Couriers and Messengers
What is a Couriers and Messengers?
Couriers and messengers are professionals who are responsible for the prompt delivery of messages, packages, documents, and various other items from one location to another. Typically working for courier companies or as independent contractors, these individuals play a crucial role in logistics, ensuring that items are transported quickly and securely. Their work often involves navigating urban environments, operating various types of vehicles such as bicycles, motorcycles, or cars, and sometimes even utilizing public transportation systems. Couriers may handle time-sensitive deliveries that require a high level of urgency, such as legal documents or medical supplies. Depending on the organization, couriers might also engage in customer interactions, making deliveries directly to clients or businesses and often providing proof of delivery. This position may involve working flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends, to accommodate the demands of clients for timely service. The role requires physical stamina, familiarity with routes and neighborhoods, and the ability to manage time effectively to ensure that deliveries are made punctually.
Tasks
- Deliver and pick up medical records, lab specimens, and medications to and from hospitals and other medical facilities.
- Obtain signatures and payments, or arrange for recipients to make payments.
- Record information, such as items received and delivered and recipients' responses to messages.
- Receive messages or materials to be delivered, and information on recipients, such as names, addresses, telephone numbers, and delivery instructions, communicated via telephone, two-way radio, or in person.
- Load vehicles with listed goods, ensuring goods are loaded correctly and taking precautions with hazardous goods.
Technology Skills
- Spreadsheet software
- Electronic mail software
- Office suite software
- Word processing software
- Route navigation software
Tools Used
- Bar code reader equipment
- Two way radios
- Radio frequency identification devices
- Franking or postage machines
- Photocopiers
Knowledge
-
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
-
Transportation
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
-
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Skills
-
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
-
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
-
Time Management
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
-
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
-
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Abilities
-
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
-
Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
-
Far Vision
The ability to see details at a distance.
-
Multilimb Coordination
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
-
Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
-
High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
-
Associate's degree
-
Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
Work Activities
-
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
-
Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
-
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
-
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
-
Handling and Moving Objects
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Detailed Work Activities
- Deliver items.
- Obtain written authorization to perform activities.
- Record shipping information.
- Load materials or equipment.
- Relay information between personnel.
Work Interests
-
Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
-
Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
-
Social
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$28040.0 - $49310.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.