How about starting your own air courier service?

By Jeff Schuman

Have you always dreamed of owning your own business, having the
time and money to visit exotic locations and being able to fly
first class? How about starting your own air courier service?

If you love traveling, live in or near a city with a large
national or international airport, and you have the kind of
lifestyle that lets you pick up and go on a moment's notice,
then you might want to think about starting your own business as
an "air courier".

What is an air courier? It's a person who is hired to transport
a specific item from one destination to another, within a
specified deadline.

And, before you start imagining sinister men in trench coats
carrying guns with silencers, and beautiful foreign women
transporting secret microchips, let me reassure you that
traveling as an air courier is 100% legal and aboveboard!

What you are asked to transport varies tremendously -- it can be
almost anything -- legal documents such as letters or business
contracts, children going from one country to another, medicine
that was forgotten during a vacation, reports, computer disks,
product prototypes -- the list is endless.

In fact, because of the "instant gratification" mindset today
where we are used to information and communication that travels
faster than the speed of light, air courier companies have seen
their businesses grow tremendously over the last ten years. What
that means for you is increased opportunities for free travel.

Who can start their own air courier service? Anyone who is over
18, holds a valid passport and who is in good health. It also
helps if you're flexible and can pick up and travel on very
short notice.

Why is this a wonderful opportunity?

When sending a package by air, the shipper has two options --
the first 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 usually aren't sent until the container is
full, in order to maximize revenues for the airlines.

In addition, especially when cargo is sent overseas, there are
sometimes long delays getting the package through customs, there
are endless regulations that must be followed, inspections that
must be passed, etc.

For the air courier companies, who have to make sure the package
is not only delivered, but reaches the intended recipient as
quickly as possible, these delays are unthinkable. (If they
don't make their deadlines, then their competitors will. Think
of the slogan from one such company..."when it absolutely,
positively has to be there overnight...")

On the other hand, if the same item is considered "personal
baggage" and is carried with a ticketed passenger, it arrives
with the passenger, and generally passes through customs
quickly, without all the delays.

Plus, a person can book a ticket for a specific flight arriving
at their destination at a specific time -- not so for cargo.
Which means that a shipment that could take days or weeks if
it's classified as cargo, can take hours instead because it's
classified as baggage.

Because very few of the air courier companies have the resources
to employ full-time couriers, the industry itself has come to
rely on freelance air couriers, which, even when having to pay
someone to travel, and covering the cost of their airfare, is
still a better ROI when compared against the paying full-time
wages, holiday and sick pay, insurance and all of the other
costs involved with having employees.

This is where you come in.

As an air courier, you are providing a valuable service in a
growing market. And from the traveler's point of view, you might
find yourself flying to Paris one day, and Hong Kong a week
later!

Once you've been hired, the process is pretty simple: the
company contacts you, to check your availability. When you
confirm, they book the flight and let you know when to be at the
airport. You're met at the airport by a representative, who
gives you your ticket, a list of item or items you're
transporting, and your baggage claim tickets. They'll usually
even have checked you in, saving you many hassles. You get to
sit in first class, and enjoy the flight. That's it. You don't
have to contact the recipient in the city you're flying to,
actually pick up the package on your way to the airport, or do
anything other than be responsible for it going from one airport
to another.

At your destination, you'll be met by another company
representative, who will take the baggage claim tickets, and
give you your return ticket.

How long do you get to stay? That depends on you and the air
courier company. Sometimes your schedule will be tight -- you
may only get hours between flights. Other times, you'll have a
day or two. Obviously, as your reputation increases and the
companies you work for know that they can rely on you, you have
more room for negotiating.

There are several ways to get started. There are actually
companies who recruit air couriers, and the fees for joining are
usually nominal. The benefits of going through a certified
company can be many. For example, they often provide information
that it could take you a long time to figure out on your own.
They also offer forums, newsletters and other resources to help
you succeed. Because they have built a reputation, you might
find it easier to get started in the business by working for one
of them at first.

But, you can also find the information completely on your own,
and start off freelancing. Look in the yellow pages for air
couriers that are located near your local airport. Figure out
where you'd like to travel to, and make a list of the locations
they serve. Because there are companies who transport items both
internationally or just within the states, where you travel is
largely going to be a matter of personal choice.

Also, make sure that you investigate each company before
applying with them. You want to make sure that they are a solid
business, with a good reputation. Once you've narrowed down your
choices, get on the phone, and find out what their application
process is. Many companies today prefer that you apply online.
Whatever the process is, make sure that you provide them with
all the information 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 can accept short or no notice
flights. Find a way to position yourself above that of the other
couriers.

Once you've gone through the process the first time, you'll have
a much better idea about which other companies you want to apply
to and how to hone your interview skills. (So don't make your
first application with the biggest company that you want to work
for the most.) Obviously, if you limit yourself to one or two
companies, you'll also be limiting the amount of work you'll get
and the locations you can travel to.

Timely Tip: Put together a database of the companies you've
applied to, the date you applied, and contact information.
Follow up with the company regularly, but don't be a pest.

Once you've been hired, don't be surprised if you start getting
calls within the first couple of weeks. There is a growing need
for professional, responsible air couriers.

Here are some things to keep in mind when you start working:

1. Be professional. Remember that while shorts and flip flops
may be comfortable for vacationers, you're working and
representing the air courier company.

2. Often the only baggage you get to take with you is hand
carried. Invest in microfiber clothing in basic colors, and
learn to pack essentials only. If you do get to stay for longer
than a few days, you can always pick up some essentials once
you're there.

3. Give your own business card to the company representative in
the country you travel to, and make sure that your email and
voice mail information is included.

4. Apply to all the companies you've decided you want to work
for, and then follow up with the ones that haven't contacted you
regularly -- perhaps a polite letter or even a one-page
newsletter that lists the latest on industry related news.

5. Stay organized. Don't over commit yourself, and try never to
have to cancel a trip.

Starting your own air courier service is a great way to make
money and see the world.

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