Starting at a new courier company is a reset. Nobody knows how good you are yet — or how reliable, how fast, or how easy you are to work with. The first two weeks set the tone for everything that follows: which runs you get, how much flexibility you're given, and whether you're the first person they call for extra work or the last. Here's how to make those first weeks count.
Before Your First Day
Know your paperwork. Have your licence, ABN (if contracting), insurance details, and any required certifications ready before day one. Nothing says "unprepared" like showing up and not having basic documents sorted. Check with HR or your contact about what you need — every company is different.
Understand your probation. Most courier companies have a probation period — typically 3–6 months for employed drivers. According to Fair Work Australia's guide on probation periods, during probation your employer can assess your suitability for the role. This period is your audition. Treat every day of it like someone's watching — because they are.
At the Depot
Arrive early. Not on time — early. 10–15 minutes before your start time. This gives you time to settle in, meet people, and understand the morning flow without being rushed. The drivers who are always first in the door get noticed for the right reasons.
Introduce yourself. Don't wait for people to come to you. Walk up to other drivers, the dispatch team, the warehouse staff, and introduce yourself. "Hey, I'm [name], just started. Good to meet you." These are the people who'll help you when you're lost, cover for you when you're running late, and recommend you to the boss.
Ask questions. New drivers who ask questions learn faster and make fewer mistakes. Don't pretend you know something when you don't. "How does the scanning system work here?" or "What's the process for failed deliveries?" are smart questions that show you care about doing things right.
On the Road
Complete every delivery. In your first few weeks, don't bring parcels back unless you genuinely have no option. Supervisors watch return rates closely for new drivers. A high return rate in week one suggests you're not trying hard enough — even if you have legitimate reasons.
Communicate proactively. If you're running behind, call dispatch before they call you. If you have a problem — a breakdown, a damaged parcel, an aggressive dog — report it immediately. Supervisors hate surprises. A driver who communicates issues early is someone they trust.
Keep the van clean. Return it at the end of the day the way you'd want to find it. No rubbish, parcels sorted, any issues noted. This seems small but it's one of the first things supervisors notice.
Don't complain. Not in the first month. Every company has problems, every run has bad stops, every van has quirks. The new driver who complains from day one gets labelled fast. Earn your stripes first, then raise issues constructively once you've built credibility.