Are you looking for a great job where you can ditch the office desk, enjoy time outdoors daily and get regular exercise?
A career as a courier offers just that. This article covers how to become a courier and some of the benefits of the job. So read on to discover what you need to do to prepare for a unique position as a courier driver and where to find the best job.
Have the Basic Education Requirements
If you’re wondering how to become a courier and what kind of education is required, the good news is that only a High School diploma or GED is necessary. Educational requirements might vary slightly depending on the company you’re hoping to join, but for the most part, advanced education isn’t a must.
You’ll also need to have a valid, state-issued driver’s license if you’ll be driving as a courier. There are some courier jobs where you can ride a bicycle, so if you don’t have a license and that’s what you’re interested in as an alternative, be sure to seek out companies that hire bicycle couriers.
Check Up on Your Driving Records
Before you can start applying for a position as a courier, you’ll want to check your driving records to make sure your driving history is clean. If there are several moving violations on your record, chances are most courier employers will be hesitant to consider you.
In order to obtain a copy of your driving records, you need to contact your state DMV and make a request. There are some violations that are more serious than others, so don’t assume that a minor traffic violation in the past will automatically disqualify you for a courier position.
Consider the Area You Hope to Cover
Courier deliveries are frequently time-sensitive in nature. Often a courier service is hired because the sender and/or receiver has some urgent material that they need to be delivered as quickly as possible. If you want to be successful as a courier, you should know your geographic region like the back of your hand.
Know the quickest routes, shortcuts, and backroads. Be aware of how traffic might impact your route or what you can do when the weather bad to ensure your delivery is still made in a timely manner. The best couriers know the area like no one else.
You’ll also need to have good defensive driving techniques and reliable transportation.
Wondering How to Become a Courier? Get in Good Shape!
If you really want a job as a courier, you need to prepare by getting in good physical shape. Couriers spend their days walking, bending, lifting heavy objects, reaching, and sometimes jogging from one place to the next.
Bicyclist couriers pedal all over town. If you’re not in good physical shape, you might find it difficult to get a courier job. But once you are employed as a courier, it’s a great way to get in your daily exercise and stay fit!
Get Some Comfortable Clothing
As a courier, you’ll want to invest in some good, comfortable walking or jogging shoes, even if you’ll be spending much of your time driving. Nothing will slow you down and hurt your time quite like an uncomfortable pair of shoes.
It will also be helpful to find some pants and tops that are lightweight and comfortable. Steer clear of clothing that causes you to sweat easily so you don’t have to show up at your point of delivery with huge stains under your armpits. A good weather-resistant jacket can come in handy for unexpected rain or snow as well.
Begin the Process of Applying for Jobs
Once you’ve prepared yourself physically, have your clean driving record and license, and feel like you know the area well enough to be a speedy courier, it’s time to start applying for jobs with local courier companies.
Each courier company has different expectations for their employees. Some will require you to be able to make deliveries by car, or on foot while others stick to one or the other. You might discover that some companies expect you to use your own vehicle for making deliveries. If this is the case, your employer will expect you to be up-to-date on your car registration. Be sure to ask a potential employer about gas reimbursement if they ask you to use your own car.
Some courier companies provide vehicles for the use of their couriers. This is something you’ll want to discuss before moving forward.
Complete Company Training
Once you’ve found the right courier service to work for, you’ll undergo training. This in-house training will cover all of the company requirements and policies and train you on how to handle different situations and customers.
There will likely be a trial period following your hire to make sure that you’re a good fit for the company and where you can determine if it’s the right fit for you.
Discover Job Opportunities With 10-21 Sunrise
Now that you know how to become a courier, it’s time to check out a courier career with 10-21 Sunrise. Our family-run business takes pride in the team we’ve built. We aim to keep customers happy and our couriers satisfied with their job.
We invite you to contact us and learn more about what it means to be part of the 10-21 Sunrise team. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you find a courier position that you’ll love!