Will Courier Jobs Increase in the 21st Century?

Those working in courier jobs will already know the challenges and demands that always come as part and parcel (forgive the pun) of this profession. However there is good reason to look into the future to see if this trend is set to continue.

Let’s do just that now and discover what the future could hold for delivery workers of all kinds. We could be on a path that is almost inevitable in its certainty.

The rise and rise of Internet shopping

We can expect there to be more availability of courier jobs as we progress into the future, simply because Internet shopping shows no signs of abating. Indeed, quite the opposite is true. More people are discovering the many perks of Internet shopping and this, in turn, means more parcels will need to be delivered across the country. This is undoubtedly good news for drivers who are looking to make a long career out of the profession.

Demanding more convenience

As we lead ever-busier lives, something has to give somewhere. The easier it is to buy things without worrying about where to get them, where to park and how much time it will take us, the better things will be.

Buying online is convenient for many people. Think of those who are housebound for some reason, for example. They know they can order whatever they like and then simply wait for it to be delivered to their door. It is certainly easier and more convenient than going out to shop for it in many cases. This doesn’t apply to everyone of course, but it does seem relevant in many situations. Some people even have their orders delivered to their workplace instead of to their homes, so they are guaranteed to be in when the driver calls.

Better technology means a better service

Courier jobs nowadays are very different to how they used to be. Some companies provide a lot more information to their customers. For example, some send a text on the day of the delivery giving an hour long time slot during which the driver will arrive; this is far easier than waiting in all day and not knowing what time it will turn up.

If more companies can provide a similar service more people are likely to use them as a result. This is particularly the case when it comes to being able to track a delivery online. The best services offer real time tracking so the customer can see where they are on the list of work for that day.

To answer the question in the title then, it must, indeed, be the case that delivery workers will get busier as time goes on. This is good news for anyone doing courier jobs and the industry as a whole.

Norman Dulwich is a correspondent for Courier Exchange, the world's largest neutral trading hub for same day courier jobs in the express freight exchange industry. Over 2,500 transport exchange businesses are networked together through their website, trading jobs and capacity in a safe 'wholesale' environment.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.