Tuesday, January 11, 2011

A Brief introduction on Courier jobs

In Courier jobs, a courier has to transport documents or some other items from one place to another to business or individuals. If you notice in urban areas, couriers make delivery by bike, while in rural area they use cars. Most of the courier jobs are part time basis and used as a secondary source of income. Couriers are making deliveries much more quickly and in some cases efficiently than traditional mailing services.

Couriers are given their assignments over phone or wireless data service. They have to pick an item from one place and then deliver it to the intended receiver. In some cases, they may be required to request payment when they pick up an item. Couriers have the responsibility to obtain a signature when they make a delivery so there is proof that the intended party has received the item. 

Some courier service is run by a single person who owns and operates the company on a local level, while some have thousands of couriers working in hundreds of countries on a global level. Courier jobs were introduced thousands of years ago, where courier personnel used to send message by foot or utilizing methods such as homing pigeons and then moving on to carry them through horseback.

Courier services are of two types: local and global courier services. As well as those that carry just messages or those that serve multiple functions such as carrying packages and mail as well. There are various types of couriers that work as independent contractors for a firm, as well as those considered actual business employees. 

If you notice, no formal education is required for courier jobs, but many employers prefer workers who at least have high school diploma or GED. Most employers require couriers who have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record as well. They should have strong communication skills. Most of the couriers should have their own car, bicycle, van, moped or motorcycle.

In courier jobs, it is important that a courier has good communication skills so that he can verify the delivery of the package or speak to the customer for directions. Courier person should be fluent in speaking English for delivering packages. If the courier’s native language is not English, he must first pass a test to determine his English writing, reading and speaking skills. In addition, in courier jobs they have to understand the directions, remember them and carry these instructions out.

Couriers spend most of the day making deliveries, which allows them to work without much supervision. This job is physically demanding as many couriers use bicycles to ride from location to location even during traffic and bad weather conditions. Most couriers work a standard week of Monday through Friday, though night and weekend shifts may be required.