Working as a motorcycle courier
Motorbike couriers collect and deliver small items, often within a town or city but sometimes on much longer trips. They need to know their area well so they can make their journeys as efficiently and safely as possible.
If you want to become a courier, as well as being a skilled motorbike rider and having good customer-service skills you’ll need to be
- fit and healthy
- trustworthy and discreet
- methodical and organised
- self-motivated and able to use your initiative
- prepared to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
Couriers usually work 40–48 hours a week, although hours might vary. Earnings usually range from £12,000 to £22,000 a year in large cities.
If you work as a self-employed courier, you’ll need to provide your own
- motorcycle (at least 200 cc)
- fuel, courier insurance, vehicle tax and MOT (if appropriate)
- safety clothing and a helmet.
If you’re employed by a courier company, it may provide you with equipment such as a fluorescent jacket, a bag and a top box. Some companies rent motorbikes to couriers, have 'hire to buy' schemes or provide motorbikes as part of a bonus scheme.
To get started as a motorbike courier, you’ll need to be at least 17 years old and have a motorbike licence. Employers may prefer to hire riders who are over 21 years because of the insurance costs.
Most training is carried out on the job; if you do an external training course, you can work towards NVQ/SVQ Level 2 in Carry and Deliver Goods.