What does a Delivery Driver do?
Delivery drivers collect items from one location to transport them to a different destination. They transport items ranging from food to furnishings and may deliver to businesses or the public. Working with a route and a time schedule, delivery drivers pick up and drop off items while being mindful of timeliness. They load, transport, and deliver items to a client or a business. They review orders before and after delivery to ensure an order is complete and that charges are correct.
Delivery drivers assist with loading and unloading items from the vehicles and sometimes accepting payment for delivered items. They operate equipment and machines including cars, trucks, or a forklift and prepare reports and other documents relating to their deliveries. They abide by all transportation laws and maintain a clean and safe driving record while adhering to assigned routes and following time schedules. Delivery drivers provide excellent customer service by answering any questions and handling any clients’ complaints. Delivery drivers need a high school diploma or equivalency, including a GED and a valid driver's license issued by the state where they work alongside a clean driving record.
- Safely drive and operate delivery vehicle at all times.
- Read, analyze, and interpret general invoices and delivery sheets.
- Help with work orders as part of daily delivery route.
- Maintain the vehicle in a clean and proper condition.
- Will also bend to retrieve, lift, and carry supplies and equipment.
- Verify delivery of items with customer and obtain proper signatures.
- Use hand held device for routing information, customer delivery information.
- Work in a safe manner by complying with all procedures, rules and regulations.
- Inspect loads are properly secured for compliance and safety.
- Responsible for proper communication to customers via phone, fax or email.
- Certification to operate commercial vehicles or commercial driver's license.
- Able to load and unload vehicles in a timely and professional manner.
- Demonstrate a positive attitude and professionalism with client interaction, in person and over the phone or email.
- A problem solver with a good work ethic, product knowledge, and demonstrated decision making skills.
- Can multitask and address concerns professionally and on time.
How much does a Delivery Driver make?
Base Pay
Additional Pay
$36,905
/ yrDelivery Driver Career Path
Learn how to become a Delivery Driver, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Delivery Driver Insights
Waffle House“You get to meet amazing people and the job itself is nice and the owner is a great guy.”
Club Feast“college student needing extra cash and club fest is great b/c I can work around my classes”
Aces Pizza“Small family owned so everything was really comfortable because there's only so many people to work with.”
Postmates“You can log on and off whenever you want which is really good for students.”
DHL“Pretty much zero training and not to mention good luck trying to get your paycheck from them.”
First Drive Logistics“I am great at this job and I am happy with the people that I work with.”
SkipTheDishes“I enjoyed working there my seniors were very helpfull and they provided appropriate training before job.”
DoorDash“8 hours a week was enough to make roughly $150 which was great for pizza and beer money.”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of delivery drivers
A typical day for a delivery driver involves picking up food from a restaurant and delivering it to waiting customers. Delivery drivers can work exclusively for one restaurant as an employee, or they can sign up with a delivery application and deliver food from multiple restaurants.
Delivery driving is an interesting career and ideal for intrepid, customer service-oriented people. The best part about being a delivery driver is getting to visit different neighborhoods and meeting many new people. It might even give you some ideas about where you should go out for dinner. Another plus is that some employers give discounts to their delivery drivers.
The average annual salary for delivery drivers is around $36,905. Most customers give tips which can increase the earnings. Drivers who find the address quickly and deliver the food early while it's still piping hot might get bigger tips. Another way to make more money is to take on late night shifts.
Working as a delivery driver can be stressful because not all customers understand that road conditions and traffic can delay their delivery and unhappy customers might not give tips. Delivery drivers should also be careful when delivering food in dangerous neighborhoods.