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Courier, Driver, Package Handler
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
Messengers and couriers have overlapping duties. Messengers typically move documents from one location to another over short distances. Couriers do this also, in addition to small parcels, often over farther distances. Messengers are usually same day, while couriers may also involve multiday transportation.
Government messengers and couriers pick up and deliver mail on scheduled routes. They also:
Messengers employed in large businesses have duties similar to those in government. They may operate postage meters, envelope sealers, or simple duplicating machines. They may oversee a stockroom. Bank messengers collect and deliver cheques, securities, mail, and other items.
Couriers work for or are contracted by delivery businesses providing letter, package, and freight pickup and delivery services on short notice or prescheduled runs. They generally operate vehicles, ranging from small cars and vans to five-ton trucks. They may need to complete paperwork detailing their activities. Some messengers in congested urban areas walk or use bicycles in the downtown core or during peak seasons.
In general, messengers and couriers use radio dispatch or cellular communication systems to keep in touch with dispatchers. They may be required to lift heavy packages weighing up to 32 kg (70 lbs) unassisted. They use equipment to move heavier items. This is most often an outdoor job. Couriers should expect to work in all kinds of weather.
Most office messengers work regular office hours. However, some commercial companies require messengers to work shifts, including early mornings or late evenings. Couriers who work on a contract basis sometimes work 12-hour days.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in copying information to keep records of delivery transactions using delivery information acquisition devices
Interest in handling to deliver newspapers, flyers, handbills, telephone directories and similar items to residences and businesses, and to hand-deliver mail to addressees within an organization and to establishments by walking or cycling
Interest in assisting customers by picking up and delivering messages, letters, envelopes, parcels, airline tickets, legal documents, packages, cheques, bonds, securities and other items
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Messengers and couriers need:
Couriers must be able to read maps and locate addresses efficiently. They should enjoy variety and working with little direction from others.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 11 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 25, 2021 and Nov 21, 2023.
Review these skills to learn:
| Work under pressure | 8 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Deliver and pick up messages, parcels, and other items by hand | 8 |
| Computer Systems: Valid driver's licence | 7 |
| Work Setting: Courier company | 7 |
| Construction Specialization: Reliability | 7 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 7 |
| Construction Specialization: Dependability | 7 |
| Construction Specialization: Flexibility | 7 |
| Attention to detail | 7 |
| Tasks: Follow directions and read map | 7 |
There are no standard minimum education requirements in this occupation. However, employers may require applicants to have a high school diploma and be computer literate.
Messengers and couriers who operate vehicles must have an appropriate, valid driver’s licence. Employers require a minimum period of driving experience and a clear driving record.
Couriers must have no criminal record (often they must be “bondable” as they may be required to enter bonded warehouses). They should have a good knowledge of the city in which they wish to work. Those hired on a contract basis must own a dependable vehicle and may be required to pay for insurance and cargo bond licensing.
Depending on the industry, training related to handling or transporting dangerous goods may be required.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Messengers and couriers work for large businesses, governments, and private courier companies. Couriers must be acceptable to an insurance company as law-abiding, responsible persons (bondable).
Couriers may be employees or self-employed contract workers. Where couriers work on a contract basis, the company may provide communication equipment, uniforms, and documents. Other courier companies provide vehicles and pay an hourly wage. In some organizations, employees are represented by a union.
Couriers may start out doing general delivery from a call board. They may progress to more regular or dedicated routes when they have demonstrated that they are responsible and reliable. Without further education, opportunities to advance may be limited.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 1513: Couriers, messengers and door-to-door distributors occupational group, 79.1% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 1513: Couriers, messengers and door-to-door distributors occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 58 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Updated Mar 23, 2023. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
