Couriers and Messengers

Career summary

Couriers and messengers may also be called delivery persons, bike messengers, or bike or cycle couriers.

Couriers and messengers typically work in cities and small local regions. They are used when overnight mail service is not fast enough. They are also used when electronic methods of delivery are not practical.

Couriers and messengers use many forms of transportation, such as:

• Bicycles
• Cars
• Public transportation
• Trucks
• Walking

Couriers and messengers receive instructions by phone, radio, or in person. Couriers pick up and deliver the item to the specified person or address. Usually the person receiving the item signs a form saying they received it. Couriers keep detailed records of all deliveries made. After completing a delivery, couriers check with their office to get instructions for the next job.

Many businesses use couriers and messengers. Law firms and banks use couriers to deliver papers. Architects use couriers to send building plans. Laboratories use couriers to pick up and deliver medical samples.

Some couriers and messengers carry items only for their employer. They deliver items to other people or departments in a company. Other couriers work for services that make deliveries throughout a city or region. They charge a fee for each delivery.

Couriers and messengers must keep their cars or bicycles in good working order.

Related careers

This career is part of the Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Baggage Porters and Bellhops
• Light Truck Drivers
• Mail Carriers
• Mail Clerks
• Parking Enforcement Officers
• Route Salespeople
• Taxi Drivers and Chauffeurs

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to couriers and messengers.

• Pick up, unload, and sort items collected on delivery routes.
• Load vehicles with goods to be delivered, making sure items are packed correctly and carefully.
• Receive instructions for picking up items to be delivered. Plan the most efficient delivery route.
• Walk, ride bicycle, or drive to delivery destinations. Deliver items to recipients.
• Obtain signatures and payment for items when they are delivered.
• Keep records of items received and delivered.
• Maintain bike or delivery vehicle.
• May perform routine office work, like sorting mail and answering telephones.
• Check in with home offices to confirm delivery.

Common work activities

Couriers and messengers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Get information needed to do the job
• Document and record information
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Handle and move objects
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Evaluate information against standards

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, couriers and messengers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a high level of social contact. They work with clients and coworkers throughout each workday.
• Communicate daily in person and via cell phone. They also communicate by e-mail, but less often.
• Interact with people who might be unpleasant or rude on a weekly basis.
• Often work as part of a team.
• Are somewhat responsible for the safety of coworkers.
• Are responsible for the work done by other messengers.

Physical work conditions

• Work outdoors on a daily basis, when riding bikes or walking to make deliveries. They may also work indoors, inside large buildings.
• Work in an enclosed vehicle, such as a truck or van, on a daily basis.
• Are exposed to hot and cold temperatures due to weather on a regular basis.
• Are sometimes exposed to contaminants, such as air pollution from heavy traffic.
• Are exposed to noise levels and sounds that may be distracting, such as car and truck horns.
• May wear safety or protective attire, such as bike helmets.
• Work near other people, especially when physically delivering objects.

Work performance

• Must fully complete their work so that all deliveries are made.
• Make decisions that affect others on a daily basis. They rarely consult a supervisor before deciding a course of action, such as a delivery route.
• Set most of their daily tasks and goals without talking to a supervisor first.
• Must meet strict daily deadlines.

Hours/travel

• Usually work during business hours.
• May work in evenings or on weekends.
• May work part time or full time. Most work full time.

Physical demands

Couriers and messengers frequently:

• Sit for long periods of time.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.

It is important for couriers and messengers to be able to:

• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Determine the distance between objects.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for couriers and messengers to be able to:

• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.
• See objects in very low light.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.

Skills and abilities

Couriers and messengers need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Understand written information.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.
• Read and understand work-related materials.

Reason and problem solve

• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

• Look for ways to help people.

Perceive and visualize

• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study to consider

• Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
• Office Support
• Truck and Bus Driving

Training

To work as a courier or messenger, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• complete short-term, on-the-job training; and
• have a driver's license if operating a vehicle.

Education after high school

No formal education is required for this occupation beyond high school.

On-the-job training

Couriers and messengers receive training on the job. Training generally lasts a few days or few weeks.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Driver Education
• Physical Education

Many couriers and messengers are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:

• Accounting
• Entrepreneurship
• Introduction to Business

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Many employers prefer people who are at least 16 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. If using a car, a courier or messenger must also have a valid driver's license and good driving record. Some employers require couriers and messengers to use their own cars or bicycles.

Employers look for people who are dependable and able to work without a lot of supervision. Couriers and messengers must be in good physical shape, especially those who deliver by bicycle. Couriers and messengers often work in heavy traffic and must be able to drive or bicycle safely under pressure.

Some employers may require workers to pass a criminal background check and drug test.

#Worksource Spokane Courier position advertised 3/6/12 cj.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Couriers and Messengers 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

The minimum wage for Washington State as of January 1, 2020 is $13.50 per hour. Some areas of the state may have a higher minimum wage.

Wages vary by region of the country and the worker's level of responsibility.

Couriers and messengers who work full time usually receive benefits. Common benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Self-employed couriers and messengers must provide their own insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

Most positiodns in Washington are located in the metropolitan areas, such as Seattle and Spokane.

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

About 22% of couriers and messengers are self-employed.

Major employers:

• Courier services
• Messenger services
• Legal services
• Medical laboratories

Couriers and messengers who use bicycles work mainly in larger cities.

National outlook

Job growth is expected to be slower than average for this occupation. Couriers and messengers will be used to deliver items such as medical samples and building plans. They will also continue to be used to deliver packages and other large items. 

Opportunities should be best for those who deliver sensitive items, such as medical samples. Individuals with strong customer service skills will have the best opportunities.

Other resources

International Federation of Bike Messenger Associations 

References

Career cluster

• Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Couriers and Messengers (43-5021.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupations

• Caller (215.563-010) 
• Deliverer, Merchandise (299.477-010) 
• Deliverer, Outside (230.663-010) 
• Messenger, Copy (239.677-010) 
• Office Helper (239.567-010) 
• Route Aide (239.687-010) 
• Tube Operator (239.687-014) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Conventional/Enterprising

COPSystem

• Clerical