Courier onboarding at a glance

Week one covers orientation, safety and shadowing. Days 1–30 build vocabulary and supervised practice on core procedures; days 31–60 move to independent work with competency sign-offs; days 61–90 focus on full productivity, cross-training and a credential plan.

Before day one

Confirm start date, schedule, pay and supervisor in writing
Verify required credentials: Driver’s license, OSHA bloodborne pathogens (as applicable)
Prepare equipment and access: delivery apps; GPS; coolers; scanners
Assign a buddy or preceptor
Enroll the new hire in Courier training so foundations are covered before or during week one

Week one: orient and protect

Workplace tour, emergency procedures and incident reporting
Drive defensively
Follow bloodborne pathogen rules
Lift safely
Stay alert in traffic
Shadow an experienced courier through a full shift
Training modules 1–3: role foundations, a day on the job and essential vocabulary (15 terms)

Days 1–30: learn

Goal: perform core tasks safely under supervision.

Supervised practice: transport medical specimens safely
Supervised practice: plan an efficient delivery route
Supervised practice: track mileage as an independent courier
Training modules 4–7: duties, step-by-step tasks, tools and safety
30-day check-in: confidence, questions and early wins

Days 31–60: contribute

Goal: handle a regular workload independently.

Pick up items: independently
Deliver items: independently
Get signatures: independently
Plan routes: independently
Competency sign-offs completed (see checklist below)
Training final knowledge check and certificate of completion
60-day check-in

Days 61–90: own

Goal: full productivity and a growth plan.

Meet productivity and quality targets for the role
Begin cross-training on a secondary task
Agree on a credential goal (for example, Driver’s license)
Discuss the career path: Courier → Senior Courier → Dispatcher
90-day review

Competency checklist

Skill or task	Trained	Observed	Signed off
Transport Medical Specimens Safely
Plan an Efficient Delivery Route
Track Mileage as an Independent Courier
Route planning
Safe driving
Chain of custody
Specimen handling

How to measure onboarding success

Units per hour or stops per day versus target
Pick, scan or delivery accuracy
Incidents and equipment damage
30- and 90-day retention

How Courier training maps to this plan

Introduction to the Courier Role
A Day on the Job
Essential Courier Vocabulary
Core Duties and Responsibilities
Common Tasks, Step by Step
Tools, Equipment and Technology
Safety, Compliance and Professional Standards
Skills Employers Look For
Launching Your Courier Career
Final Knowledge Check

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Courier Onboarding Plan (30-60-90 Days)