Why We Love It
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$29,130Potential Avg. Salary
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5.2%Job Growth Rate
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Growing DemandJob Outlook
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Fast Paced CareerCareer Attribute
Mail and document couriers provide expedited delivery of packages and documents. They pick up and transport deliveries from one location to another, and they collect signatures and other information from individuals receiving deliveries. They may use a variety of vehicles to transport deliveries.
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What is a Mail & Document Courier?
The following job responsibilities are common for individuals in mail and document courier roles:
- Pick up packages and mail from individuals, businesses, and facilities
- Deliver packages to recipients, possibly using a variety of vehicles for transport, including bikes, trucks, and planes
- Collect signatures and other information from individuals receiving deliveries
- Ensure safety of items during transport
A Day in the Life
Mail and document couriers are distinguished from normal postal service operations by the expediency with which deliveries can be retrieved and delivered. Mail and document couriers are called in to transport items quickly, or to ensure that items are delivered to the correct recipient. For example, lawyers and sheriffs may employ document couriers to deliver paperwork to individuals who need to appear in court but are avoiding the notice to appear. In these cases, document couriers may need to employ techniques to identify the recipient and convince them to sign for receiving the document.
In other cases, mail and document couriers may work for delivery services like FedEx, DHL, or UPS. Mail and document couriers in these positions transport important documents and packages that have been submitted for expedited delivery. Often, these types of deliveries are picked up from a hub facility and delivered using a company truck. Additionally, rather than simply dropping packages off on a recipient’s doorstep, these couriers may need to get additional information from recipients, like a signature, name, and/or fingerprint.
Mail and document couriers may use a variety of vehicles to transport expedited packages. They may drive a personal or company car or truck, they may make deliveries on foot, on a bike, or on a motorcycle, or they may travel on a commercial airline to make deliveries across long distances. The type of delivery methods used typically depend on the type of employer a courier works for. Some employers may only offer local deliveries, while some specialized services may accept any requests—generally at high prices.
Typical Work Schedule
Most mail and document courier roles are full-time jobs, though some couriers may work part-time hours. Because deliveries need to be made all hours of the day, all days of the week, couriers may need to work any shifts, any days of the week, and may also need to be on-call at times.
Typical Employers
Many mail and document couriers work for the major U.S. delivery corporations like FedEx, UPS, and DHL. Others may work for smaller courier services that operate exclusively in a local area. Additionally, some couriers may be self-employed and offer their services on a freelance basis.
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How To Become a Mail & Document Courier
For many employers, a high school diploma is a sufficient amount of education for mail and document couriers. A clean driving record is important, however, and professional experience as a delivery driver may be helpful as well. The experience as a delivery driver does not necessarily need to be in mail or document delivery. Even experience delivering pizzas can show employers that you’re adept at navigating local roads and traffic patterns and able to drive in varying weather conditions.
For some employers, a commercial driver’s license may be required if making deliveries using a company vehicle. Additionally, couriers may need to load and unload their own trucks, so it may be beneficial to be licensed to operate a forklift. This training and licensure may be provided by the employer on the job, but having the necessary credentials before applying can make aspiring mail and document couriers more desirable candidates when applying for open roles.
For couriers who want to work on a self-employed, freelance basis, having a large network of potential customers and marketing skills is crucial in securing work. Many individuals take college courses in business and marketing in order to refine their skills, and may pursue a bachelor’s degree, associate’s degree, or college certificate that leads to the development of important skills that are needed to operate a business.
Mail & Document Courier Salary Data
We’ve provided you the following to learn more about this career. The salary and growth data on this page comes from recently published Bureau of Labor Statistics data while the recommendations and editorial content are based on our research.
National Anual Salary
Low Range
$21,670Average
$29,130High Range
$43,740National Hourly Wage
Low Range
$10/hrAverage
$14/hrHigh Range
$21/hrHow do Mail & Document Courier salaries stack up to other jobs across the country? Based on the latest jobs data nationwide, Mail & Document Courier's can make an average annual salary of $29,130, or $14 per hour. This makes it an Above Average Salary. On the lower end, they can make $21,670 or $10 per hour, perhaps when just starting out or based on the state you live in.
Salary Rankings And Facts
#716 Nationally for All Careers
Highest Education Among Mail & Document Couriers
- 0.3% Doctorate
- 1.6% Masters
- 11.5% Bachelors
- 10% Associates
- 32.2% College
- 36.8% High School
- 7.5% Less than High School
Job Growth Projections and Forecast
2014 Total Jobs
92,9002024 Est. Jobs
97,700Job Growth Rate
5.2%Est. New Jobs
4,800How does Mail & Document Courier job growth stack up to other jobs across the country? By 2024, there will be a change of 4,800 jobs for a total of 97,700 people employed in the career nationwide. This is a 5.2% change in growth over the next ten years, giving the career a growth rate nationwide of Below Average.
Growth Rankings And Facts
#429 Nationally for All Careers
What Companies Employ The Most Mail & Document Couriers
| Industry | Current Jobs | New Jobs Needed | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed workers | 18,200 | -600 | -1% |
| Local messengers and local delivery | 10,300 | 400 | 0% |
| Medical and diagnostic laboratories | 9,600 | 3,300 | 3% |
