what is a courier?
Couriers collect and deliver parcels to customers for businesses. You can use a vehicle provided by the employer or your own vehicle to complete the deliveries. Some couriers also use bicycles, vans, public transport or motorcycles to deliver parcels.
A courier's job is quite demanding since you have to pick up parcels and deliver them on time despite the traffic. Most couriers use a multi-collection and multi-drop system to help them increase the shipping volume while keeping the transport costs at a minimum. As a courier, you need route optimisation software and a satellite navigation system to schedule deliveries and collections efficiently. You can identify the shortest routes for deliveries and pick-ups to optimise your workday.
Apart from collecting and dropping off items, a courier also needs to keep good records, such as proof of delivery and payment. You also need to provide good customer service, as you are the first point of contact between the company and the client. It’s important to be polite, friendly and efficient. You also handle any issues that arise during delivery and ensure they don't affect the delivery schedule.
Would working as a courier suit your dependability and resourcefulness? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a courier role.
courier jobsaverage salary of a courier
The average salary of couriers is around £45,000 per year. However, when you're starting out, your salary may be about £20,000 before promotions and raises.
types of courier
Being a courier requires you to learn as you go. However, no matter the industry you perform deliveries for, it's still important for you to have great interpersonal skills since you'll be interacting with various types of people throughout the day. You should also be detailed-oriented and know how to follow directions since you'll likely be delivering several items or documents to various locations. You can be a courier for a law firm, a delivery service, or another type of professional office where you are required to transport goods or documents from the home office to another location.
legal couriers
Although delivering time-sensitive materials within legal venues is the primary function of this position, you might also find yourself doing clerical and other miscellaneous work for the law firm if you aren't an independent contractor.
medical lab and delivery service couriers
You can also work as a courier if you want to work for a delivery service or medical lab. In this position, you may be asked to transport sensitive or hazardous materials, work according to a strict schedule and properly label lab materials.
bank couriers
A bank courier not only handles important documents but also items of value such as the financial institution's cash deposits. Couriers who work for banks often use an armored truck for safety. To qualify for this type of courier position, you should be a vigilant person and possibly have training in self-defence.
working as a courier
Working as a courier involves helping businesses deliver goods on time and provide the best customer service. The role requires daily interactions with different people and following strict delivery procedures. Read on to learn the daily tasks and work environments of a courier.
-
courier job description
Some of the tasks of a courier include:
- checking packages before delivery: as a courier, you ensure parcels are correctly labelled at the collection point. Ensure the shipping details are clear for easy tracking, and you can reach the owner through the contact information provided. Any wrongly labelled packages must remain at the collection point to avoid losing valuable items in transit.
- driving to delivery and pick-up points: as a courier, your primary duty is to deliver items and parcels to the recipients. That means you need to travel to the pick-up points to load the delivery van and take the parcels to the recipients. In a day, you make multiple pick-ups and deliveries. Most employers assign a delivery route to a courier, and you should stick to your designated deliveries.
- collecting payments from clients: as a courier, you need to be familiar with the company's payment policy. If you collect payment on delivery, ensure the customer or business owner makes the necessary payments. You often need to collect signatures as proof of delivery before handing over the parcel.
- record-keeping: as a courier, you need to keep accurate records of the delivery information. For instance, you record the delivery time, recipient names and parcel sizes. Sometimes, you also perform basic office tasks like filing delivery information, records and data entry.
- answering phone calls: as a courier, your job sometimes involves receiving customer phone calls. You need to be familiar with the delivery services provided in the company and explain the delivery process. You communicate with clients about pick-up and drop-off locations and times. You should record important information from the phone calls to ensure you follow the client's instructions during delivery.
-
work environment
As a courier, you work outdoors, driving or walking from one location to another to deliver packages or documents. You won't be in an office all day, which could benefit you if you prefer a changing environment. Being a courier involves travel, so make sure you are aware of elements such as weather and traffic conditions when planning your route. When you use a van or truck for deliveries, you often deal with traffic jams and challenging parking situations. Some employers may require you to wear uniforms during delivery.
-
who are your colleagues?
As a courier, you work for logistics and transport companies or directly for a company whose business is primarily online and requires the delivery of goods. Your colleagues might include warehouse workers, packaging operatives and warehouse managers. You may also work in close proximity to receptionists and legal secretaries, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, lab technicians, nurses and delivery van drivers.
-
work schedule
As a courier, you have specific time frames to complete your assignments. You may not have a standard 9 to 5 schedule when you're a courier; therefore, you need to stay organised and prioritise your work. You should schedule your tasks in order of priority and make allowances for emergencies or unexpected events that may prevent you from getting important documents or parcels to the appropriate parties on time.
-
job outlook
Couriers have a promising job outlook with the increasing demand for delivery services due to the rise of online businesses. You can specialise in delivering specific products or parcels. For instance, some couriers specialise in food deliveries, legal documents, medical products or lab specimens. Alternatively, improve your qualifications and progress to other logistics roles, such as supervisors or coordinators.
-
advantages of finding a courier job through randstad
Finding your courier job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a courier is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
Couriers don't need post-secondary education since most employers focus on your driving record and licences. You can apply for a courier job when you complete your GCSEs and have a good driving record and a valid driver's licence. Most employers also expect you to have basic math and English skills. Some couriers join the role through intermediate apprenticeships as delivery drivers.
skills and competencies
Some qualities of a courier include:
- be dependable and reliable: couriers don't always need special certificates or training, but they need a dependable form of transportation, the ability to meet deadlines, and the capability to be resourceful and responsible. Your employer and clients should be able to count on you for urgent deliveries. You should also be familiar with your delivery route's major and minor roads.
- thinking outside the box: as a courier, you should think on your feet and be creative. Sometimes, you can get stuck in traffic a few minutes before the deadline when delivering urgent legal documents. You may have to contact the recipient or the courts to inform the judge or legal counsel of the delay.
- communication skills: as a courier, it's useful to be a good communicator since you interact with coworkers, managers and customers. Efficient communication also helps you to provide accurate information to clients.
FAQs
FAQs about working as a courier
-
what are the main duties of a courier?
A courier is responsible for driving delivery vehicles to take parcels or products to customers. The parcels can range from groceries to mail or take-out food. Aside from delivering packages, a courier communicates with customers and their home depot for easy delivery tracking. Want to learn more about working as a courier? Then check out this article.
-
is being a courier a good job?
You will love being a courier if you enjoy driving and spending time outdoors. The job has promising prospects with the growth of online shopping and many people working from home. Hence, demand for couriers is likely to increase. Want to learn more about working as a courier? Then check out this article.
-
what skills does a courier need?
A courier interacts with various people, which requires communication and people skills to stay polite and friendly to customers. It’s also important to be detail-oriented to ensure you deliver the correct parcels to the recipients. Sometimes, you lift heavy items, which requires physical stamina. Want to learn more about working as a courier? Then check out this article.
-
what are the hours for working as a courier?
Couriers' hours are unconventional. Some days are slower than others, but you will probably be working sporadically throughout the day. Want to learn more about working as a courier? Then check out this article.
-
how can you advance in the field as a courier?
When you are a proficient courier, you could go for a leadership role where you work. You could progress to a coordinator or managerial role. Want to learn more about working as a courier? Then check out this article.
-
how do I apply for a courier vacancy?
Applying for a courier job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our courier job offers. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
