Motorcycle courier

Motorcycle couriers transport urgent or valuable documents and packages from one location to another and ensure their safe delivery. Some employers expect couriers to provide and maintain their own motorcycles.

Also known as:

Despatch rider

Work activities

A motorcycle courier takes letters, packages, documents and other items from one place to another, usually within a specified time. Many couriers provide a desk-to-desk service, so that the delivery is handed to exactly the right person within a company. The couriers receive the details of a delivery job from a controller. They then ride to the customer’s premises to collect the items, which may be fragile or valuable. Often, time is critical. The courier is responsible for the speedy and safe delivery of the items to the destination specified. All deliveries must be signed for. After delivery, the courier uses a phone or radio to find out details of the next job. Sometimes, couriers have to wait for a package to take away with them.

Typical users of courier services include legal firms, advertising companies, music and TV companies and publishers.

Motorcycle couriers work outdoors in all weather conditions. They wear protective clothing and must be aware of road safety issues. They also have to learn where all the streets are in their area, as they will lose time if they get lost.

Personal qualities and skills

To do this job well, you’ll need to be:

Skilled at riding a motorcycle on all types of road and in all different weather conditions.
Happy working on your own.
Good at finding your way around places.
Able to work under pressure.
Trustworthy.
Able to carry out simple repairs to your motorbike.

Pay and opportunities

Couriers earn in the range of £16,500 and £27,000 a year. Couriers in London can earn more.

Working hours may be irregular and include early starts, late finishes, public holidays and weekend work. Part-time work is possible but very unusual. Temporary work is more likely. Overtime may be available. The National Careers Service says hours can range from 20 to 42 hours per week.

A good despatch agency will have plenty of work, so earnings can depend entirely on how quickly and how well riders can find their way around. Couriers travel locally, nationally and even internationally.

Demand for motorcycle couriers is steady.

Employers are private despatch companies and government bodies. Opportunities for motorcycle couriers occur with courier services in towns and cities throughout the UK. Most opportunities are in large cities and particularly in the London area.

Many couriers are self-employed, either setting up their own courier service or working through an agency. Starting out as a self-employed motorcycle courier is expensive - requiring a reliable 250cc + motorcycle, with insurance, protective clothing and maintenance.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on all the major job boards, on the Government’s Find a Job service.

Entry routes and training

All couriers need to be fully qualified motorcyclists. You should apply directly to companies for vacancies. An intermediate apprenticeship as an express delivery operative is a great place to start.

Training is usually provided on-the-job and possibly by short courses. Courses will usually cover things like:

Collection and delivery of goods.
Planning the route.
Working with colleagues.
Customer care.

Experienced couriers can move into administration posts, for example, as a controller. This is a popular job for people who want to be self-employed.

Qualifications

Motorcycle couriers need to have a full motorcycle licence or have a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) qualification, to start training.

If you wish to enter this career through an intermediate apprenticeship, you will need GCSEs in English and maths, although you may be able to complete these alongside your programme.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

A full motorcycle licence is required by despatch companies.

Related careers

Bicycle courier
Chauffeur
Postal worker
Taxi driver
Van driver