If you’re building a courier business, one of the biggest challenges is figuring out how to land contracts with shippers. I hear it all the time:
“I have the sprinter, I have the insurance… but how do I actually get contracts?”
The truth is, shippers and logistics managers get approached by drivers every single day. What makes the difference is how you position yourself, what you say, and the follow-up that comes after. In this blog, I’ll walk you through a proven approach to contacting shippers with confidence, including sample scripts you can adapt to your own business.
And if you want to skip the guesswork, I’ve created a downloadable list of 30 shippers actively hiring couriers—plus I give you the exact strategy I use to turn that list into signed contracts. Grab it here now.
Why Most Couriers Struggle to Get Shippers’ Attention
Let’s be real: too many drivers treat shippers like they’re applying for a gig app route. They send quick DMs, one-liners, or ask for “work.” That approach will not work in this industry.
Shippers are looking for business partners, not just another driver. They need:
- Reliability and professionalism
- Compliance (insurance, certifications, safety standards)
- Capacity (ability to grow with them, not just cover a one-off route)
- Clear communication
When you reach out, you need to show you’re a courier company, not just a driver looking for side work. That shift in mindset is the difference between being ignored and being invited to bid.
Step 1: Do Your Homework Before Reaching Out
Before you make a single call or send an email, get clear on:
- What niche are you targeting? (Medical courier, lab work, automotive, B2B same-day delivery, etc.)
- What’s your coverage area? (Be specific; shippers need to know your exact lanes or service areas.)
- What compliance do you meet? (HIPAA, hazmat, TSA, insurance limits, etc.)
- Do you have the right equipment? (Cargo van, sprinter, reefer if needed.)
When you show up prepared, shippers immediately see you as a professional, not a risk.
Step 2: Craft a Winning Courier Sales Script
Here’s the part most people get wrong: the initial script. You don’t need a long pitch; you need a confident, professional introduction that positions you as the solution to their problem.
Phone Script Example:
“Hi [Name], this is [Your Name] with [Your Company]. We specialize in [type of deliveries] in the [service area]. I wanted to introduce our company because we’ve worked with similar shippers like [example if you have one], and I’d love to learn if you’re looking for additional reliable courier support. Who’s the best person to speak with about delivery contracts?”
Email Script Example:
Subject: Reliable Courier Services for [City/Region]
Hello [Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I’m the owner of [Your Courier Company]. We provide same-day [medical/legal/B2B] courier services across [service area], with a focus on reliability, compliance, and professional service.
We currently serve clients in [example or niche] and are expanding capacity in your area. I’d love to introduce our services and explore if we could support your shipping needs.
Do you have 10–15 minutes this week for a quick call?
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Phone / Website]
Step 3: Follow-Up Like a Professional
Most contracts aren’t won on the first call or email. It’s about consistent, professional follow-up. My rule of thumb:
- 1st touch: Intro email/phone call
- 2nd touch (3–5 days later): Follow-up email, reference your last message
- 3rd touch (7–10 days later): Call again, ask directly if they’re reviewing courier partners
- Ongoing: Add value, share updates, certifications, capacity changes
Shippers respect persistence, but only if it’s paired with professionalism.
Step 4: Position Yourself as a Business, Not a Driver
When you approach a shipper, lead with:
- Your company name (not “I’m just a driver”)
- Your service coverage and capabilities
- Your compliance standards
- The fact that you’re insured and reliable
This builds trust and separates you from gig app drivers who come and go.
Step 5: Turn Conversations Into Contracts
When a shipper shows interest, be ready with:
- Your pricing sheet (fair but profitable, don’t undercharge)
- A professional proposal or capability statement
- References or testimonials, if you have them
- Willingness to scale as their needs grow
This is where you stop being just another option and start becoming their go-to courier partner.
From Script to Signed Deal
I’ve coached hundreds of couriers, and the ones who succeed aren’t the ones with the most vans or the lowest prices; they’re the ones who learn how to approach shippers with confidence.
That’s why I created a free List of 30 Shippers; not only do I give you names, but I also give you my exact strategy for turning outreach into long-term contracts.
👉🏽 Download the Shipper List + Playbook Here
Don’t waste months cold-calling the wrong way. Use the exact words, follow the system, and start landing contracts that grow your courier business into a six-figure operation.
Final Thoughts
Landing shipper contracts are not about luck; it’s about preparation, positioning, and persistence. With the right script, a clear strategy, and consistent follow-up, you can move from hustling for one-off routes to building long-term business relationships.
And if you want to shortcut the process, grab my shipper list and strategy guide today. This is the same system I’ve used to grow a multi-state courier company from scratch, and you can too.
Your Mentor & Business Strategist
Roslyn
