Common Questions About Courier Jobs

There are a number of frequently asked questions about typical courier tasks. Here, we've tried to answer a couple of; remember though that the answers may vary, depending upon your individual state or country.
What's the distinction between a courier and a cargo company?
That's a good question and at times the lines between the two may be a little blurred.
Typically, the former specialize in point-to-point state collection and delivery. By contrast, cargo companies may operate collection, consolidation, haulage, unloading and re-distribution services. Of course, some haulage may demand a single full load also moving point-to-point and a few delivery drivers may transship. It's also often (but not always) the case that the prior specialize in smaller parcels taken via van, motorcycle or even bicycle - perhaps with air transport in between. You won't often hear a motorcycle shipping guy describing themselves as freight haulage specialists or a trucker saying that they do courier tasks!
Can you get international couriers?
Yes, absolutely, however that may mean slightly different things depending upon where you are. Some companies may offer international delivery services that require a fast motorcycle to the airport, airfreight then a fast bike at the other end amassing the parcel for shipping.
Sometimes, if the consignment is of sufficient value to make it cost-effective to do so, it may be accompanied door-to-door all the way even around the globe. Where companies are near an international boundary, cross-border door-to-door accompanied courier jobs may be much more commonplace than they are in, say, areas of the central USA.
Are there certain types of goods that won't be carried?
In practice, some delivery companies may have strict policies that prohibit the carriage of dangerous materials, weapons, live animals and so forth. Some may also refuse to carry materials they regard as being offensive - e.g. possibly tobacco, alcohol or adult material etc..
Why is special packaging occasionally required?
This is a catchy and sometimes controversial issue but it has its roots in logic. Many courier tasks have got into difficulties (spoilages, losses ) due to the shipper using inferior and inappropriate packing or packaging materials. the courier guy related problem sometimes arises because of a shipper failing to accurately declare the dimensions of the item they're shipping.
These types of problems (and others like them) may cause acute difficulties not just in terms of security but also in handling. Examples include vans arriving only to discover that the object is too long to fit safely inside, or cartons being used that are so tiny that they are easily lost if transshipment is called for at a depot handling center. To try and eliminate at least some of these, some companies may insist that customers use standard packing cartons.