Couriers are used worldwide to ensure packages and goods get delivered to where they’re meant to be. They can work privately for courier organisations or companies of all sizes. Find out how to become a courier today and discover a flexible, financially rewarding, diverse and future-proof career.

Couriers deliver packages, messages and goods safely around the UK or even overseas. This can include anything from personal letters from goods going from warehouses to stores worldwide, and couriers deliver goods using a range of vehicles, including cars, trucks, or push bikes. Couriers can work privately or for a range of companies, such as Royal Mail, Amazon, Parcelforce, Deliveroo and many more.

The great thing about being a courier is that you can decide to be part of a company or self-employed, and you have the freedom to transport goods locally, nationally or even internationally. Being flexible is great as you can take on a range of jobs, but couriers are always in need. This means that you could choose the jobs which are right for you. You can also become as courier as part of a side-hustle, or as a part-time student job and work around your current schedule by taking on jobs during your free time.

Couriers make an average of £25,000 with entry-level couriers starting on around £20,000 per year. This can go up to £31,000 or more annually after a high level of experience is attained. It’s worth bearing in mind though that salaries can vary significantly depending on demand and the type of goods you’re carrying,

Although you do not need any official qualifications to become a courier you’ll need a driving license if you’re planning to deliver goods by car. 

If you want to gain qualifications to help you get into your career as a courier, you can take apprenticeships or practical courses that will equip you with the practical and theoretical knowledge you need to advance your career as a courier. If you gain a significant amount of experience, you could potentially move into logistics as a career choice by taking part in dedicated courses.

Some of the daily duties of a courier include delivering packages, sticking to delivery schedules, planning routes and taking payments. You will be responsible for carrying goods to and from places within the correct time period, so you will need to ensure you can keep goods secure, navigate effectively and organise your day to ensure all of your deliveries are completed safely.

Couriers need to be punctual, organised and responsible as they are trusted to deliver important goods. Some other skills that are helpful in this career are: