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“Take care of your car in the garage, and the car will take care of you on the road.” ― Amit Kalantri

Delivery drivers are responsible for transporting goods from warehouses and distribution centres to various businesses and homes. This role requires safe product transportation, effective time management, and clear communication with superiors and clients. Understanding this position is essential to determine if it fits your career aspirations and goals.In this article, we discuss the role of a delivery driver, how much they earn, the skills required for the job, and similar roles in this field.

What does a delivery driver do?

A delivery driver's primary responsibility is the safe delivery of goods. They are efficient logistics experts, customer service representatives, and even professional brand ambassadors. Below is a list of typical responsibilities for a delivery driver:

Loading and unloading products

One of the main tasks of a delivery driver is the careful handling, loading, and unloading of products. Effectively organizing delivery packages can ensure they reach their destination safely.Related: Developing Proficient Organizational Skills

Delivering goods on time

With a sound understanding of routes and traffic patterns, a delivery driver ensures all deliveries are made on time. Punctuality is essential to keep customers satisfied and maintain an excellent business reputation.Related: 9 Jobs in Transportation (With Salaries and Duties)

Maintaining delivery records

Detailed record keeping is another essential responsibility. This includes logging delivery times, travel distances, and any issues or delays encountered during the delivery process.Related: What Does a Courier Driver Do? (With Salary and Skills)

Where does a delivery driver work?

Delivery drivers can work in various settings. Here are some typical places where they can be found:

• courier and messenger companies
• restaurants
• grocery stores
• retailers
• e-commerce companies

Is it hard to become a delivery driver?

Becoming a delivery driver does not usually require extensive education, and a high school diploma or equivalent is often enough. A valid driver's licence is essential for this role, and different classes of licences may be required depending on the weight and dimensions of the vehicle you'll be operating. Previous experience in a similar position can boost your chances of securing the role.Related: How to Find Truck Driving Jobs with No Experience in 8 Steps

Skills for a delivery driver

As a delivery driver, you have certain hard and soft skills to help you excel in the position. Below is a list of essential skills for a delivery driver:

Time management

Effective time management means understanding and planning for traffic patterns, routing efficiently for multiple deliveries, and adapting to unexpected obstacles on the road.Related: Why Is Time Management Important? And How to Manage Your Time

Communication

Strong verbal and written communication skills are crucial for relaying information to dispatchers, customers, and sometimes warehouse staff.Related: 9 Steps for How to Deal with Difficult Clients (With Tips)

Physical stamina

Delivery drivers often need to lift heavy items and spend extended periods driving or standing, making good physical health and endurance important for the role.Related: Manual Labour Jobs (With Salaries and Primary Duties)

Good sense of direction

A delivery driver has a good sense of direction and routing. In many cases, efficient navigation is crucial for timely deliveries. A driver can ensure a smooth delivery process with the help of navigation tools and inherent knowledge of local routes.Related: A Complete Guide to Driver Skills (And How to Improve Them)

Average salary and job outlook for a delivery driver

The average salary for a delivery driver is $77,411 per year. This can vary considerably depending on the location, type of goods being transported, years of experience, working hours, and additional benefits such as tips from customers. The size of the vehicle required to be operated may also impact your compensation.Employment opportunities for delivery drivers are expected to remain steady in the coming years. The Government of Canada Job Bank predicts the demand for delivery and courier service drivers will outpace the number of job seekers through 2031, improving your chances of getting a job in this field. This growth is partly driven by the increasing demand for home delivery services due to the rise of e-commerce and shifting consumer preferences.Please note that none of the companies, institutions, or organizations mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.

Jobs that are similar to a delivery driver

Several jobs share similarities with the role of a delivery driver. Depending on your interests and skills, you might want to explore them. Below is a list of jobs that are comparable to a delivery driver:

1. Courier

National average salary: $52,522 per year
Primary duties: Couriers specialize in delivering small parcels, documents, and other items within a specific geography, usually an urban area. They often use bicycles, motorcycles, or small vans to pick up and drop off these deliveries to meet tight deadlines.Find courier jobs

2. Truck driver

National average salary: $77,119 per year
Primary duties: Truck drivers operate larger trucks and transport goods over long distances. They are responsible for maintaining their vehicle, planning delivery schedules, and managing loading and unloading tasks.Find truck driver jobs

3. Bus driver

National average salary: $49,916 per year
Primary duties: Bus drivers transport passengers to and from various locations following a set schedule and route. This role requires a professional driving licence and excellent customer service skills.Find bus driver jobs

4. Taxi driver

National average salary: $42,039 per year
Primary duties: Similar to bus drivers, taxi drivers transport people instead of goods. They follow client-specified routes to reach the requested destination. Skilled taxi drivers have a superior knowledge of their city's streets and important locations.Find taxi driver jobsSalary figures reflect data listed on Indeed Salaries at time of writing. Salaries may vary depending on the hiring organization and a candidate’s experience, academic background, and location.

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