Delivery Driver: What is the cost of hiring?

Why hire a delivery driver? 

The need for new staff can affect both your existing team and your bottom line. An exceptional delivery driver hire can help your business:

• Make custom, local deliveries
• Allow you to build a local delivery network that suits your company’s needs
• Decrease liability from lost inventory or goods.

Deciding between a full-time vs freelance delivery driver

When choosing between a full-time and a freelance delivery driver, consider the specific needs of your business. If you’re running a busy electronics company or grocery market, a full-time driver may be the best way to ensure you meet the daily demand for deliveries without interruption. 

Freelance delivery drivers are an ideal option if your overall deliveries change on a daily or weekly basis, or if you’re in need of a driver for a single, one-time project. You may also consider hiring a freelance or on-call driver when your business can only offer a limited number of hours. 

What are the types of delivery drivers?

There are several types of delivery drivers, ranging from full-time package and parcel carriers to flower delivery drivers and mail carriers. Here are some of the most well-known delivery driver careers. 

• Food delivery drivers: Food delivery drivers deliver everything from pizza and sandwiches to catered meals for offices and events. Food delivery drivers work as full-time employees for businesses such as pizza shops and food markets, and they work as freelance drivers for app companies that offer food and grocery delivery. 
• Package delivery drivers: Package delivery drivers are generally part-time or full-time employees who work for commercial shipping companies. They deliver large and small packages ranging from important documents to furniture, many of which require a signature. 
• Courier: Couriers are typically employed by private businesses that offer shipping and delivery services for important documents when time is of the essence. Couriers are responsible for delivering contracts, checks and legal documents. 
• Flower delivery driver: Flower delivery drivers work for florists as both freelancers and full-time employees. They deliver flowers and gifts to local recipients. While flowers can be delivered year-round, a florist delivery driver tends to be busiest during the holidays.

Where to find delivery drivers

To find the right delivery driver for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies. 

• Post a help wanted sign: If you’ve got a walk-in business with a continual customer base, posting a driver wanted sign at the front entrance is a helpful way to attract potential candidates.
• Consider using a driver or rideshare app: Certain rideshare companies offer additional delivery services for food and groceries. If you’re in need of a freelance driver for a one-time gig, you may have luck utilizing one of these services. 
• Network on social media: In today’s digital world, many full-time and freelance opportunities can be found on popular social sites. Delivery drivers may be promoting their services, or you could create your own post looking for driver recommendations. 
• Post your job online: Try posting your delivery driver job on Indeed to find and attract quality delivery driver candidates. 

Skills to look for in a great Delivery Driver

A great delivery driver candidate will have the following skills and attributes as well as work experience that reflects:

Hard skills:
• Clean driving record from the DMV
• Valid Class A CDL
• Ability to navigate and plan delivery routes

Soft skills:
• Clean appearance and professional demeanor
• Ability to address customer concerns
• Problem-solving

Writing a delivery driver job description

A thoughtful description is important for finding qualified delivery driver candidates. A delivery driver job description includes a compelling summary of the role, a detailed list of duties and responsibilities, and the required and preferred skills for the position.

When writing your delivery driver job description, consider including some or all of the following keywords to improve the visibility of your job posting . These are the most popular search terms leading to clicks on delivery driver jobs, according to Indeed data. 

• Delivery driver
• Driver
• Hiring immediately
• Driver delivery
• Non CDL driver
• Driving

 Interviewing delivery driver candidates

Strong candidates for delivery driver positions will be confident answering questions regarding:
• Familiarity with the designated delivery area
• Understanding of supply chain, delivery and logistics systems

Need help coming up with interview questions? See our list of delivery driver questions for examples (with sample answers).