Letters, packages and documents for organizational or individual clients are transported by couriers. In many metro areas where private and public businesses as well as professionals depend on same-day delivery of messages, courier systems are very common. Although the Bureau of Labor Statistics states that most employers prefer at least a high school diploma, no formal education is required. It is common to receive training while on the job and generally a vehicle or bicycle is required. Here are a few key qualities that make for a good candidate to a position as a courier.

Excellent Directional and Routing Skills

Transporting packages from a sender to their receiver is the primary function is a courier. Being as most shipments or packages are time sensitive, success hinges on efficiency. Therefore, a strong level of directional skill is needed by couriers to compliment familiarity with neighbourhoods and local roads. Portable GPS devices are used by many couriers to map routes, however knowing the areas that they cover definitely helps them to work around trouble areas easily as well as avoid any wrong turns.

Outstanding Skills In Service

Package or document delivery is service business. This is why it is crucial for couriers to have excellent people skills and customer service. The time you spend with paying clients as well as clients who are recipients is ample. Not only do they expect timely delivery, they also expect knowledge of service procedures and payments, assistance with problems as well as a reasonable level of friendliness.  There are times in which your delivery process will have to be slowed down to answer the questions a sender or receiver may have or to wait for package preparation. An attitude with office staff that is pleasant, goes a long way with client retention.

Experienced WIth Effective Record Keeping

Generally couriers are responsible for keeping track of the delivery records on all of the runs they make. This starts with the logging of the client’s name, phone number and address for service records, it also includes collecting as well as recording all payments. Normally you may also have to request the recipients signatures as well as note the time of delivery in case any issues or questions arise. For self-employed couriers who work as contractors delivering packages for various clients, there is even further attention to detail that is required in order to keep proper records of revenues and expenses for tax reporting purposes.

Insurance

A good courier will have the right courier insurance, so if anything happens or they come across some form of difficulty they will be insured. There are all sorts of insurance, everything from goods in transit to insurance for their courier vehicles.

Efficient Time Management 

Efficient time management skills are a must for couriers. Being as employers only use the amount if couriers the need to keep up with regular demand, they rarely ever have downtime. Therefore, throughout the day you will constantly take and run orders. There are cases in which an urgent call may come in requiring that there be delivery in an hour or even less. For couriers who walk or bike, a certain amount of stamina and physical fitness is also needed to make timely deliveries.