Have you always dreamed of owning your own business, having the time and money to go to exotic locations and having the ability to fly first class?
If you’re keen on traveling, sleep in or near a city with an outsized national or international airport, and you’ve got the type of lifestyle that allows you to devour and continue a moment’s notice, then you would possibly want to believe starting your own business as an “air courier”.
What is an air courier? it is a one that is hired to move a selected item from one destination to a different , within a specified deadline.
And, before you begin imagining sinister men in trench coats carrying guns with silencers, and delightful foreign women transporting secret microchips, let me reassure you that traveling as an air courier is 100% legal and aboveboard!
What you’re asked to move varies tremendously — it are often almost anything — legal documents like letters or business contracts, children going from one country to a different , medicine that was forgotten during a vacation, reports, computer disks, product prototypes — the list is endless.
In fact, due to the “instant gratification” mindset today where we are wont to information and communication that travels faster than the speed of sunshine , air courier companies have seen their businesses grow tremendously over the last ten years. What meaning for you is increased opportunities for free of charge travel.
Who can become an aviation courier? Anyone who is over 18, holds a legitimate passport and who is in healthiness . It also helps if you’re flexible and may devour and travel on very short notice.
Why is that this an exquisite opportunity?
When sending a package by air, the shipper has two options — the primary is to send the package as “cargo.” Cargo travels alone (especially since the tragedy of 9/11), is shipped in bulk in large containers that sometimes aren’t sent until the container is full, so as to maximise revenues for the airlines.
In addition, especially when cargo is shipped overseas, there are sometimes long delays getting the package through customs, there are endless regulations that has got to be followed, inspections that has got to be passed, etc.
For the air courier companies, who need to confirm the package isn’t only delivered, but reaches the intended recipient as quickly as possible, these delays are unthinkable. (If they do not make their deadlines, then their competitors will. consider the slogan from one such company…”when it absolutely, positively has got to be there overnight…”)
On the opposite hand, if an equivalent item is taken into account “personal baggage” and is carried with a ticketed passenger, it arrives with the passenger, and usually passes through customs quickly, without all the delays.
Plus, an individual can book a ticket for a selected flight arriving at their destination at a selected time — not so for cargo. which suggests that a shipment that would take days or weeks if it’s classified as cargo, can take hours instead because it’s classified as baggage.
Because only a few of the air courier companies have the resources to use full-time couriers, the industry itself has come to believe freelance air couriers, which, even when having to pay someone to travel, and covering the value of their airfare, remains a far better ROI in comparison against the paying full-time wages, holiday and wage , insurance and every one of the opposite costs involved having employees.
This is where you are available .
As an air courier, you’re providing a valuable service during a growing market. And from the traveler’s point of view, you would possibly end up flying to Paris at some point , and Hong Kong every week later!
Once you have been hired, the method is pretty simple: the corporate contacts you, to see your availability. once you confirm, they book the flight and allow you to know when to be at the airport. You’re met at the airport by a representative, who gives you your ticket, an inventory of item or items you’re transporting, and your baggage claim tickets. They’ll usually even have checked you in, saving you a great many hassles. You get to take a seat in first-class , and luxuriate in the flight. That’s it. you do not need to contact the recipient within the city you’re flying to, actually devour the package on your thanks to the airport, or do anything aside from be liable for it going from one airport to a different .
At your destination, you will be met by another company representative, who will take the luggage claim tickets, and provides you your round-trip ticket .
How long does one get to stay? That depends on you and therefore the air courier company. Sometimes your schedule are going to be tight — you’ll only get hours between flights. Other times, you will have each day or two. Obviously, as your reputation increases and therefore the companies you’re employed for know that they will believe you, you’ve got more room for negotiating.
There are several ways to urge started. There are literally companies who recruit air couriers, and therefore the fees for joining are usually nominal. the advantages of browsing a licensed company are often many. for instance , they often provide information that it could take you an extended time to work out on your own. They also offer forums, newsletters and other resources to assist you succeed. Because they need built a reputation, you would possibly find it easier to urge started within the business by working for one among them initially .
But, you’ll also find the knowledge completely on your own, and begin off freelancing. Look within the telephone book for air couriers that are located near your local airport. find out where you want to visit , and make an inventory of the locations they serve. Because there are companies who transport items both internationally or simply within the states, where you travel is essentially getting to be a matter of private choice.
Also, confirm that you simply investigate each company before applying with them. you would like to form sure that they’re a solid business, with an honest reputation. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, get on the phone, and determine what their application process is. Many companies today prefer that you simply apply online. regardless of the process is, confirm that you simply provide them with all the knowledge they request.
Timely tip: After submitting your application, follow up with a thank-you letter, on your new “company” letterhead. Remind them of your availability, that you simply can accept short or no notice flights. Find how to position yourself above that of the opposite couriers.
Once you’ve skilled the method the primary time, you will have a way better idea about which other companies you would like to use to and the way to hone your interview skills. (So don’t make your first application with the foremost important company that you simply want to figure for the most.) Obviously, if you limit yourself to at least one or two companies, you’ll even be limiting the quantity of labor you will get and therefore the locations you’ll visit .
Timely Tip: Put together a database of the businesses you’ve applied to, the date you applied, and get in touch with information. Follow up with the corporate regularly, but do not be a pest.
Once you have been hired, do not be surprised if you begin getting calls within the primary few weeks. there’s a growing need for professional, responsible air couriers.
Here are some things to stay in mind once you start working:
1. Be professional. Remember that while shorts and flip flops could also be comfortable for vacationers, you’re working and representing the air courier company.
2. Often the sole baggage you get to require with you is hand carried. Invest in microfiber clothing in basic colors, and learn to pack essentials only. If you are doing get to remain for extended than a couple of days, you’ll always devour some essentials once you’re there.
3. Give your own card to the corporate representative within the country you visit , and confirm that your email and voice mail information is included.
4. Apply to all or any the businesses you’ve decided you would like to figure for, then follow up with those that haven’t contacted you often — perhaps a polite letter or maybe a one-page newsletter that lists the newest on industry related news.
5. Stay organized. Don’t over commit yourself, and check out never to possess to cancel a visit .
Being an air courier may be a good way to form money and see the planet . Bon Voyage!