Courier and Local Delivery Services: A Job Creation Powerhouse
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- Updated May 3, 2023 2 min read
Have you ever eagerly waited for your online shopping order, only to find out that your neighbor snatched it before you?
From lost packages to delayed deliveries, it seems like no one is immune to the challenges of the delivery game.
And it may look like the rapid expansion of the couriers and local delivery services industry has been both a blessing and a curse, with more employees and technology than ever before, yet sometimes struggling to keep up with demand.
The couriers & local delivery services industry is boosting employment in the US
Despite its challenges, the industry is still a force to be reckoned with, generating over $75 billion in revenue annually and providing employment to 1,199,750 people in the US.
In fact, the couriers & local delivery services sector in the US has experienced a 2.9% average increase in employment over the past five years. This growth can be attributed to the surge in online shopping and the need for speedy and efficient deliveries.
And if you’ve ever wondered whether your courier is secretly living a life of luxury, according to talent.com, couriers in the USA earn an average annual salary of $35,100 or $16.88 per hour. Those starting in entry-level positions make around $29,671 per year while experienced couriers can earn up to $48,750 per year.
The challenges that await the courier industry
Navigating the tough road of the courier industry is no easy feat. Even the most experienced professionals must brace themselves for the challenges that lie ahead.
One of the hard nuts to crack is labor shortages. The shortage of shipping agents in the courier industry is expected to double to 160,000 by 2030, according to the ATA.
To combat this issue, many companies have chosen to employ drivers who are residents in the communities they serve in order to support the local economy.
Another important challenge is to keep up with the latest technology while also accommodating those who don’t have access to it.
With faster and smarter transportation management systems emerging every day, courier services must keep up with the pace or risk losing their edge. Failing to embrace the latest tech could result in higher costs and a loss of customers to more tech-savvy competitors.
In short, staying up-to-date with the latest advancements is critical to the survival of any courier service in the modern era.
- Certified Professional Resume Writer
Julia is a professional writer, translator and graphic designer. She holds degrees in translation and interpretation, and has international work experience from a number of different countries in Europe as well as China and Panama. Julia formerly taught academic writing and as a graphic designer contributed to outlets such as The Business of Business. She has a passion for lifelong learning and good coffee.
