Courier Jobs

A courier career is a job on the go. If a person likes the outdoors and likes to move around and meet several people throughout the day, this may prove to be the perfect job for such personality type. A courier or messenger’s main task is to transport and distribute documents, packages, and other material to individuals, businesses, agencies, or institutions. Couriers usually work locally, and they will deliver the goods in a few minutes or hours, on a daily basis. The methods they use to deliver the goods depend on their employer - car, motorcycle, bicycle... Some couriers will work for law firms, medical labs (transporting organs), banks, and any other institutions where confidentiality and utmost care is required.

A courier must be responsible, organized, physically fit, and friendly, as he/she will have client contact on a daily basis. Professionalism on the job is also expected. Monitoring is minimal as the person will be in transit most of the time. However, he/she is responsible that the goods reach the destination safely.

Education and Training

Couriers are not required to have a college degree; a high school diploma will suffice, and the ability to follow instructions. They must have a valid driver’s license. On the job training is provided in most cases. They should also be knowledgeable of the area they are working. They should also have good communication skills.

Job Settings

Couriers can work on their own, and in this case, they will have their own transportation. They must be insured in this case. If they are working for a private employer or agency, then the employer usually provides the company car. Although this job is still around for some specific types of delivery, the technology development in the computer area has reduced the need of transporting many documents. Most of these jobs are found in urban areas.

Salary

Salary ranges by type of employment and is usually by the hour - from $7.00 - $17.00+ an hour. Full-time couriers who work for a company usually have benefits, and the company provides the necessary uniforms and transportation.

This is a job that has not changed much and that might be in less demand in the future, in part due to the advances in technology.