Couriers and Messengers - 43-5021.00

O*NET-SOC Description

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

DOT Titles Included in this O*NET-SOC Code

  • Caller
  • Deliverer, Merchandise
  • Deliverer, Outside
  • Messenger, Copy
  • Office Helper
  • Route Aide
  • Tube Operator

Sample of Occupations in this SOC Family

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Call by telephone in order to deliver verbal messages.
  • Check with home offices after completed deliveries, in order to confirm deliveries and collections and to receive instructions for other deliveries.
  • Collect, seal, and stamp outgoing mail, using postage meters and envelope sealers.
  • Deliver messages and items, such as newspapers, documents, and packages, between establishment departments, and to other establishments and private homes.
  • Load vehicles with listed goods, ensuring goods are loaded correctly and taking precautions with hazardous goods.
  • Obtain signatures and payments, or arrange for recipients to make payments.
  • Open, sort, and distribute incoming mail.
  • Perform general office or clerical work such as filing materials, operating duplicating machines, or running errands.
  • Perform routine maintenance on delivery vehicles, such as monitoring fluid levels and replenishing fuel.
  • Plan and follow the most efficient routes for delivering goods.
  • 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.
  • Record information, such as items received and delivered and recipients' responses to messages.
  • Sort items to be delivered according to the delivery route.
  • Unload and sort items collected along delivery routes.
  • Unload goods from large trucks, and load them onto smaller delivery vehicles.
  • Walk, ride bicycles, drive vehicles, or use public conveyances in order to reach destinations to deliver messages or materials.

Detailed Work Activities

  • carry messages or packages
  • collect payment
  • deliver or obtain mail, messages, records, food or other items
  • distribute correspondence or mail
  • drive automobile, van, or light truck
  • maintain records, reports, or files
  • provide customer service
  • provide customer service in postal or mail service setting
  • service vehicle with water, fuel, or oil
  • use oral or written communication techniques
  • use two-way radio or mobile phone