A delivery driver’s job is to transport items from point A to point B. A lot of drivers have routes that take them through neighborhoods to deliver packages from Amazon, eBay, and other eCommerce platforms, but some drivers also deliver shipments to stores, factories, or warehouses.
Depending on your job, your duties might include loading and unloading your truck. You can be responsible for accepting payments from customers, following food safety or hazmat rules, and performing maintenance tasks for your truck.
With the unparalleled growth of online shopping, there is currently a high demand for delivery drivers. Experts believe it’s an occupation that will grow by 5% annually between 2019 and 2029.
While there are some efforts to develop self-driving delivery vehicles, they might never become viable on a large scale and this new technology might never keep up with an eCommerce market that could reach $563 million by 2025 . If you’re looking into how to become a delivery driver, you should know that it’s a safe career option with a lot of room for growth.
How Much Do Delivery Drivers Make?
According to Glassdoor, delivery drivers make $42,000 a year on average . On the lowest end of the spectrum, drivers can earn as little as $24,000 a year, while top earners make over $70,000 a year.
You should also know that some employers offer signup bonuses to attract new drivers and that most delivery drivers get overtime pay, especially during the holidays.
Steps to Become a Delivery Driver
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Graduate from high school or obtain your GED. A majority of delivery companies will expect you to have completed high school. Some college coursework can give you an advantage over other applicants, but it’s not a significant factor.
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You’ll need a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record. If you have a traffic violation on your record, wait for a year or two before applying for a delivery driver job.
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Some positions require you to get a CDL or Commercial Driver License. You’ll need to be at least 21 for a license that allows you to cross state borders. You’ll need to submit a CDL application, and pass a medical, knowledge, and road skill test.
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There are certifications you can obtain to make your application stand out. Most employers won’t require you to obtain these certifications, but you can show that you’re serious about becoming a good delivery driver by taking a driving course.
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Some employers hire drivers with little to no experience. However, you can pad your resume and stand out from other applicants if you work as a freelance delivery driver for a while. You can make money with a service like UberEats, Instacart, Doordash, or Postmates to gain some experience with following a delivery route.
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You’ll need a wide range of skills to become a delivery driver. Spending as much time as possible driving will help you develop crucial skills you will need. You should also work on communication skills, attention to detail, and time management.
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Think about getting in shape before applying for a delivery driver job. Driving for long hours can be tiring, and your job will probably include loading and unloading your truck. Developing your back muscles and learning to lift heavy packages properly will give you an advantage.
How to Become a Delivery Driver for Amazon
With over a million employees , Amazon is an option worth considering if you’re interested in how to become a delivery driver. There are two ways of driving for Amazon :
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You can become a Flex driver . Flex drivers use their own vehicles and get routes by indicating the time blocks they prefer. Drivers typically make $18 to $25 an hour, and you can pick the blocks that work for you. The downside is that you won’t get employee status and will be responsible for gas, insurance, and wear and tear on your personal vehicle.
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You can apply for an Amazon delivery job through an Amazon Delivery Service Partner. These partners receive large shipments of packages from Amazon and take care of last-mile delivery. Your employer will provide you with a vehicle, and most DSP positions don’t require you to have a CDL.
We recommend checking out the Amazon Logistics website for other opportunities. While a majority of Amazon drivers work on last-mile delivery, you’ll also find delivery drivers who bring larger shipments to DSPs.
How to Become a UPS Delivery Driver
UPS delivers 5.5 billion packages per year . The shipping and supply chain management giant hire package delivery drivers, tractor-trailer drivers, freight drivers, and more.
Working as a package delivery driver can be a good career option if you don’t have a CDL and would like a job with customer interactions. If you’re willing to obtain your CDL, you’ll have access to additional career opportunities such as becoming a truck driver .
UPS drivers earn $11 to $27 an hour, with plenty of opportunities for overtime pay. Because the holidays usually see an uptick in eCommerce sales, UPS has plenty of seasonal positions available during the winter. It could be a great way to give UPS a try and see if driving one of the black and gold delivery trucks is a good fit for you!
How to Become a FedEx Delivery Driver
FedEx hires city drivers to deliver packages to residential customers. You can also work as a road driver if you would rather move shipments between service centers. Not all positions require a CDL.
If you don’t have any experience with driving but want to work towards this career, you can apply to FedRx’s driver apprentice program . Their apprentice opportunity is a great way to acquire some core skills for a successful career as a delivery driver.
Are Requirements Different from State to State?
Becoming a delivery driver requirements don’t vary much from state to state. Delivery companies often have their drivers cross state lines, which is why they use uniform requirements.
However, you’ll need to obtain a driver’s license in the state where you live. The requirements for completing this step will vary depending on where you live. You can find out more by visiting your state’s DMV website.
What’s the Career Progression for a Delivery Driver?
Most employers will increase your pay and benefits as you gain experience. If you perform well, you’ll start getting longer routes.
After a few years with the same employer, you’ll get access to new career opportunities, like working as a supervisor or manager. Delivery supervisors oversee vehicle maintenance, train new drivers, and schedule the deliveries of their team.
If you started as a last-mile delivery driver, you can also get your CDL to go after a freight delivery job.
Interested in a career as a delivery driver? Check out the delivery driver jobs listed at job.com
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