From postcode to pinpoint: what3words for couriers

Finding the right address sounds simple, but experienced couriers know that’s not always the case. Whether it’s a block of flats with several entrances or a rural postcode that covers a whole field, accuracy matters. That’s where what3words comes in. It’s a free tool that’s changing how couriers find delivery points—one square at a time.

Let’s look at how it works, why it matters, and how new couriers can start using it right away.

Why location accuracy matters for courier work

Every minute spent searching for the correct entrance eats into your time—and your pay.

If you’re stuck circling a housing estate or phoning a customer to ask for directions, that’s time you’re not earning. It can also lead to delivery delays, missed bookings, and a dent in your professional reputation.

Missed addresses cost time and money

Postcodes can cover multiple houses or entire streets. And GPS doesn’t always land you at the front door. That’s a problem when you’re on tight deadlines or covering same day courier jobs. You might pull up on the wrong side of a building or miss the customer entirely.

New builds often don’t appear on sat navs straight away. And anyone doing overnight courier jobs knows how hard it can be to spot small signs in the dark.

When postcodes aren’t enough

Some locations don’t even have postcodes. Think side gates, farm sheds, or building sites. These types of drop-offs are common, especially if you’re doing international courier work or working in rural areas.

what3words gives you a simple way to find and share precise drop-off spots, no guesswork needed.

What is what3words and how does it work?

what3words has divided the world into a grid of 3-metre squares. Each square is assigned a unique combination of three words, like “spoon.sharp.vest” or “guitar.broken.coffee”.

Here are some examples for the public entrances to some motorway service stations:

• Tebay Services (Northbound): myth.adapt.activates
• Gloucester Services: comb.stops.turkey
• Rugby Moto Services: drip.spices.across
• Leeds Skelton Lake Services: pine.bought.combining
• Beaconsfield Services: pizza.branch.crew

It’s completely free to use. You can type a 3-word code into the app or a supported sat nav to go directly to that exact square. No extra kit is needed.

It works on phones, tablets, and even offline, once the map is downloaded.

A simple solution for tricky addresses

Let’s say you’ve been asked to deliver a pallet to a remote farm. The postcode gets you to the general area, but not to the specific barn the farmer wants it left in.

Using the system, the customer can send you something like “dairy.clay.boots”. Type it in, and you’ll see the precise entrance—no need to phone up or drive around in circles.

Other good examples include:

• Construction sites with multiple gates
• Blocks of flats with rear entrances
• Festival sites with designated delivery zones

Using what3words for everyday courier work

For owner-drivers starting their own courier company, tools that save time and stress are always welcome. what3words helps with everyday deliveries by taking the guesswork out of navigation.

You don’t need to rely on descriptions like “the second gate after the pub” or “round the back of the red door”. Just use a 3-word code.

You can also plan ahead by checking the location before setting off. That’s especially useful for long-distance or multi-stop jobs.

How what3words for couriers helps save time

Every wrong turn adds to your fuel costs and stress levels. For a self employed courier driver, that means wasted time and lower earnings.

With what3words for couriers, you can:

• Ask customers to provide a 3-word code when confirming bookings
• Save time by going directly to the right drop-off point
• Avoid fines linked to stopping in the wrong place, such as penalty charge notices

New drivers can also stand out by using tools like this. It shows professionalism and helps you avoid rookie mistakes.

How courier companies are using what3words

Big players like DHL eCommerce UK are already using what3words in their delivery systems, and there’s something smaller courier businesses can take from that.

DHL lets customers add a what3words address at checkout, through their app, or via their account settings. This makes it easier for their drivers to deliver to the right place first time, even in hard-to-find locations. That means fewer missed deliveries, fewer queries, and happier customers.

They’ve made what3words part of the standard booking and tracking process. It’s not just a bonus, it’s baked into how they work.

Here’s what courier owner-drivers and small firms can learn:

• Ask customers to provide a what3words location upfront. You can add it to your online booking forms or just request it in your confirmation messages.
• Use it to avoid repeat queries. If the customer gives you a precise spot—like a side gate or back garden—you won’t need to call or guess.
• Build trust by arriving exactly where expected. It’s a small change that adds a layer of reliability, even when you’re handling subcontracting work.

DHL says last-mile deliveries are 42% faster when using what3words. That’s a reminder that smart tools aren’t just for big operators. If you’re aiming to grow, precision like this gives your team an edge.

Apps and tools that support what3words

Plenty of apps and devices already support it, so you probably don’t need to download anything new.

You can use the what3words app itself, or:

• Navigation apps like TomTom, Sygic, and Navmii
• Google Maps (by entering the 3-word code in the search bar)
• Waze (with limited integration)
• Text or email the code directly to customers or shippers

Some drivers also add 3-word addresses to their digital job sheets or notes. That makes life easier if you’re subcontracting courier work, especially when sharing drop-off points.

Should you use what3words in your courier toolkit?

Absolutely. It’s simple, free, and helps avoid common mistakes—especially when you’re new to the job. It won’t replace postcodes entirely, but it works well alongside them.

It’s ideal for trickier jobs, but even standard runs can benefit. You’ll spend less time guessing and more time moving.

You can also reduce the risk of parking in restricted areas. For instance, you’ll know exactly where to pull up without falling foul of ULEZ and congestion charges.

So whether you’re covering same day courier jobs, weekend shifts, or planning your route through country lanes, having what3words in your toolkit just makes sense.

Try it on your next job, you might wonder how you ever worked without it!

FAQs about what3words