17 specialist courier services that you can offer

As a courier, it’s important to stand out from the competition. By offering specialist courier services, you prove you can handle a variety of different types of cargo, and makes you the ideal choice for clients with specific requirements.

Whether you’re an owner-driver or running a small fleet, providing diverse services can increase your earning potential and open up new opportunities.

In this guide, we’ll explain the 17 specialist courier services and licenses you can add to your Courier Exchange profile and offer to your customers, both on and off the Exchange.

What are specialist courier services?

The courier industry is packed with competition, and many couriers offer similar services. However, by diversifying and offering specialist courier services, you create a unique value proposition for your business.

These services cater to specific types of cargo that require extra care, equipment, or expertise. Whether you’re handling delicate goods, time-sensitive deliveries, or hazardous materials, offering these services demonstrates your versatility and reliability.

Specialist courier services not only help you attract more customers but also allow you to charge higher rates. Many of these services are in demand across niche industries like healthcare, fashion, or construction, where customers are willing to pay for expertise.

By diversifying your offerings, you create a unique value proposition that makes you the go-to choice for customers with specific needs.

It’s not just about moving goods from point A to point B; it’s about providing tailored solutions that address the unique challenges your customers face.

The 17 specialist courier services you can offer

2-Man jobs: Extra manpower for bulky or delicate items

One of the most sought-after specialist courier services is the 2-man job.

When customers need help moving heavy or awkward items, having two couriers on hand can make all the difference. This service is ideal for transporting large furniture, office equipment, or appliances that are too cumbersome for a single driver to manage.

Offering 2-man jobs not only allows you to transport more sizeable items but also gives customers peace of mind knowing their goods are in safe hands. Additionally, this specialist courier service can extend to other tasks, such as helping to install items like refrigerators or washing machines, increasing the value you provide to customers.

24-hour service: Meeting urgent delivery needs

The 24-hour courier service is vital for urgent or after-hours deliveries.

Customers often need items delivered outside of regular working hours, whether it’s emergency parts for machinery, last-minute gifts, or time-sensitive documents. By offering a 24-hour service, you can cater to these urgent requests and charge a premium for your availability.

Being available around the clock can make your Courier Exchange profile more attractive, especially to businesses that rely on quick, reliable delivery. This specialist courier service is often needed by industries like healthcare or tech, where delays could lead to significant disruption.

ADR: Transporting dangerous goods safely

If you’re interested in transporting hazardous materials, ADR is a popular specialist courier service that’s always in demand.

ADR stands for “Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road,” and it covers a wide range of items, including chemicals, flammable substances, and explosives.

With the right qualifications, you can safely and legally transport these materials, giving customers the confidence that their dangerous goods are in good hands.

As an ADR-certified courier, you’ll be able to take on high-value and high-risk deliveries that others cannot. Whether you’re transporting industrial chemicals or pharmaceutical products, having ADR certification allows you to tap into more lucrative opportunities.

Learn more about ADR certification in our detailed guide, including course costs and recommended providers.

DGSA Qualified: Ensuring safety with hazardous goods transport

Similar to ADR, becoming a Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor (DGSA) adds another layer of expertise to your profile.

As a DGSA-qualified specialist courier service, you’re responsible for ensuring that hazardous materials are transported safely and in compliance with legal requirements. This includes everything from advising customers on the best packaging methods to ensuring that all transport documentation is accurate.

Being a DGSA-qualified courier can set you apart in a competitive field, as it shows customers that you prioritise safety and legal compliance. This qualification is often required by businesses that regularly deal with dangerous goods, such as chemicals or electronics manufacturers.

FORS: A badge of fleet operational excellence

FORS (Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme) is a valuable accreditation that highlights your commitment to operational standards. Whether you have a single van or you’re managing a courier fleet, FORS ensures that you meet industry best practices in areas like safety, emissions, and noise pollution.

The FORS accreditation has three levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Each level represents a higher standard of operations, with Bronze focusing on compliance, Silver on maintaining safety equipment, and Gold on achieving excellence in environmental performance.

Earning FORS accreditation can enhance your credibility with customers and provide you with more high-value courier jobs.

GOH (Garments on Hanger): A fashion industry must-have

If you’re looking to cater to the fashion industry, Garments on Hanger (GOH) specialist courier services are a great addition to your offerings.

This service is designed for transporting clothing items, especially delicate garments like suits or dresses, that need to arrive wrinkle-free and ready to wear.

Offering GOH transport means you can take on high-value deliveries for fashion retailers and designers. This service requires careful handling and specialised equipment to keep garments hanging during transport, ensuring they remain in top condition.

High-security transport: Handling valuable or sensitive goods

High-value items, such as jewellery, electronics, or confidential documents, require special care during transport.

Offering high-security transport means implementing enhanced safety measures, such as GPS vehicle tracking, keeping your courier van secure with proper locks, and possibly even armed guards.

Customers in sectors like finance, law, and high-end retail often require this type of service to safeguard valuable or sensitive materials. As a high-value courier, you can take on these lucrative jobs with the assurance that your customers’ goods are protected at all times.

Installation and swap-out services: More than just delivery

Offering installation and swap-out services adds a level of convenience for your customers.

This specialist courier service often goes hand-in-hand with transporting bulky items like appliances, office furniture, or electronics. It involves not only delivering the items but also installing them or swapping out old models for new ones.

This type of service is commonly required in sectors like construction, home appliances, and office relocations, making it a great way to expand your offerings and attract new customers.

Aviation certifications: Level A/B and cargo operative roles

If you frequently deliver goods to and from airports or air freight facilities, you may need specific aviation certifications.

The Level A/B and cargo operative certifications are necessary for handling airport cargo and ensuring it meets aviation security standards. These certifications demonstrate your ability to safely manage airside deliveries, whether it’s pharmaceuticals, electronics, or emergency parts for airlines.

Having the right aviation certifications allows you to take on high-priority jobs and gain access to the bustling air freight market.

Frozen transport: Keeping goods at the right temperature

When it comes to transporting frozen items, you need the right equipment to maintain the proper temperature throughout the journey.

Whether you’re delivering ice cream, pharmaceuticals, or food products, offering a frozen transport service ensures that goods arrive at their destination in the best condition.

Transporting frozen goods can be tricky, as it requires specialised refrigeration systems and a careful monitoring process. However, by offering this specialist courier service, you can attract customers in industries like food distribution or medical research, who need their temperature-sensitive goods delivered quickly and securely.

Refrigerated and chilled transport: Meeting temperature-sensitive needs

Refrigerated and chilled transport services cater to a wide variety of goods, from dairy products and fresh flowers to pharmaceuticals that need to be kept cool but not frozen.

These specialist courier services require vans with temperature-controlled systems that can maintain a consistent chill throughout the journey.

Offering both refrigerated and chilled transport allows you to meet the needs of industries that rely on cold chain logistics, including the food and healthcare sectors.

Removals: Offering full-service moving solutions

Providing removal services is a great way to expand your courier offerings.

This involves not only transporting household or office items but also offering a complete service, including packing, loading, and unloading. Removals can be a time-consuming job, but they often pay well and provide customers with a hassle-free experience.

By adding removals to your specialist courier services, you can tap into a wide market that includes individuals, businesses, and property management companies.

Waste carrier: Legal and responsible waste transportation

To transport waste materials, you need to be a licensed waste carrier.

This includes transporting materials like construction debris, old electronics, or general rubbish. By offering waste carrier services, you’re ensuring that customers’ waste is disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner, following all local regulations.

Having a waste carrier licence helps you tap into the growing demand for sustainable and legal waste disposal. Whether it’s construction companies or households, there’s always a need for reliable waste transport.

WEEE: Safe disposal of electrical and electronic equipment

With growing concerns over electronic waste, offering WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) services is a great way to stay ahead.

This specialist courier service involves handling and disposing of old electronics, like computers, televisions, and refrigerators, in an environmentally safe manner.

With the rise in electronic waste, many businesses and consumers require specialised disposal services. By offering WEEE services, you can cater to a wide range of customers and ensure they remain compliant with environmental regulations.

Authorised Economic Operator (AEO): Facilitating international trade

If you frequently handle international shipments, becoming an Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) is an excellent way to boost your reputation. This status shows that you meet high standards for customs and trade compliance, helping you move goods across borders with fewer delays and checks.

AEO status allows you to handle international shipments more smoothly, making it easier for you to take on cross-border jobs and increase your earning potential.

CMR insurance: Safeguarding international deliveries

For international deliveries, CMR insurance is a must-have.

This type of insurance provides protection for goods transported across borders under the CMR convention, offering legal protection in case of loss or damage during transit.

Having CMR insurance can give you an edge when bidding for high-value international courier jobs.

Offer a diverse range of services to stay competitive

Adding specialist courier services to your offerings not only expands the types of jobs you can take on but also positions you as a trusted and reliable option for customers with specific delivery needs. These services often come with higher rates, as customers are willing to pay more for the expertise and care required to transport their goods safely.

By showcasing your specialist services on platforms like Courier Exchange, you can attract a wider customers base and secure higher-paying owner-driver courier jobs. Verified profiles stand out, helping you connect with customers who need the specific capabilities you offer, increasing your chances of filling your van more frequently. This, in turn, can significantly help with growing your courier business.

If you’re looking to expand your services, now could be a great time to consider buying or leasing a courier van that suits your new specialist needs. Regular courier van maintenance ensures that your vehicle is ready for these additional jobs, keeping you on the road and making money. Don’t miss out – start adding these specialist courier services today and watch your business grow.

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