They also operate machines which affix postage. In addition, mail clerks increasingly use computers to keep records of incoming and outgoing items. Messengers pick up and deliver letters, important business documents, or packages which need to be sent or received in a hurry from within a local area. By sending an item by messenger, the sender ensures that it reaches its destination the same day or even within the hour. Messengers, also called couriers, also deliver items which the sender is unwilling to entrust to other means of delivery, such as important legal or financial documents.
Some messengers pick up and deliver important packages, such as medical samples to be tested.
Messengers receive their instructions either by reporting to their office in person, by telephone, or by two-way radio. They then pick up the item and carry it to its destination. After a delivery, they check with their office and receive instructions about the next delivery. Consequently, most messengers spend most of their time outdoors or in their vehicle. Messengers usually maintain records of deliveries and often obtain signatures from the persons receiving the items.