Job market information
Finding out about the courier industry
The courier industry is part of the logistics sector, represented by the Skills for Logistics Sector Skills Council, which also includes: air freight; road haulage; storage and warehousing; wholesaling; freight forwarding; and the postal services. Logistics is the movement and supply of all goods (or freight) from raw materials, through all stages of the manufacturing process to the delivery of the finished product to companies and consumers. This is known as the ‘supply chain.’ Nearly 2,320,000 people work in the logistics sector, which accounts to 8% of the UK workforce. It has been estimated that the logistics sector is worth £86.54 billion to the UK economy.
Couriers, or dispatch riders, collect items, such as packages, documents and messages, and deliver them to customers. Normally couriers work in and around larger towns and cities, although there is work on cross‐country deliveries. On a daily basis, couriers collect the schedule of pick‐up points and delivery addresses from their depot. They plan routes and sort packages into order of dropping‐off points. They need to find the quickest route to delivery addresses and sign for packages that they pick up. They also take signatures when delivering them. Couriers usually drive a van or ride a motorcycle, but in some larger cities cycle couriers are usual.
Key facts:
- There are 90,100 people working in the courier industry, which equates to 5% of the logistics workforce in the UK.
- There are around 10,800 workplaces across the UK in the industry.
Jobs in the industry range from: courier, motorcycle courier, van driver.
Entry and progression
There are no formal requirements or qualifications required to become a courier, but employers tend to look for good English and maths skills. Candidates normally have to be over 17, although some employers may prefer candidates to be over 21years and 25 years for van drivers, as insurance premiums are cheaper. A basic knowledge of vehicle maintenance could be an advantage, and foreign language skills could be useful if your job involves overseas deliveries.
There are a range of industry endorsed courses and foundation degrees, vocational qualifications, apprenticeships and training schemes available to those wishing to enter the industry. LGV and Van drivers require the relevant licences.
For job specific entry requirements, take a look at our job profiles.
Workforce statistics
| Number of UK employees: |
90,100 |
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| Number of UK employers: |
10,800 |
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| [N.B. The following data are for the logistics sector as a whole.] |
| Gender: |
74% male |
26% female |
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| Ethnicity: |
9% of the workforce is from a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic background . |
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| Age: |
11% of workforce is 16‐24 years |
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| 48% 25‐44 years |
| 41% is over 45 years |
| Education: |
47% of the workforce has a below NVQ Level 2 qualification. |
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| 17% a Level 2 qualification. |
| 36% above Level 2 qualification. |
[N.B. Data derived from Annual Population Survey, 2008.]
Employment trends and future prospects
Working Futures III projects that 843,600 additional workers will be required to work in the logistics sector by 2017. Considerable demand will be seen for managers (169,200), customer service positions (132,100) as well as for transport and machine operatives (107,600).
In recent years, there has been a general shortage, particularly of motorcycle couriers, in the South East and inner London. The industry remains relatively stable and courier opportunities exist throughout the UK in most major cities. The West Midlands and the South East have the greatest number of couriers. There has been an increase in delivery opportunities recently, partly due to the growth of online shopping.
Skill requirements and shortages
Skills shortages within the courier industry, includes: IT skills; knowledge of health and safety procedures; numeracy skills; customer care skills; and team working skills.
Occupational trends
There are no data on occupational trends by industry. The following data are for the logistics sector as a whole.
For the logistics sector as a whole, all occupational groups are expected to have an increase in the total requirements, including:
- 20% (150,000) in managerial or senior official positions
- 16% (117,000) in sales and customer services roles
- over 54,000 in skilled trades occupations, this replacement demand is due to the ageing workforce – 51% are over the age of 45 years
Logistics sector occupational distribution
| Other goods handling and storage occupations (i.e. Warehouse operatives) |
378,100 |
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| Large (heavy) goods vehicle drivers |
312,900 |
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| Post workers, mail sorter, messenger or couriers |
200,800 |
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| Van drivers |
202,200 |
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| Transport and distribution managers |
85,200 |
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| Storage and warehouse managers |
75,100 |
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| Transport and distribution clerks |
67,500 |
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| Other occupations |
1,001,500 |
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[N.B. Data derived from Annual Population Survey, 2008.]
National and regional data
East Midlands – 156,600 employees work within the logistics sector in the region. Of these 6,800 people work in the courier industry, which equates to 4% of the logistics workforce in the East Midlands.
East of England – 186,700 workers are employed in the logistics sector in the East of England, of these 10,800 work in the courier industry. This is 6% of the logistics workforce in the region.
London – 178,800 employees work in logistics in London. In this region 9,100 people work in the courier industry, which accounts for 5% of the logistics workforce in the region.
North East – The logistics sector employs 55,000 workers in the North East, of these, 1,900 are employed in courier. This is 3% of the logistics workforce in the region.
North West – 193,400 workers are employed in the logistics sector in the North West, of these 8,500 are employed in the courier industry. Courier employment accounts for 4% of the logistics workforce in the region.
South East – 256,300 employees work in logistics in the region. The courier industry employs 12,500 employees, which equates to 5% of the logistics workforce in the South East.
South West – 135,100 employees work within the logistics sector in this region. Of these 8,000 people work in courier, which equates to 6% of the logistics workforce in the South West.
West Midlands – The logistics sector employs 187,500 in the West Midlands, of these 15,100 are employed in the courier industry. This is 8% of the logistics workforce in the region.
Yorkshire and the Humber – 158,100 workers are employed in the logistics sector in the region. 8,000 of these individuals work in the courier industry. This is 5% of the logistics workforce in the region.
Northern Ireland – There is an estimated 900 people working in courier activities in around 175 workplaces.
Scotland – There is an estimated 5,800 employees in courier activities, accounting for 5% of the logistics sector, in around 600 workplaces.
Wales – There is an estimated 4,100 employees in courier activities, accounting for 7% of the logistics sector, in around 300 workplaces.
[N.B. Data derived from Annual Population Survey, 2008, Annual Business Inquiry, 2007 and Inter‐Departmental Business Register, 2007.]
Salary levels
Annual salaries in the industry range from:
- Courier – starting around £11,500 to £13,000, rising to between £14,000 and £20,000 with experience. Motorcycle couriers in the London area can earn up to £23,000, although part of this will be taken up by fuel, insurance and equipment costs. Many companies offer bonuses for full attendance and/or delivering a certain number of items.
- Motorcycle Courier – most couriers work on a self‐employed basis, with the rates of pay negotiated between the dispatch company and the courier. Income varies from day to day. In large cities, earnings range from between £10,000 and £20,000. In London, experienced riders may earn up to £25,000.
- Van Driver – between £12,000 and £20,000 a year. Some employers offer bonuses for attendance or for reaching work targets.
Career paths
Further sources
Produced Sept 2010, using Skills for Logistics AACS LMI report (Jun 2010)
