Courier / Messenger — On-the-job English
Study in your language — but on the job you'll speak English. These are the real phrases you actually say for this work, with a note in your language. Not a script; common situations workers report.
Confirming a pickup and delivery
I have a delivery for [name] — can I get a signature, please?
Confirm the delivery and ask for a signature.
Can I get a photo for proof of delivery?
Ask for a photo when no one can sign.
I need to scan this package before I go.
Explain the scan step at pickup or drop-off.
Recipient not available / redelivery
No one's answering — I'll leave a notice and try again.
Explain you'll leave a notice when no one answers.
I'll redeliver tomorrow, or you can pick it up at the depot.
Offer redelivery or a pickup location.
What's a good time for me to come back?
Ask the recipient for a better time.
Handling a sensitive package (chain of custody)
This needs a signature from you personally — I can't leave it with anyone else.
Explain the item requires the named recipient's own signature.
Can I see your ID before I hand this over?
Ask for ID to verify identity before releasing a sensitive item.
This is a sealed specimen — please don't open it, I'm just the courier.
Explain a sealed item's chain of custody and your limited role.
Dispatch communication
Dispatch, I'm running about twenty minutes behind on this route.
Report running late on your route.
Dispatch, this address doesn't exist — can you confirm it?
Report a bad address and ask for confirmation.
I'm at the pickup now, heading to the drop-off next.
Give dispatch a quick status update.
🔴 Traffic accident on the road
This is 911 — I've been in a car accident at Main and Fifth, I need police and an ambulance.
Call 911, give your location, and ask for police and an ambulance.
I'm okay, but my car won't move — I need a tow.
Report your condition and that you need a tow truck.
Dispatch, I've had an accident — I can't finish this delivery, please reroute it.
Notify dispatch of the accident and ask them to reroute the delivery.