[Vocabulary] What does courier mean?

[nhatruc]

Dear all.
I have listened/read following conversation, but I havn't understood one word "courier". If someone know, please help me to have an explanation.


Credit cards can be used in millions of locations worldwide. They can be used for buying things by telephone. This is useful if you want to buy things from another country. Listen to the conversation and complete the credit card slip above.
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Mindy: MacGizmos. This is Mindy speaking. How can I help you?
Caller: Hi. I'd like to order some software, please.
Mindy: Do you have a catalog number?
Caller: Yes, I do. It's GKX 371 243.
Mindy: Please hold... that's the "Death Star Defender" game on CD-ROM for Macintosh?
Caller: That's right.
Mindy: What city?
Caller: I'm calling from London, in Britain.
Mindy: May I have your name and address?
Caller: Yes. It's <<deleted>>
Mindy: <<deleted>>? And how do you want that sent, Simon? Surface, air, or courier?
Caller: Courier.
Mindy: That will be a total of $89.30, including delivery.
Caller: Fine.
Mindy: And how are you paying?
Caller: MasterCard®.
Mindy: May I have your number?
Caller: <<deleted>>
Mindy: <<deleted>>. And the expiration date on the card?
Caller: September next year.
Mindy: And what is the name actually printed on the card?
Caller: Simon W. Alton.
Mindy: That's great, Simon. Your CD-ROM will be there in a few days. Thank you for calling MacGizmos.
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What is courier mean in this conversation?
I checked dictionary:
I only found "surface mail" = post that is sent by road, railway, or sea.
I didn't find meaning of courier which is suitable for this context.
I'm expecting for your reply.
Your sincerely.

 

[asac]

I'd say that this means "express delivery".

 

[digitS']

If this was in the United States, I would interpret "surface" and "air" as being different classes of delivery through the government Postal Service:
surface = parcel post
air = priority mail

At one time, trucks carried surface mail and air mail was carried by airplanes. I do not believe such distinctions still exist.

"Courier delivery" would be through a package delivery company such as UPS or FedEx.

Steve

 

[mfwills]

While Wikipedia gives UPS and FedEx as examples of courier, they are more accurately described as mass delivery firms with various levels of services. The more traditional use of the term "courier" suggests a more individualized service, typically with far fewer items to be delivered by one person, quite often a single item at a time.