Return Driver & Vehicle Inspector (Contractor) – Mersea Cars (MCS Performance)
Location: Colchester, Essex (travel nationwide)
Contract: Self-employed contractor
Pay: £50–£100 per job (most at £100, occasional £150+ for Scotland/fly/train runs)
About Us
Mersea Cars (MCS Performance) is a family-run dealership specialising in quality used cars. We buy vehicles from across the UK, and our return drivers are a key part of making that happen. This is flexible contractor work that suits people who enjoy driving, meeting new people, and being part of a small, honest team.
The Role
As a Return Driver with us, you will:
* Travel nationwide to collect cars (driven out in our truck, or sometimes by train/flight).
* Drive vehicles back to our Colchester base.
* Carry out a basic vehicle check (oil, coolant, tyres, lights, bodywork) and report findings via WhatsApp/photos.
* Occasionally use our Transit recovery truck to collect smaller cars — if you already have experience strapping/loading vehicles, that's a bonus (training can be given).
* Occasionally support our main truck + trailer team on larger collections.
* Work flexibly — early starts and late returns are sometimes required.
Pay & Rates
* £50 – Local runs
* £75 – Short trips
* £100 – Most medium/long trips (Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, etc.)
* £150+ – Exceptional long trips (e.g. Scotland, with flight/train connections)
Most jobs are paid at £100, with travel expenses (fuel, AdBlue, tolls, parking, train/flight if needed) covered by us.
About You
We're looking for someone who is:
* A confident, safe driver with a valid UK licence.
* Reliable, punctual, and professional with sellers and the public.
* Comfortable using WhatsApp to send quick photos/videos of vehicles.
* Flexible and open to occasional early/late trips.
* (Bonus) Has experience strapping/loading cars, or is keen to learn.
* Trustworthy and honest — clean background checks and references are required. We are strict on preventing theft or misuse of vehicles, fuel or equipment.
Benefits of Working With Us
* Fair, transparent pay with no hidden deductions.
* Flexible work that fits around other commitments.
* Friendly, family-run team that values reliability and honesty.
* Regular opportunities — cars come from all over the UK, so no two weeks are the same.
Application Process
To help us confirm details quickly, please answer these short questions when you apply:
* Do you hold a valid UK driving licence?
* Do you have experience driving long distances or returning cars before?
* Are you comfortable sending photos/videos via WhatsApp during jobs?
* How flexible are you for early starts, late returns, or nationwide travel?
* Would you be happy starting at the £50–£100 return driver rates (with potential for £150+ on rare Scotland trips)?
* (Optional) Do you have any experience loading/strapping cars onto recovery trucks or trailers?
Apply now to join our growing team of reliable contractor drivers.
Job Type: Freelance
Pay: £50.00-£100.00 per day
Work Location: On the road