Couriers, or dispatch drivers, transport items such as packages, documents and messages which need urgent delivery. These may include valuable items or confidential documents. They usually work within larger towns and cities although some work may involve cross-country deliveries.

A depot controller will usually be in contact with the courier, giving information such as destination addresses. Couriers will often sign for the packages they collect and require the appropriate person to sign for them upon delivery.

Couriers mainly use vans or motorcycles but in the larger urban areas, some employers use bicycle couriers.

Most couriers will be responsible for general care and cleaning of their vans or for making sure their motorcycles are roadworthy.

Hours and Environment

Basic hours are usually between 8am and 6pm; however, working hours vary and may include evenings, weekends, shifts and part-time work. The average working week is around 40 to 48 hours.

Van couriers may be required to spend short periods away from home, as some companies are involved in delivering goods throughout the country, or abroad.

Motorcycle/cycle couriers work mainly in city centres and as a result may have to wear protective masks to minimise risks from vehicle exhaust fumes.

Skills and Interests

To be a courier you should:

• enjoy driving/motorcycling, hold the appropriate licence and be a skilled driver/rider
• have good communication skills
• have good literacy and numeracy skills for delivery and expenses records
• be able to work to tight schedules
• be able to work alone
• have a mature attitude and be friendly and presentable
• be able to read maps and plan routes
• be physically fit
• be completely reliable.

Entry

There are no formal academic qualifications for entry to this type of work, but literacy skills are needed to deal with relevant paperwork and follow directions.

Applicants must be over 17, although those over 21 and van drivers over 25 may be preferred by employers because of insurance premiums.

Couriers must have a current driving licence appropriate to the type of vehicle they will be using and have a good driving record.

Motorcycle couriers usually need their own motorcycle with road tax and MOT.

Foreign language skills are useful if dealing with overseas deliveries. A basic knowledge of vehicle maintenance can also be an advantage.

Young people can sometimes enter through apprenticeship schemes (see Training).

Training

Training is usually on the job, given by an experienced courier.

Once employed, you can work towards NVQ/SVQ Level 2 in Carry and Deliver Goods. There are no set academic entry requirements for NVQs/SVQs.

Mandatory NVQ/SVQ units include:

• maintaining safety
• customer services
• planning routes and timings
• transporting goods and materials.

You also choose one optional unit depending on your role:

• handling goods and materials or
• handling goods (motorcycle or pedal cycle).

For full details of qualifications contact Skills for Logistics or see the Careers in Logistics website (see Further Information).

Apprenticeships may be available for those under the age of 24. In England these are currently Apprenticeships (level 2) and Advanced Apprenticeships (level 3). To find out more about these, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk

Apprenticeships may be different in other areas. For further information see Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland

Opportunities

Couriers may be employed by small local companies or by large international organisations.

Motorcycle couriers can be employed on a fixed wage, or work on a self-employed, freelance basis. Most opportunities for motorcycle couriers are in major cities, particularly in London.

Couriers can sometimes become controllers or open their own courier firm.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Couriers start on around £10,000 to £12,000 a year.
Experienced couriers can earn between £14,000 and £20,000 a year.
Motorcycle couriers in the London area can earn up to £23,000, although part of this will be taken up by fuel, insurance and equipment costs.

Many companies offer bonuses or guarantees for full attendance and/or covering a certain amount of work.

Further information

14 Warren Yard
Warren Farm Office Village
Stratford Road
Milton Keynes
MK12 5NW
Tel: 0870 242 7314