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Route Driver Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

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Route Driver duties and responsibilities

The primary responsibility of a Route Driver is to move purchased items from the store or warehouse to the customer on schedule. Daily activities and responsibilities include:

  • Determining the best route to drive in order to make all stops on time and preserve fuel economy
  • Ensuring vending machines are kept in good working order, stay well-stocked and meet cleanliness standards
  • Interacting professionally with clients and notating customer preferences, acting as a contact for the company
  • Maintaining precise records of inventory moved and delivered as well as any monies given for deliveries or taken from vending machines
  • Communicating effectively with customers and inventory managers to facilitate accurate forecasting of merchandise needs, according to supply and demand, new or special products and current market trends
  • Ensuring food products are delivered with an emphasis on hygiene and safety, following all applicable local laws and company policies
  • Driving goods along a set route following all applicable local laws and company policies
  • Loading and unloading merchandise from the warehouse and delivery vehicle to the destination

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Route Driver Job Description Examples

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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines
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What does a Route Driver do?

A Route Driver ensures timely deliveries based on a set route and schedule. They may work refilling vending machines, delivering magazine subscriptions or delivering food purchases to customers. A successful Route Driver supports the success of their company by keeping customers satisfied with the timeliness in which they receive their product and professionally handling any issues that may arise, such as an incorrect order or items missing on an invoice. As the physical and primary point of contact with clients, the Route Driver needs to focus on both accuracy and customer service.

Route Driver skills and qualifications

Duties and qualifications will vary depending on the industry a driver works in. For example, Route Drivers in fresh food delivery will need to have a higher focus on customer service than a newspaper Route Driver who rarely interacts with customers. The typical skills and qualifications a professional Route Driver must possess are:

  • A valid drivers license with a clean driving record
  • The ability to pass a drug screening before hire and throughout employment
  • A propensity for researching appropriate routes with attention to traffic patterns to determine the best roads to take, with assistance from GPS as needed
  • Excellent customer service and communication skills
  • General technological knowledge, such as being able to learn and use company devices to maintain accurate records of inventory and hours worked
  • Physical aptitude for the position, including being able to hold scanning devices, drive, stand and sit for long periods of time and lift, load and carry heavy packages
  • A personable, can-do attitude

Route Driver experience requirements

Route Drivers do not need extensive experience, as this is an entry-level position. It is usually required that the applicant hold a valid driver’s license for a set number of years without negative driving events, such as speeding tickets, before qualifying for the position.

Route Driver education and training requirements

Route Driver careers typically do not require higher education to advance, but a high school diploma or GED is helpful. On-the-job training of less than a month is typically provided by the hiring company. Route Driver training courses are available online, such as those offered by the National Automotive Merchandising Association (NAMA).

Route Driver salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Route Driver is $18.39 an hour. Depending on locality, typical route length, experience and the company, wages may be higher or lower.

Route Driver salary expectations

2025-10-018.3521.5440.70HOURLY
  • Common salary: 21.54 HOURLY
  • Typical salaries range from 8.35 - 40.70 HOURLY
  • Find more information on Indeed Salaries

*Indeed data – 2025-10-01

Job description samples for similar positions

A Route Driver may not be exactly who you need to hire. Take a look at these similar positions to find a better fit if this is the case:

Route Driver job description FAQs

Do Route Drivers use their own vehicles?

The hiring company ultimately decides if a driver uses their personal vehicle or is provided a company vehicle for deliveries.

Can I sponsor a Route Driver who needs a temporary worker visa?

Immigrants are required to possess a degree in higher education or provide a specialized service in order to qualify for a temporary worker visa. Commercial truck drivers may qualify, however.

Can I hire a Route Driver if they have any negative DMV history?

Depending on your insurance policies and your company preferences, drivers may be hired if they only have minor traffic infractions on their record. DUIs and other severe infractions could bar a person from being qualified.

Does a Route Driver carry their own car insurance?

Your company insurance policies should cover company vehicles used during operations and any bodily harm done to Route Drivers while working. If a Route Driver is using their personal vehicle, they will need Delivery Driver’s insurance in addition to their personal car insurance policy.

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Three individuals are sitting at a table with a laptop, a disposable coffee cup, notebooks, and a phone visible. Two are facing each other, while the third’s back is to the camera. The setting appears to be a bright room with large windows.

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