Job Description – Delivery Driver

Delivery drivers collect and deliver goods for clients. These goods can be anything from food to furniture and everything in between. A delivery driver may deliver to businesses or the general public. 

Usually, people are happy to see a delivery person, which is a job perk. When was the last time a delivery driver gave you bad news? In most cases, your driver brought something yummy like a pizza or a package from Amazon. 

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You make positive things happen as a delivery driver and if it sounds like something you want to do we can help. Up next we’re going to give you the job description of a delivery driver so you can understand if the career is for you.  

Job Description - Delivery Driver
Image Source: Motus

Overview: Duties & Skills

Delivery drivers’ daily activities depend on the vehicles they drive, the routes they travel, and the supplies they manage. 

Delivery drivers may transport packages or load and unload large trucks. On the other hand, they may simply pick up and deliver food orders. There is a wide range of things a delivery driver could be required to do.    

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Here are some of the most critical competencies that a delivery driver should have.

  • A legal driver’s license, and a commercial driver’s license in some cases.
  • Awareness about how to properly treat items such as food or chemical products.
  • Familiarity with the operation of navigation systems.
  • Time management to ensure that deliveries are carried out on time.
  • To stay healthy when driving, outstanding vision, and hand-eye coordination.
  • Physical capability for heavy freight loading and unloading.

Requirements

If you plan to drive large vehicles, you’ll also need a valid driver’s license, either a regular state-issued license or a special CDL. Each state has its own CDL specifications, so before you hit the road, be sure to find out what your own state needs. 

Typically, delivery drivers only need a high school diploma or GED and a driver’s license. In addition to that, requirements may also differ from business to business. 

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For instance, drivers need to comply with certain safety procedures and best practices when transporting hazardous goods.

Average Salary

Salaries for delivery drivers differ widely from company to company. Tips may also supplement their hourly wage, which can add significantly more to their daily wages. 

Delivery drivers may work either part-time or full-time schedules and during working holidays or late nights.

  • Average pay in the United States: $16.81 per hour. 
  • Wages can be as low as $7.25 per hour to as high as $31.40 per hour.

Training 

You would need to receive a valid driver’s license to become a delivery driver. In the United States, your driver’s license must be given in your current state. 

A clean license is strongly desired or required by most employers. However, some firms will also accept a permit that has been clean for two or three years. 

You will also require additional endorsements outside your standard driver’s license to drive specialized vehicles. These include a Large Vehicle Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or a HAZMAT endorsement for hazardous material transport.

Certifications

Although additional certifications are typically not needed, they can be beneficial and allow you to land a job faster. 

Since driving is the most essential part of the work, any driving credential you have would be a plus.

NSC-Certified Defensive Driving Courses

The National Safety Council provides courses in the U.S. that teach drivers to identify and respond appropriately to potentially dangerous driving circumstances and conditions. NSC-certified teachers lead these classes.

Online Driving Safety Courses  

To learn defensive driving skills, you can take online courses. These courses offer the bonus of allowing you to complete them from home so that you can fit them into your schedule easily. 

Make sure the course is accredited by your state before you enroll for it. 

 

Job Description - Delivery Driver
Image Source: Greg Coleman Law

Conclusion

Delivery drivers spend the majority of their time inside their vehicles every day on the road. However, getting out of that vehicle in hot, cold, or inclement weather is also a part of the job so be aware of that. 

Over the course of a day, delivery drivers will often communicate with dozens of people. So not only is driving and safety knowledge important, but also excellent interpersonal skills.