What does a Courier do?

Couriers offer on-demand delivery services where they pick up a package from point A and deliver it to point B. They usually drive motor vehicles, but some couriers use bicycles, such as in large cities where a bike makes it easier to get through traffic. Dispatchers typically send 563693865medical courier19.31fedex7.51delivery driver7.22courier5.14driver3.09136067713474417.2520.6241.00HOURLY689559092025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Couriers to the pickup locations, where they collect the items and any special delivery instructions. They then take the package to the recipient, where they might need to collect payment or have the recipient sign for the delivery. Some Couriers have regular routes, such as Medical Couriers who visit certain Doctor’s offices to collect medical samples on a daily basis and take them to a lab. Others have different customers every day.

Courier skills and qualifications

Courier careers require a set of skills and qualifications to be successful, including:

• Reliability and trustworthiness
• Punctuality, time management and a sense of urgency
• Strong communication skills
• Good customer service skills
• Clean driving record
• Ability to move and deliver the items to the recipient
• Strict adherence to safety rules, driving laws, scheduled routes and other guidelines
• Strong organizational skills

Courier experience requirements

Many 563693865medical courier19.31fedex7.51delivery driver7.22courier5.14driver3.09136067713474417.2520.6241.00HOURLY689559092025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Courier positions are entry-level jobs that don’t require previous experience. New Couriers gain experience on the job. Some companies might require a year or more of experience, especially for positions like Medical Couriers that require more sensitivity and care.

Courier education and training requirements

Courier careers usually don’t have any formal education or training requirements. Most positions only require a high school diploma. Applicants might need a driver’s license if the position involves driving a motor vehicle instead of a bike. Some companies might require a commercial driver’s license if the delivery vehicle is large enough to warrant it.

Job description samples for similar positions

If you’re looking for job descriptions for other related positions, consider these options:

• Delivery Driver
• Mail Carrier
• City Carrier Assistant
• Package Handler

Courier job description FAQs

What is the difference between a Courier and a Delivery Driver?

Couriers and Delivery Drivers both get packages to where they belong, but a Courier typically makes one delivery at a time. They pick the item up from the sender and take it directly to the recipient. A Delivery Driver for a major shipping company picks up a truck full of packages from the company’s central loading area and delivers them along a route to the recipients. Couriers typically get to have more interactions with customers and can get to know them well if they work with the same clients frequently. Delivery Drivers typically don’t interact with customers or get to know them.

Do Couriers have different responsibilities in different industries?

The items being delivered and any precautions that need to be taken can vary by industry. For example, a Medical Courier has to ensure lab samples stay safe and patient information remains confidential. The deliveries will typically go from one medical facility to another instead of to a private residence. When working for a legal firm or financial institution, confidentiality is also essential. These deliveries typically involve paperwork instead of larger packages. The main difference between industries is the type of items being delivered, which can affect how much care, attention and paperwork go into the delivery.

What qualities make a good Courier?

A good Courier is thorough and efficient to ensure packages are delivered on time. They take pride in protecting the items they deliver and do what it takes to get them to their destination in the same condition they received the items. Being good with people is a key quality, since Couriers interact with customers on the sending and receiving ends of the transaction. A good sense of direction and the ability to follow directions are important for Couriers to find their destinations quickly. Successful Couriers appreciate variety and can handle dealing with fast-paced deliveries.

How can you make your Courier job description stand out?

When hiring a Courier, use your job description to highlight your company’s branding and what makes it unique. If your company specializes in a certain delivery niche, mention this in the job description. Specify the type of vehicles or transportation you use, so prospective job applicants know if it’s a match for what they want to drive. Include information on special perks, bonuses and training you offer to make your job description stand out from your competitors.