If you’re considering getting stuck into the world of courier work, it’s important to know exactly what it entails. This is a fantastic career choice for many people, but you should be aware of all the details of the job before you begin, from the skill sets you’ll need to your daily tasks. This article will give you an overview of this kind of career so that you can better assess what you’ll need to achieve your delivery dreams.
What is Courier Work?
Couriers pick up documents, packages, messages, etc. and deliver them to customers. It’s a fairly simple concept but it does have many variations.
A Day in the Life
One of the best things about the job is the fact that no two days are ever exactly the same. You will be driving a lot (obviously) and working from your vehicle much of the time, so you should ensure that you are comfortable with this. It’s also important to note that your job environment and some of your tasks (such as moving packages) may be physically demanding, so a reasonable level of physical fitness is required.
Some of your daily duties might include:
•Ensuring your delivery records and other paperwork are up to date
•Getting signatures as you deliver packages and signing for them when you pick them up
•Completing a schedule of addresses and pick-up points from your depot
•Finding the fastest way to reach an address
•Sorting packages and planning routes
Skills and Other Requirements
To do courier work you’ll need to have had a full UK driving licence for at least twelve months. It goes without saying your driving record should be good, and you should have (or acquire) a license for the particular type of vehicle you will be using. In most cases your employer will provide you with a delivery van, however, if you are self-employed or looking for a job as a motorcycle delivery driver you will have to procure your own vehicle or motorbike respectively.
Other skill sets you will need are as follows:
•Customer service skills
•The ability to verbally communicate well
•Time management and organisational skills
•The ability to work on your own and with others
•Attention to detail
•Transport costs, benefits and knowledge of operational methods
•The ability to stay calm in stressful situations
•The skills to complete basic tasks on a handheld device or computer
By the Numbers
Those in courier work tend to make between £14,500 (when you’re just starting out) to £40,000 (when you’re very experienced) per year on average. Your hours will likely be between 44 and 46 a week, and you may be asked to work evenings, weekends and bank holidays.
There you have it – an overview of what a courier driver is and what you will need to become one. If you think you have what it takes, why are you still sitting here reading this? Get out there and make your delivery driver dreams a reality!
Norman Dulwich is a correspondent for Courier Exchange, the world's largest neutral trading hub for same day courier work in the express freight exchange industry. Numerous transport exchange businesses are networked together on their website, trading jobs and capacity through what is now the fastest growing Freight Exchange in the UK.
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