Many new couriers begin their careers taking any work they can get, often with low-paying multi-drop jobs. While this builds experience, it’s not sustainable in the long term. To grow your business and secure better earnings, you should focus on high value courier jobs. These opportunities offer better pay, easier work, and a chance to build lasting professional connections.
In this guide, we’ll explore the differences between multi-drop and A-to-B courier work, highlight the most lucrative types of loads, and explain how you can secure well-paying courier work.
Table of Contents
The difference between multi-drop and A-to-B courier jobs
Multi-drop courier jobs
Multi-drop work involves delivering dozens of parcels each day for companies like Evri, Yodel, or Amazon Flex. You’re often responsible for sorting through the parcels you’re given, planning delivery routes, and managing tight schedules.
The pay for this type of work is usually low, especially when you factor in the wear and tear on your vehicle. It’s also physically exhausting, with drivers spending long hours jumping in and out of their van, navigating busy areas, and knocking on doors.
A-to-B courier jobs
In contrast, A-to-B jobs typically involve transporting goods directly from one location to another. Loads often include palletised goods or high-value parcels, and many customers take care of loading and unloading.
These jobs pay significantly better, with longer distances and lower physical strain. You’ll spend more time driving and less time managing parcels, making the work more straightforward and less physically demanding.
Top high value courier jobs
If you want to focus on well-paying courier jobs, these loads are some of the most lucrative and in-demand. Each type of job requires professionalism, reliability, and in some cases, additional certifications or courier insurance coverage.
1) Medical supplies
Delivering medical supplies requires reliability and professionalism. Items like equipment, medications, or PPE are often time-sensitive, which increases the rates customers are willing to pay.
- Requirements: A reliable vehicle, excellent time management, and possibly ADR training (for transporting hazardous substances like oxygen cylinders).
- Insurance: Goods-in-transit insurance with medical-specific coverage can help attract clients.
2) Biological samples
Couriers trusted to transport biological samples must meet specific requirements for safety and punctuality. These jobs often involve hospitals, labs, or pharmaceutical companies, making them some of the best-paying courier jobs.
- Requirements: A coolbox or temperature-controlled transport may be needed for sensitive samples. Familiarity with NHS or lab procedures is beneficial.
- Insurance: Specialist goods-in-transit insurance for biohazards and public liability insurance.
3) Electronics
The demand for secure and careful delivery makes electronics a valuable load. With a high risk of damage or theft, customers prioritise experienced drivers who can handle fragile and expensive items as a part of a specialist courier service.
- Requirements: Knowledge of secure transport methods and anti-theft protocols. You may need tracking systems for added security.
- Insurance: High-value goods-in-transit insurance is often mandatory for this type of work.
4) Legal documents
Transporting legal documents involves confidentiality and accuracy. These deliveries are often urgent, with law firms or businesses willing to pay extra for trustworthy couriers.
- Requirements: A secure and locked transport box is useful. Clients may request a signature upon delivery for added assurance.
- Insurance: Professional indemnity insurance covers errors in document handling.
5) Jewellery, art, and antiques
Items like jewellery, art, and antiques require specialist care during transit. These high-value loads come with excellent earning potential but demand professionalism and attention to detail.
- Requirements: Knowledge of packing materials and methods to prevent damage during transit. Experience with security measures is a plus.
- Insurance: High-value and specialist goods insurance is usually a requirement for these jobs.
6) Luxury goods and furniture
Luxury goods often involve high-end businesses or individuals, while furniture deliveries might mean fewer but more profitable trips. Both types of work can help build your reputation for handling valuable items.
- Requirements: A spacious vehicle with padding or tie-downs for furniture. Good customer service skills are essential for dealing with clients.
- Insurance: Comprehensive goods-in-transit insurance to cover expensive items.
7) Industrial supplies
Industrial supplies include tools, machinery, or materials for manufacturing. These high value courier jobs are often larger or bulkier, but customer pay well for reliable transportation.
- Requirements: A van with a large payload capacity, and possibly a tail lift for heavy loads. Some clients may require a forklift licence.
- Insurance: Goods-in-transit insurance is essential for larger or high-value industrial loads.
How to secure high value courier jobs
Build your professional presence
The first step to securing high value courier jobs is presenting yourself as a professional. Create a website to showcase your services, ensuring it’s clear and easy to navigate. Hand out business cards or fliers to local businesses that might need a courier.
Focus on businesses that regularly deal with valuable or time-sensitive goods. Hospitals, law firms, galleries, and manufacturers are good starting points. Highlight your reliability, experience, and availability in all your marketing materials.
Join the Courier Exchange
Joining CX is one of the easiest ways to access high value courier jobs. The platform connects drivers with logistics companies and offers thousands of loads every day. It’s a powerful tool for finding jobs suited to your skills and preferences.
CX’s network includes over 8,000 vetted businesses, ensuring that every opportunity is professional and reliable. Start by quoting on loads posted in your area. When you complete jobs successfully, you’ll stand out to larger shippers and freight forwarders.
This can lead to direct bookings and repeat business, helping you secure high value courier jobs consistently over time. It’s also an excellent way to grow your professional network and access ongoing opportunities.
Final thoughts
Shifting your focus to high value courier jobs is a smart move for any courier looking to grow their business. These opportunities offer better pay, less physical strain, and a chance to develop lasting customer relationships.
By investing in a Courier Exchange membership, you can tap into a steady flow of well paying courier jobs, grow your professional network and build a lasting courier business.
Get access to 13,000+ daily loads on Courier Exchange
Be your own boss. Set your own hours. Make your own money.
Sign upThe article was published on .