Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanised Devices, or Equipment Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanised equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

The Work

The bike courier is responsible for the speedy and safe delivery of the items from one destination to another. Their deliveries happen on a faster turnaround than those undertaken by couriers operating vans, usually the delivery will be ordered that day and will occur just hours after the package is collected. When the delivery is complete the courier will either travel back to the base or use a telephone/two way radio to get details of the next delivery.    

The quick turnaround times mean bike couriers usually operate in dense urban areas, with van or motorbike couriers handling deliveries over longer distances.  

The number of hours worked varies. Couriers may be required to work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends. The bike courier usually takes on deliveries where quick delivery is of absolute importance, meaning the work can be pressurised.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Deliver and pick up medical records, lab specimens, and medications to and from hospitals and other medical facilities.
• Obtain signatures and payments, or arrange for recipients to make payments.
• Record information, such as items received and delivered and recipients' responses to messages.
• Receive messages or materials to be delivered, and information on recipients, such as names, addresses, telephone numbers, and delivery instructions, communicated via telephone, two-way radio, or in person.
• Load vehicles with listed goods, ensuring goods are loaded correctly and taking precautions with hasardous goods.
• Walk, ride bicycles, drive vehicles, or use public conveyances to reach destinations to deliver messages or materials.
• Sort items to be delivered according to the delivery route.
• Deliver messages and items, such as newspapers, documents, and packages, between establishment departments and to other establishments and private homes.
• Unload and sort items collected along delivery routes.
• Plan and follow the most efficient routes for delivering goods.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

This is an entry occupation. Training is generally 'on-the-job', working alongside an experienced Courier. Some companies provide short courses covering subjects such as road safety, security, radio techniques and communications.  

Key Skills Certs & Knowledge: 

Manual handling 

Courier Road Safety Awareness

HSA Transport health & Safety Awareness

Bike Maintenance & Repair 

These courses may be available at low or no cost in FET centres nationwide. You can search for these key skills certs, just add the key word via Search our FET Coursefinder

Professional Development 

Apprenticeship Couriers may choose to progress into Commercial Driver, Logistics Associate/Logistician, Supply Chain Associate, Supply Chain Specialist. Supply Chain Manager  Transport & Logistics Apprenticeships NFQ Level 6-9 Search our Apprenticeship finder

Last Updated: October, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €26k - €38k

Salaries vary by employer, duties, role, experience, shift pattern, and location.

Data Source(s):
Payscale/ Indeed/ Salary explorer/ Salary expert

Last Updated: February, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

The strong employment growth rate is in part related to changes in the Labour Force Survey in 2017; although employment increased marginally between 2020 and 2021, it remained unchanged in 2022. Most are employed in the transport sector. Automation may reduce the future demand for some roles in this occupation, although increased online shopping since the onset of COVID-19 has seen demand for couriers and postal services persist.

• Road Safety Authority (RSA)

  • Moy Business Park, Primrose Hill, Ballina, Co.Mayo
  • (096) 25000 / LoCall 1890 506080
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Health and Safety Authority

  • The Metropolitan Building, James Joyce St. Dublin 1
  • 1890 289 389
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Freight Transport Association Ireland (FTAI)

  • Unit 1, Airport Business Park, Cloghran, Co Dublin
  • (01) 844 7516
  • Click Here