What does a Delivery Driver do?
Delivery Drivers may work for corporations, food service companies, delivery service companies or warehouses. They drive cars, vans or delivery trucks to deliver their cargo and ensure the recipients get their packages and other items on time and as expected. Their job is to drive safely, deliver goods and collect payment if necessary. Delivery drivers must follow a specified route and make sure they deliver the correct packages to the appropriate person or business, all while sticking to the delivery timeline. They may also need to communicate directly with customers or business owners to get signatures to verify the arrival of a package. Providing exceptional customer service is a large part of the job because the Delivery Driver often interacts with the person receiving the packages.
Delivery Driver skills and qualifications
Delivery Drivers should meet certain qualifications before being hired for the role. Skills and qualifications that are important for Delivery Drivers to have include:
- A valid driver’s license and, in some cases, a commercial driver’s license
- Knowledge of how to handle materials safely, such as food or chemicals
- Familiarity with using navigation systems
- Time management to ensure deliveries are made on schedule
- Excellent vision and hand-eye coordination to stay safe while driving
- Ability to load and unload heavy cargo and use any machinery or equipment necessary to help
- Strong customer service and communication skills
- A clean driving record and safe driving skills
Delivery Driver experience requirements
Many Delivery Driver jobs require no experience, which makes these roles appealing for people coming from other industries or those who need additional part-time work. It can be helpful to look for candidates who have some previous experience as a Delivery Driver or using specific equipment you use. You might also look for experience in a similar industry so they’re familiar with unique concerns. If you’re hiring for a senior position or Delivery Manager, you may ask that candidates have three to five years of experience.
Delivery Driver education and training requirements
Delivery Driver roles typically don’t require specific degrees or educational requirements and training typically happens on the job. New Drivers might shadow more experienced drivers on their routes as part of the training. However, some types of deliveries might require additional training or certification. For example, if your Drivers are delivering food or chemicals, they need to comply with safety laws and best practices for transporting those materials. Drivers might need CDL endorsements for hazardous materials, depending on what they’re delivering.
Delivery Driver salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a delivery driver is $18.79 per hour. The specific pay rate for a Delivery Driver role may depend on level of experience, education, company and geographical location.
Delivery Driver salary expectations
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Common salary:
19.65 HOURLY -
Typical salaries range from
7.25 -46.05 HOURLY - Find more information on Indeed Salaries
*Indeed data –
Job description samples for similar positions
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Delivery Driver job description FAQs
What is the difference between a Delivery Driver and a Courier?
Delivery Drivers and Couriers both deliver packages to businesses and households. The main difference is that Delivery Drivers drop off packages, and Couriers drop off and pick up packages from various locations. Delivery Drivers follow a specific route and schedule, but Couriers often work on-demand, picking up and delivering packages at any time without a set schedule. It’s also more common for Couriers to work independently as contractors, while Delivery Drivers work for a company as employees.
What are the daily duties of a Delivery Driver?
A Delivery Driver begins their day at their designated packaging facility. They prepare their delivery truck and load parcels assigned to their route. Throughout the day, they drive around their designated delivery area, using GPS to find addresses and deliver packages. They may also return one or more times to the packaging facility to pick up more packages for delivery. The role can vary slightly based on the industry. For example, Delivery Drivers in the food service industry spend their day collecting takeout food from a restaurant and delivering it to businesses and households.
What makes a good Delivery Driver?
A good Delivery Driver practices safe driving skills and values customer service. They provide timely delivery while also handling packages with care. Drivers should also be able to move heavy parcels safely and effectively. A good Delivery Driver should have an excellent driving record and prioritize safety when driving to and from delivery locations. Being well-organized allows them to deliver the packages on time and to the correct locations.
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