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A courier or messenger is not a post office employee. These individuals transport documents and packages by a variety of means. In fact, they may work on foot, bike, automobile, or use public transportation. Additionally, couriers may have additional titles such as laboratory courier, security messenger, or transporter. Watch a video to learn what a courier (messenger) does:
How to Become a Courier or Messenger
Most couriers only require a high school diploma or equivalent. However, employers are looking for couriers who are physically fit and can lift potentially heavy items in need of transport. Having a good sense of direction is also vital. Though many couriers work within the country they reside, some couriers are expected to travel internationally to make deliveries. Those couriers may be more qualified if they are fluent in a language that they may interact with often. Though a high school diploma may be the only education required, you may need solid references that can speak to your dependability and work ethic.
Job Description of a Courier
A courier might work for one company that might occupy one vary large building or multiple buildings around the same location. These couriers would assist the company daily to deliver necessary items from one location to another.
They would be dependable, swift, and reliable to delivery all items placed in their care safely and securely. For instance, couriers working for a hospital may delivery medical records or lab work. A courier may also need to collect a documented signature that the delivery was made or even collect payment for the delivery.
Courier Career Video Transcript
Like a private post office, couriers and messengers pick up and deliver messages, documents, and packages. They may travel by foot, on bicycle or motorcycle, by car or public transit, but one thing remains consistent— their commitment to dependability, speed, and security. Depending on what they’re delivering, messengers may need to load and unload vehicles or meet a client to pick up a package they’ll carry in a bag.
Some couriers have routes along which they make multiple deliveries, while others take a single package for immediate drop off. Companies often entrust couriers and messengers with confidential or time-sensitive packages. Some couriers work within a small area, such as a single business district… others are responsible for entire cities.
Some messengers travel across state lines or internationally. Work schedules are set based on delivery patterns, for example couriers who work within a company may work a regular schedule, while those who travel across country may have long hours, with more time off between deliveries. Many couriers rely on their physical fitness and sense of direction. Some simply walk from one department to another or ride in vehicles for deliveries. They may work for law firms, medical facilities, businesses, or delivery companies. Most messengers have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Article Citations
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Couriers and Messengers.
National Center for O*NET Development. 43-5021.00. O*NET OnLine.