How To Start Your Own Business and Travel First Class For Free
Have you always dreamed of owning your own business, having thetime and money to visit exotic locations and being able to fly
first class?
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 become an air travel courier? 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.
Being an air courier is a great way to make money and see the
world. Bon Voyage!
Author
George
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posted by George @ 7:33 PM
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