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Courier interview questions and how to answer them

A courier interview is short, and it's mostly about one thing: can they trust you alone with their packages and their customers all day. You'll get asked about your driving record, how you plan a route, and what you do when a delivery goes sideways. Here's what they're really listening for.

11 questions7 minute read

Part 1

1.Walk me through how you'd plan a route with a full load of stops.

Why they ask

Route planning is the job. A driver who follows the app blindly wastes time, and one who ignores it misses priority stops.

How to answer

  • Check timed and priority deliveries first, like medical or legal documents with a deadline
  • Load the vehicle in reverse order so the first stops come off the top
  • Use the routing app as a starting point, then adjust for things you know, like a loading dock that closes early or a school zone at pickup time
  • Group stops in the same building or office park so you park once

2.You get to a business and it's closed. The package needs a signature. What do you do?

Why they ask

Failed deliveries cost money and upset customers. They want to hear you follow the rules and still try to get it done.

How to answer

  • Check the delivery notes for an alternate contact or a neighbouring suite
  • Call dispatch or the customer if the company allows it
  • Never leave a signature package unattended or forge a signature
  • Scan the correct exception code and leave a notice so the next attempt goes smoothly

3.How do you make sure a package goes to the right place when the address is wrong or unclear?

Why they ask

Misdeliveries are one of the most common complaints, and they come from rushing.

How to answer

  • Match the full address and name on the label to the door, suite or unit number, not just the street
  • Look for building directories, mailrooms or front desk staff
  • Call dispatch before guessing
  • Take a clear proof-of-delivery photo that shows the door or unit number
4.Tell me about a time you were running late on a route. What did you do?

Why they ask

Every courier runs late sometimes. The question is whether you go quiet or speak up early.

How to answer

  • Name the real cause, like traffic, a broken lift at a hospital or a long wait at a pickup
  • Say you told dispatch as soon as you saw you'd miss a window, not after
  • Explain how you reordered stops to protect the time-sensitive ones
  • Share what you changed afterwards, such as leaving earlier for that stretch
5.What's your driving record like, and how do you stay safe on the road all day?

Why they ask

You're driving their vehicle, or yours on their insurance, for a whole shift. One bad accident is a serious problem for them.

How to answer

  • Be upfront about any tickets or incidents and what you learned
  • Mention a pre-trip check: tyres, lights, mirrors, fuel or charge
  • Talk about not using the phone while the vehicle is moving
  • Mention backing up only when you have to, and walking around before you reverse

Part 2

6.How do you handle packages that are fragile, hazardous or temperature sensitive?

Why they ask

Couriers often carry lab specimens, pharmacy orders or parts that break. Handling them wrong can wreck a delivery or break the law.

How to answer

  • Read the labels and follow them, like this side up, keep cold or no stacking
  • Keep cold items in coolers or insulated bags and move them first
  • Follow the company's chain-of-custody steps for specimens or legal documents
  • Ask for training if you're asked to carry something you haven't handled before
7.A customer at the door is angry because their package is late. How do you handle it?

Why they ask

You're the only face of the company most customers ever see.

How to answer

  • Stay calm and let them finish
  • Apologise for the wait without arguing or blaming the warehouse
  • Give them what you can, like the tracking status or dispatch's number
  • Hand over the package, get the signature if it's needed and move on without taking it personally
8.What would you do if you realised you'd delivered a package to the wrong address?

Why they ask

Honesty. Mistakes happen. Hiding them is what gets people fired.

How to answer

  • Go back and get it if you still can
  • Tell dispatch right away, even if you've already fixed it
  • Correct the scan or delivery record
  • Explain how you'd avoid it next time, like checking unit numbers against the label before you leave the van
9.How comfortable are you with handheld scanners and delivery apps?

Why they ask

Scans are how the company tracks everything. Missed scans look like lost packages.

How to answer

  • Mention any scanner or driver app you've used, like Onfleet, Circuit or a company handheld
  • Say you scan at every step: pickup, load, delivery and exceptions
  • Talk about taking clear proof-of-delivery photos
  • Say what you do when the device freezes, like writing it down and scanning once it comes back
10.This job means lifting, stairs and weather. How do you manage that shift after shift?

Why they ask

People quit in the first few weeks because of the physical side. They want to know you've thought about it.

How to answer

  • Say plainly that you've done physical work before, and name it
  • Talk about lifting properly and using a hand truck for heavy loads
  • Mention dressing for the weather and keeping water in the vehicle
  • Be honest about any limits so they can place you well

Part 3

11.Why do you want to work as a courier?

Why they ask

They want to know if you'll stay once the novelty wears off.

How to answer

  • Say what you actually like, such as working on your own, being on the move or knowing the area well
  • Connect it to reliability, like being someone who likes clear daily targets
  • Mention any related work, like food delivery, warehouse work or driving for a rideshare
  • Keep it short and real

Questions to ask them

Ask at least two. It shows you're picking them too.

  • Is the route fixed, or does it change every day?
  • Do I use a company vehicle, or my own, and how do fuel and mileage work?
  • What happens when I can't finish the route before the end of the shift?
  • What kinds of deliveries make up most of the work here, like medical, legal or retail parcels?
  • How long is training, and do new drivers ride along with someone first?
Career guideWhat a Courier does, and what it pays
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Skills to learnCourier skills: what to learn first
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