Courier

Elle Halliwell

Name: Robert Madjid
Age: 27
Occupation: Courier

Describe a usual day.
I pick up and deliver a wide variety of items, usually in the Sydney Metropolitan area.
I transport things as small as an envelope to items that can be as large as a pallet.
Because every day is different and you usually do not know what you will be transporting, or where you are going, it’s a bit of an adventure.
Just prior to Daffodil Day last year, I did a run of flowers that took me to Albury and then on to Melbourne.

What training did you need to undertake to become a courier?
No formal training. The key aspect to being a successful courier is having a good knowledge of the road system and of likely traffic problems. Yellow Express trained me in the correct methods of loading and securing items.

What is the best part of your job?
Freedom and the principle that the harder you work, the more you get. I like working outdoors and getting to meet a variety of people.
One day you can be eating your lunch in Centennial Park and the next it might be overlooking the beach at Balmoral.
On busy days, I might not get time for lunch at all. Also, you get to play a small, but important part in keeping the city of Sydney on the move.

What’s the most interesting delivery you have made?
I met Ita Buttrose once when I delivered something to her.
We regularly do things for TV shows such as All Saints.

How do you know if a package is dangerous or not?
All items need to be marked as dangerous if they contain hazardous materials, and depending on the type of product and quantity, it may need a specially licensed and equipped vehicle to handle it.

What skills and personality traits are important to have?
You need to be outgoing, friendly, and well spoken. Couriers need to be motivated and able to relate to many people from all levels of business.
Time management is important – as well as prioritising jobs in a rapidly changing environment.

What is the average salary for a courier?
I can earn well over $1000 per week but I also have significant outgoing costs as well for fuel, registration and so on. It can be a good living-along with the freedoms and benefits of running your own business.