Delivery Driver: Job Description, Duties and Requirements
Delivery drivers transfer goods from areas of production to personal homes and businesses. Duties and training vary depending on employer. No formal education is required for the job.
Delivery Driver Job Description
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) defines drivers of light or delivery services as those who drive a van or truck weighing less than 26,000 pounds (www.bls.gov). They work for a variety of businesses and deliver all types of goods and merchandise, from linens, uniforms and food to cash and furniture. Some drive an established route, while others drive to different locations every day.
Approximately one third of the 3.2 million truck and driver-sales jobs were held by delivery drivers in 2008. Employment of delivery services truck drivers was predicted to grow more slowly than the average of all truck drivers, due to the fact that the occupation is tied closely to the economy.
Hours can vary, depending on the type of employer. Drivers who work for bakeries or grocery stores often have to report to work early in the morning. It is not uncommon for delivery drivers to work 50 or more hours per week. The median wage per hour of delivery drivers was $13.62 as of May, 2009, according to the BLS.
Duties
The most important duty of delivery drivers is to drive safely to their destination. Drivers are also often expected to help with the loading and unloading of their products, keep logs of their activities and make sure their vehicles are maintained in good working order. Package delivery service drivers and those whose job involves sales often have to accept payment for services and handle other paperwork related to the delivery. Some may be responsible for obtaining new customers along a delivery route.
Requirements
Delivery drivers often receive on-the-job training covering company products and policies, the preparation of delivery forms and the operation and loading of the vehicle. Part of the training may involve riding with experienced drivers. Those who drive armored vehicles may have to obtain a concealed weapons permit. Drivers required to use location or automatic routing software are given instruction in this technology.
The position requires good eyesight, hearing and good physical condition. Because delivery drivers often deal with customers, employers look for applicants with initiative who are neat, well-spoken, courteous and work well with little supervision. A satisfactory driving record is usually required.
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3 Popular Schools
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 22 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Bachelor
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must have either two or more years of college or active military status if you are under 24 years of age
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
Other Related Schools:
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School locations:
- Montana (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at The University of Montana include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
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- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
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School locations:
- North Dakota (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at North Dakota State University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Transportation and Distribution
- Ground Transportation
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Areas of study you may find at Iowa State University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
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Areas of study you may find at New England Institute of Technology include:
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Areas of study you may find at Golden Gate University include:
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- Graduate: First Professional Degree, Master
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Areas of study you may find at University of South Florida include:
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