How to check a courier's track record before you trust them

A courier's willingness to prove their reliability matters far more than their promises. Before you hand over your parcel or your cash, you need concrete evidence that they actually deliver on time, handle items properly, and won't disappear when something goes wrong.

Check their CIPC and PSIRA status first

Any legitimate courier business should be registered with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) as a juristic entity or sole proprietor. Ask for their registration number and verify it yourself on the CIPC website — it takes two minutes and shows the business actually exists on paper. If they're evasive or can't produce it, walk away.

If the courier operates as a security escort or handles high-value consignments, they must be registered with the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA). Request their PSIRA card or certificate number. This is not optional — it's the law, and it proves they've passed vetting and training. Again, verify independently rather than taking their word for it.

Ask for verifiable references and follow up

A professional courier will have regular clients who can vouch for them. Don't just nod when they rattle off names — actually phone the references. Ask specific questions: How long have you used them? Have they ever lost or damaged a parcel? Do they arrive on time? What happens if something goes wrong? Listen for hesitation or qualified answers. A genuine reference will speak confidently and give you concrete examples.

If the courier operates through a network or franchise, check whether the parent company holds public reviews or complaint records. Business associations like the Road Freight Association (RFA) sometimes maintain member directories; if your courier belongs to one, that adds a layer of accountability. If they claim membership, ask for proof and verify it.

Dig into their actual track record

On Strove, verified couriers display their ratings and customer reviews. Read a few recent ones in detail — not just the star count, but what people actually say about delivery speed, communication, and how they handle problems. One complaint about a lost parcel is a flag; a pattern of vague excuses is a red light.

Before booking, ask the courier how they handle disputes or damage. Do they have insurance? What's their claim process and how long does it take? Will they provide proof of delivery — a photo, signature, or GPS timestamp? These aren't afterthoughts; they're how you protect yourself if something goes wrong.

For same-day deliveries especially, ask what happens if they can't make the time window. Do they communicate proactively? Will they offer a discount or retry at no extra cost? Reliable couriers have a clear answer. Vague ones are betting you won't follow up.

Test them on a low-stakes run first

If you have regular or high-value deliveries ahead, start with a small, non-critical parcel. Time them, check their communication, verify the proof of delivery. This costs little and tells you whether they're as dependable as they claim. If they drop the ball on a simple run, they'll do it again when it matters.

Before you commit to a courier, you should feel confident that you've checked their credentials, heard from people who've actually used them, and understand exactly what they'll do if things go sideways. A courier worth hiring is one who welcomes these questions and has straightforward answers ready.

On Strove, the couriers in the same-day delivery category have been verified and are rated by real customers, so you can skip some legwork — but the checks above still apply to anyone you're considering.