Delivery Driver Jobs
Do you get excited when the mail truck stops at your door and there’s a package or envelope with your name on it? Do you look for any excuse to use your shiny, monogrammed letter opener? Then see what delivery driver jobs are all about.
What do delivery drivers do?
These workers drive anything from mail trucks and catering vehicles to their personal car with a company logo slapped on the top. They deliver products like food, equipment, mail, appliances, furniture, packages and envelopes. Other requirements may include:
- Observing speed limits and obeying all road signs
- Keeping driving records (i.e. mileage and gas receipts)
- Performing simple vehicle maintenance (i.e. cleaning interior and exterior, taking vehicle for state inspections, filling tires with air, etc.)
- Loading and unload delivery goods
- Informing supervisor of any vehicle problems
- Driving to and from delivery destinations
- Interacting with customers to obtain payment, signatures and giving receipts
- Heavy lifting of packages and other equipment
Delivery drivers for catering businesses may be required to prepare and serve food as well as clean up all equipment including dinnerware and utensils. Pizza delivery persons are responsible for collecting tips and handing back change to customers. All drivers need to maintain a timely schedule and complete all deliveries as planned.
What are the working conditions?
Delivery drivers typically spend most of their day in their appointed vehicles, but many jobs require employees to work inside establishments and outdoors. Mail and package carriers sometimes have to get out of their vehicle to deliver to homes and businesses, and must interact with their customers. Caterers typically work both inside their vehicle and at the delivery sites, which could be anything from an outdoor wedding to a business dinner in a fancy hotel. Hors d'oeuvres, anyone ?
Pizza delivery workers usually spend their shift both in their personal vehicle and at the pizza establishment. When they aren’t delivering the yummy stuff, they’re in the kitchen kneading the dough and throwing on the toppings. They may even take orders at the counter from dine-in or carry-out customers. They are usually required to drive their personal vehicles and display the company’s logo in the form of a sign on the roof of the car. Some companies will reimburse the driver for gas when provided with receipts and mileage reports, but other times they are expected to fill their tanks on their own dollar, so it wouldn’t be wise to drive Mom’s minivan to work.
Hours vary depending on the job description, but these drivers are usually asked to work some nights and weekends. Caterers work special events like graduations and other celebrations, which typically occur on the weekend. Dinner and cocktail parties tend to be held in the evenings, so you should maintain a flexible schedule to help work busy shifts and keep the boss-man (or woman) happy. Mail delivery persons can normally expect to work during normal business hours and Saturdays, due to the fact that most mail isn’t delivered on Sundays or late at night. These jobs often require heavy lifting of packages, food trays and other products, so start pumping iron now.
What skills do I need and how can I get promoted?
If you want one of these jobs, you have to be of driving age and hold a valid state-issued driver’s license. Most employers require a driving record check and prefer you to be accident and ticket free for at least a couple of years. The trauma you endured over that fender bender last year may still come back to haunt you. You may also be asked to complete a driving test with a certified instructor to make sure you understand all road signs and are aware of set speed limits.
Communication is important because you will be interacting with the public and providing goods and services to customers on a daily basis. Food delivery drivers should always remain friendly and pleasant, even when their tip is less than generous. Attention to detail, such as directions, addresses and delivery instructions, is crucial—getting lost is no excuse for a cold pizza.
Educational requirements vary, but hiring managers usually prefer their drivers to hold at least a high school diploma or the equivalent.
Show me the money!
Wages vary depending on job description and location, so check out our wage calculator to determine pay for these jobs in your neck of the woods. The real perks are in the benefits—many employees receive discounts on food like pizza and catered meals, and you can’t beat the freedom to blast your tunes as loud as you want while you drive. Go ahead, sing along. Nobody’s watching.