In 2006, Careerplanner estimated a total of 134,000 messengers and couriers serving the industry. What's the outlook like for 2006 - 2016? According to Career Planner, "Employment will remain unchanged because of the wide-spread use of electronic information-handling technologies." This may be the truth, but it's not the whole truth-not all messenger couriers are employees.
Recent estimates approximate that 19% of the industry is serviced by owner-operators and independent contractors. The majority of messenger and courier services rely on owner operators instead of employees. Though most owner-operators work primarily with one company, they may choose to provide services for multiple companies. These independent contractors own their vehicles, schedule their own hours, and expand their business as they wish.
Messenger companies provide full service 5 days a week. As a result, messenger-couriers tend to work as many hours as they can during the week to maximize their earnings. Anyone interested in delivery opportunities within the industry should visit multiple courier services. A company's hiring process is often indicative of the caliber of the service they provide. Quality companies treat hiring an independent contractor with the same scrutiny as hiring a permanent employee. Your appearance, your manner, and your attitude are major considerations. After all, you will be interacting directly with the service's customer base. Nobody is looking to hire couriers with a poor attitude or unprofessional appearance. Remember: you only have one chance to make a good first impression. The best messenger services will require drug testing and a background check before they're willing to work with you. If they do not, it's unlikely to be a reputable service.
Messenger companies are also required by law to maintain a copy of your Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) as proof that you're a safe and responsible driver. Never work with a company that neglects to check your MVR; the safety record of the company can jeopardize the entire organization, leading to shutdown for noncompliance to DOT standards.
Another important consideration when looking for a messenger or courier company is the people you'll be working with. How do they treat you when you go to meet the manager and the dispatch team? Do they treat you like a person or a number? Good courier companies will treat owner-operators with respect, as business partners working to achieve common goals. Well-established messenger services are likely to have greater financial stability than your smaller 'mom and pop' couriers. This is another important consideration when searching for a service to partner with. Messenger and courier opportunities are available to hard workers who are willing to do their homework. Remember to sell yourself and your services. If you want to grow your courier business, perform the work that is tendered to you and you'll be rewarded with more opportunities.
As a Chicago messenger service, you can partner with one of the largest and most experienced messenger delivery services in the area. We provide customer solutions by offering a variety of transit times and services levels to meet your budget. Local or long distance, immediate or same day delivery, Best Transportation Services is the courier service you can rely on.
