £120–£150 per day, depending on the size of the round, requirements of the work, and vehicle suitability.
- Additional weight-based collection bonus — the more qualifying donations you successfully collect and return, the greater your opportunity to earn on top of your day rate.
- Paid weekly against a valid invoice.
- As a self-employed contractor, you will be responsible for your own tax, National Insurance, fuel, vehicle running costs, insurance, and other business expenses.
Full details of the bonus structure and payment arrangements will be explained before you accept the contract.
What You'll Need
To be considered, you must have:
- Your own suitable van, registered in your name or your business's name.
- A vehicle that is clean, roadworthy, and capable of safely carrying the required collection loads.
- A valid MOT and vehicle tax, where applicable.
- A full and valid UK driver's license, with no more than 6 penalty points.
- Appropriate Hire & Reward / Carriage of Goods for Hire or Reward insurance covering the work you will undertake.
- Public Liability Insurance with appropriate cover for the work undertaken. We would normally expect cover of at least £1 million.
- The legal right to work and operate on a self-employed basis in the UK.
- A reliable mobile phone for receiving route and collection information.
- The physical ability to safely handle and load bags of donated clothing and other collected items.
You will be required to provide evidence of the relevant driving, vehicle, and insurance documentation before starting.
What We're Looking For
We are looking for someone who is:
- Reliable and punctual.
- Self-motivated and able to work independently.
- Comfortable driving throughout the North East.
- Organised and able to follow a planned collection route.
- Professional and courteous when representing Clothes Aid to members of the public.
- Able to handle donated goods carefully and responsibly.
- Committed to completing allocated collection rounds to a good standard.
Previous experience as a multi-drop driver, courier, collection driver, delivery driver, or owner-driver would be beneficial but is not essential.
What Clothes Aid Provides
- Pre-arranged daily collection rounds.
- Up to approximately 35 collection stops per day, depending on the round.
- Collection and route information.
- Relevant collection bags and materials.
- A Washington depot for returning and unloading collected donations.
- The opportunity to earn an additional collection bonus based on qualifying weight returned.
Self-Employed Status
This opportunity is offered on a self-employed contractor basis and is not an employed position. You will be responsible for managing your own tax and National Insurance obligations and the costs associated with operating and maintaining your vehicle.
The availability and volume of collection rounds may vary according to operational requirements and customer bookings. Further details regarding the working arrangement will be set out in the self-employed contractor agreement.
Interested?
If you are a dependable owner-driver with a suitable van and are looking for regular, flexible collection work while supporting charity fundraising, we would like to hear from you.
To apply, please send details of your driving experience, the make/model and size of your van, your location, and your availability.
Clothes Aid is committed to providing a professional and respectful collection service to all households and charity partners.
Pay: £120.00-£150.00 per day
Benefits:
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
