Couriers and Messengers

Also called : Courier, Driver, Laboratory Courier, Mail Carrier, Mail Clerk, Mailroom Courier, Messenger, Security Messenger, Transporter, Vehicle Delivery Worker

What they do

Pick up and deliver messages, documents, packages, and other items between offices or departments within an establishment or directly to other business concerns, traveling by foot, bicycle, motorcycle, automobile, or public conveyance.

On the job, one would

Deliver and pick up medical records, lab specimens, and medications to and from hospitals and other medical facilities.

Obtain signatures and payments, or arrange for recipients to make payments.

Record information, such as items received and delivered and recipients' responses to messages.

Receive messages or materials to be delivered, and information on recipients, such as names, addresses, telephone numbers, and delivery instructions, communicated via telephone, two-way radio, or in person.

Load vehicles with listed goods, ensuring goods are loaded correctly and taking precautions with hazardous goods.

KNOWLEDGE

Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Transportation
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

SKILLS

Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Time Management
Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

ABILITIES

Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Far Vision
The ability to see details at a distance.

Multilimb Coordination
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.

Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

PERSONALITY

People interested in this work, will do well at jobs that need;

Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.

Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.

Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.

Concern for Others
Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.

Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.

Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.

Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

Related Occupations

Security Guards

Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks

TECHNOLOGY

Office suite software

Route navigation software

Spreadsheet software

Word processing software

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Preparation
Some Preparation Needed
Education
High school diploma.
Experience
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed.
Jobtraining
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.