what is a courier?
As a courier, you collect and deliver parcels to customers or businesses. You may 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 must 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 shipping volume while reducing transport costs. As a courier, you need route optimization software and a satellite navigation system to schedule deliveries and collections efficiently. You identify the shortest routes for deliveries and pick-ups to optimize your workday.
Besides collecting and dropping off items, couriers keep good records, such as proof of delivery and payment. You should also 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 during delivery and ensure they don't affect the delivery schedule.
Would working as a courier suit your time management skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a courier role.
courier jobsaverage courier salary
According to Job Bank, the median salary of a courier in Canada is $38,000 per year. This translates to an average hourly rate of $19.50. You start at a salary of $31,200 per year, but as you gain experience, your earnings increase to $52,800 annually.
how to increase your salary as a courier
Your earnings fluctuate based on various factors. The main determinant of your salary is the type of packages you deliver and your location. For instance, when you deliver heavy packages using a delivery van, you earn a higher hourly rate than couriers delivering small parcels on bikes. The company you work for also influences your earnings. For instance, if you work for a busy restaurant, you are likely to work long hours due to the numerous deliveries.
The location also influences your earnings. When you work in large cities, you have multiple deliveries daily. In addition, the high cost of living and demand for courier services increases your earning potential. On the other hand, working in a small town lowers your earning potential due to the low demand for courier services.
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access our tooltypes of couriers
Some of the types of couriers include:
- 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. Your duties include sorting correspondence and sending letters to the right offices.
- medical lab and delivery service couriers: you can work as a courier for a delivery service or medical lab. In this position, you transport sensitive or hazardous materials. You must work according to a strict schedule and properly label lab materials.
- bank couriers: as a bank courier, you handle important documents and items of value, such as the financial institution's cash deposits. Couriers who work for banks will often use an armoured truck for safety. To qualify for this type of courier position, you should be vigilant and have self-defence training.
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.
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what does a courier do?
Some of the tasks of a courier include:
- checking packages before delivery: it is important to ensure parcels are correctly labelled at the collection point. You ensure shipping details are clear for easy tracking and make sure the owner can be reached through the contact information provided. Any wrongly labelled packages should 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 recipients. That means you travel to pick-up points to load the delivery van and take the parcels to the recipients. On any given day, you make multiple pick-ups and deliveries. Most employers assign a delivery route to a courier, and you stick to your designated deliveries.
- collecting payments from clients: as a courier, being familiar with the company's payment policy is crucial. If you collect payments on delivery, you ensure the customer or business owner makes the necessary payments. You often collect signatures as proof of delivery before handing over the parcel.
- record keeping: as a courier, you keep accurate records of delivery information. For instance, you record the delivery time, recipient name and parcel sizes. Sometimes, you perform basic office tasks, such as filing delivery information, records and data entry.
- answering phone calls: as a courier, your job sometimes involves receiving customer phone calls. It is important to be familiar with the delivery services provided by the company and explain the delivery process. You communicate with clients about pick-up and drop-off locations or times. You also record important information from the phone calls to ensure you follow the client's instructions during delivery.
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work environment of a courier
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 benefits you if you prefer a changing environment. Being a courier involves travel, so make sure you are aware of the weather and traffic conditions when planning your routes. 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 a uniform when making deliveries.
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who are your colleagues?
Couriers mostly work for logistics or transport companies. In your role, you interact with warehouse associates, order pickers and packaging operatives. You may also work with warehouse managers and delivery drivers. In office settings, you interact with legal secretaries, receptionists and administrative assistants, while in hospital settings, you work with lab technicians and nurses.
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courier work schedule
As a courier, you have specific time frames to complete your assignments. You do not have a standard 9-5 schedule when you're a courier; therefore, it is important to stay organized and prioritize your work. You also 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. Couriers work for one company full-time, but part-time opportunities are also available.
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career opportunities as a courier
According to the Canadian Government Job Bank, opportunities for couriers are expected to increase between 2022 and 2031. The expansion of e-commerce and increased online shopping contributes to the growing demand for couriers. You can specialize in delivering specific products or parcels. For instance, some couriers specialize in food deliveries, legal documents, medical products or lab specimens. Alternatively, improve your qualifications and progress to other logistics roles, such as supervisor or coordinator.
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advantages of finding a job as a courier through randstad
Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits:
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
courier skills and education
Some of the requirements for becoming a courier in Canada include:
- relevant training: while you can get a job as a courier with only a secondary school education, consider attending vocational programs or training in logistics. Positions that require delivery in specialty vehicles need additional training. For instance, you will undergo self-defence training to deliver items using armoured trucks. Since the role involves driving, you are required to have a valid driver's license and a clean driving record.
- experience: you require minimal experience to work as a courier. Any work experience in customer service roles equips you with the necessary skills for the role.
competencies and characteristics of couriers
Some of the qualities of a courier include:
- dependable and reliable: couriers don't always require 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 will count on you for urgent deliveries. It is also important to be familiar with your delivery route's major and minor roads.
- thinking outside the box: as a courier, you think on your feet and need creativity. Sometimes, you get stuck in traffic a few minutes before the deadline when delivering urgent legal documents. You may contact the recipient or court to inform the judge or legal counsel of the delay.
- communication skills: as a courier, being a good communicator is useful since you interact with coworkers, managers and customers. Efficient communication also helps you provide accurate information to clients.
- physical stamina: your role involves lifting heavy items and carrying packages of various sizes. Being fit helps you lift the packages, use stairs or cycle for extensive periods. Staying fit helps you handle the physical demands of the role.
FAQs
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a courier.
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what is the difference between a courier and a delivery service?
A delivery service is the act of delivering goods or parcels from the sender to the recipient. A courier is the person who makes the deliveries to the recipients. As a courier, you pick up the items from the senders and deliver them to the recipients.
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what is the job description of a courier?
As a courier, you deliver goods or parcels to consumers or businesses. You transport various types of parcels, from important documents to food and valuable items. Other duties include receiving phone calls and planning the delivery schedule to ensure timely delivery.
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how much does a courier earn in Canada?
As a courier, you earn an average salary of $38,000 per year, equalling approximately $19.50 per hour. In an entry-level position, you start with a lower salary of $31,200 per year, while experienced couriers take home over $52,800 annually.
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what do you need to work as a courier?
You require a secondary school education to become a courier in Canada. If you use a delivery van to deliver the parcels, a driver's license is also mandatory. Some employers may require previous work experience in customer service roles.
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is being a courier a good career?
Working as a courier is a promising career with great growth opportunities. With additional qualifications and experience, you can work for transport companies or the logistics industry.
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how do I find a job as a courier?
Finding a job near you as a courier is easy. Search our job offers. Have you found what you're looking for? Then submit your application using the ‘Apply’ button top right on the page. No jobs available right now? Send us your resume and we'll pass it on to a recruiter who will contact you if an opportunity opens up for you.
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