A guide to becoming a shipping agent and growing a courier business

Becoming a shipping agent is a practical way to earn by helping individuals and businesses send parcels, especially in communities that ship abroad regularly. This guide explains how the model works and how Pigee supports you.

Shipping agents play an important role in communities that send parcels abroad regularly, offering a trusted local face for an otherwise complex process. With the right platform behind you, it is a business you can start small and grow steadily.

How the agent model works

As an agent you take parcels from local customers, quote them using Pigee, and book through trusted carriers at competitive rates. You add a margin for your service, while customers get convenience and someone who handles the paperwork.

Finding your first customers

• Offer collection from local shops and community hubs.
• Focus on routes your community ships often, such as the UK to West Africa.
• Build trust with reliable tracking and clear pricing.

How Pigee supports agents

Pigee gives agents quoting, customs support, label generation and live tracking, plus the network tools to manage many customers from one account. You focus on service while Pigee handles the technical side.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a licence to be a shipping agent?

Requirements vary by country and the carriers you use. Pigee handles the carrier relationships and paperwork, so you can focus on serving local customers while staying compliant.

How do shipping agents make money?

Agents add a fair margin for the convenience and service they provide, while still offering customers competitive rates through Pigee comparison and customs support.

The agents who grow fastest tend to specialise in a route their community uses often and become known as the reliable person for it. Pigee handles quoting, customs and tracking so you can build that reputation on service rather than paperwork.