What Air Couriers Do

Items you might be asked to accompany abroad include: letters, photographs, legal papers, business proposals, contracts, computer disks, reports, product prototypes.   But it isn’t just big companies that require your help.   You might also get to accompany urgent deliveries overseas, such as perishable gifts, animals, children, medicines left behind by travellers, culinary delicacies for smart international restaurants, and other time-sensitive items that must reach their destinations safely, and on time!

The courier is not usually required to physically collect or accompany the package or even liaise directly between sender and intended recipient. Usually, all the courier does is remain responsible for the package between airports.

That ‘responsibility’ rarely involves carrying the package. In fact you might never get to see what you are accompanying, but that item will be listed as your personal baggage, and that’s why it travels speedily through Customs throughout the journey.

Typically you turn up at the airport of departure at a pre-appointed time, where you are met by representatives of the courier company who hand over your ticket and process you and the package through Customs. On board plane you may carry the package or it may travel separately in some secure place.

At the destination airport company representatives will again process you and their package through Customs and give you your return ticket once your role is complete.