Couriers and Messengers

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 4 (24%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 2 (12%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 11 (65%)

• Record information, such as items received and delivered and recipients' responses to messages.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Receive messages or materials to be delivered, and information on recipients, such as names, addresses, telephone numbers, and delivery instructions, communicated via telephone, two-way radio, or in person.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Check with home offices after completed deliveries to confirm deliveries and collections and to receive instructions for other deliveries.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Use telephone to deliver verbal messages.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
• Sort items to be delivered according to the delivery route.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Plan and follow the most efficient routes for delivering goods.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Deliver and pick up medical records, lab specimens, and medications to and from hospitals and other medical facilities.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Obtain signatures and payments, or arrange for recipients to make payments.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Load vehicles with listed goods, ensuring goods are loaded correctly and taking precautions with hazardous goods.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Walk, ride bicycles, drive vehicles, or use public conveyances to reach destinations to deliver messages or materials.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Deliver messages and items, such as newspapers, documents, and packages, between establishment departments and to other establishments and private homes.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Unload and sort items collected along delivery routes.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Perform routine maintenance on delivery vehicles, such as monitoring fluid levels and replenishing fuel.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Collect, seal, and stamp outgoing mail, using postage meters and envelope sealers.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Perform general office or clerical work, such as filing materials, operating duplicating machines, or running errands.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Unload goods from large trucks, and load them onto smaller delivery vehicles.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Open, sort, and distribute incoming mail.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task