Couriers are responsible for distributing packages and documents for institutions, businesses, government agencies, and individuals. They pick up documents and packages from customer´s offices or houses and then deliver them to final destinations within the same area. These workers also deliver important items such as passports, medical specimens, airline tickets, financial documents, donated organs, legal documents, etc. They may work for different types of companies like financial institutions, law firms, banks, and medical laboratories or having their own business.

Couriers usually perform many of the following tasks:
• Receiving assignments by phone, wireless data service, or radio.
• Requesting payments.
• Obtaining signatures from customers.
• Transporting documents.
• Making packages deliveries.

• Having good communication skills.
• Being familiar with the local area.
• Having understanding of traffic patterns.
• Being punctual.
• Having interpersonal skills.
• Being reliable and trustworthy.
• Having good sense of direction.
• Being able to keep basic accounting records.
• Having customer service skills.
• Being able to meet strict deadlines.

Persons who want to work as Couriers need to have a High School Diploma. These jobs do not demand candidates having advanced academic requirements, just suitable skills such as good sense of direction and a good driving record. New employees in this field usually receive on-the-job training with experienced workers for a short period of time. In some cases they need special courses when they must transport sensitive or hazardous packages. Another requirement that applicants must meet is having a valid State driver´s license and a clean driving record.