Delivery Driver
PrintWork Tasks
DELIVERY DRIVERS operate trucks or vans that have a capacity of less than 26,000 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). They deliver or pick up merchandise and packages within a specific area. Delivery drivers may deliver a shipment, reload their truck or van with different items, and drive it back to the home base. They transport all kinds of merchandise, such as bread, auto parts, medical supplies, flowers, furniture, groceries, and magazines. Delivery drivers keep records of deliveries made. Delivery drivers now use on-board computers to help record operating and delivery information.
Salary, Size & Growth
- $34,000 average per year ($16.25 per hour)
- A large occupation (780,300 workers in 2010)
- Expected to grow slowly (0.4% per year)
Entry Requirements
All DELIVERY DRIVERS must have a driver's license issued by the state in which they live. In many states, a regular driver's license is good enough for driving light trucks or vans with a capacity under 26,000 pounds GVW. Most employers prefer to hire people with a good driving record. Training given to new drivers by employers is usually informal, and may consist of only a few hours of instruction from an experienced driver. New drivers may also ride with and observe experienced drivers before assignment of their own runs. High school courses in driver training and automotive mechanics also may be helpful.