Couriers use lots of different equipment depending on the type of courier sector they work in. They need equipment and training for safety, maintaining their vehicle and carrying heavy goods correctly. Some of the different pieces of equipment they need to use and training they may need include;

• Safety clothing – This is mainly in the case of those using vehicles such as motorcycles and bicycles to make the deliveries. This is because they are more exposed to danger on the road than those driving vans or trucks. To keep them safe they should not only wear the right equipment but also have the right road safety training to make sure they can identify possible dangers. Examples of some of the equipment those riding bicycles and motorcycles should have are; helmet, body armour, gloves, the correct foot wear and reflective materials so they are as visible as possible when on the road.
• Maintenance equipment – Although not mandatory it is helpful if the courier has some basic maintenance knowledge of the vehicle they are using. So if using a motor vehicle they should be able to carry out basic maintenance so it is always in the best working condition. If using a bicycle then they should be able to complete simple repairs such as fixing a punctured tire. This is so faults with their transport won’t affect their delivery time, well at least not as often.
• Safety equipment – This is mainly for the couriers using bicycles as they will have to make sure they are using the right safety equipment on their bicycle. For example they will have to make sure they have lights fitted to their bicycle, so it is easy for them to see obstacles and for other road users to see them in the dark. They should make sure that any kind of containers they have attached to their bicycle should be securely in place and should hold any goods they are carrying securely as well. This is so there is no risk of the goods falling off when being transported.

As well as all this equipment they would have to have training in areas such as safety on roads and the lifting of heavy goods if their job required them to do so. All this equipment and training makes their job a lot easier and safer so means they can be more efficient than ever before.