Rationale

The rapid delivery of good to business and domestic premises has emerged as a vital business activity in the UK economy.  Enabled by the internet, a range of business to business and retail services have emerged; from the delivery of legal document to grocery delivery, these all share the need for accurate, rapid delivery of goods combined with high levels of customer service. The sector continues to grow and mature with increasing use of technology to manage and track deliveries and increasing demands on individual couriers to be able to deal with and provide services to customers. Courier services are no longer confined to major cities; companies and individuals all every part of the country now rely on fast, safe and reliable courier services. While Courier services are now provided by large, multinational companies, it remains a sector with a strong SME presence and this is often where service innovation originates.

Field of activity

Courier companies deploy a range of vehicles to provide these services, from pedal cycles to LGVs, so the role of 'courier' is no longer synonymous with motor cycles.  Deliveries are often carried out by a team of two, so 'couriers' are not always vehicle drivers. Their work is carried out in two main areas, Home Delivery of household goods and foodstuff and Same Day Delivery of mail and parcels.

Occupational Skills

Couriers are involved in loading vehicles in a manner appropriate to the goods and the delivery schedule. They need to understand the delivery schedule and be able to implement a delivery route taking account of traffic and other parameters.  They are responsible for the maintaining the condition of goods throughout the delivery. They must communicate with colleagues and customers during the delivery, particularly if problems occur.  They must complete paperwork or use IT systems to record deliveries and obtain customer authorisation as required.  They may be required to place goods into customer premises.

Couriers - Home Delivery

• Courier Driver - drive the vehicle within the law, safely and fuel efficiently, park the vehicle in a safe place, secure the vehicle, high level of customer service, delivery into the home, operate routing and tracking systems, complete paperwork, communicate with colleagues.
• Courier Deliverer - assist with route planning, lead the delivery of goods, secure the vehicle , high level of customer service, delivery into the home, operate routing and tracking systems, complete paperwork, communicate with colleagues

Couriers - Same Day Delivery

• Courier Driver - drive the vehicle within the law, safely and fuel efficiently, park the vehicle in a safe place, secure the vehicle,  operate routing and tracking systems, complete paperwork, communicate with colleagues.
• Courier Deliverer - assist with route planning, lead the delivery of goods, secure the vehicle ,  operate routing and tracking systems, complete paperwork, communicate with colleagues