what is a delivery driver?
A delivery driver is a transport agent responsible for safely moving products from one place to another. The expansion of the commercial sector has boosted the need for expert delivery drivers, and there are many job opportunities related to this profession. As a skilled driver, you deliver products on time and make shopping easier for customers. Since you can deliver a wide range of products, different industries require your services to thrive, so delivery drivers rarely lack steady work.
The role generally involves transporting goods from a warehouse to retail outlets like supermarkets and convenience stores. Some delivery drivers deliver items to consumers. As well as completing deliveries, you perform some administrative functions like invoicing clients, filling out delivery forms and getting signatures from the recipients of the goods.
As a delivery driver, you work on a specific route or routes daily, which requires a thorough understanding of the area. It is essential to be aware of the roads that allow lorries and vans and the traffic conditions at different times of the day.
Would working as a delivery driver suit your interest in working outdoors and interacting with people? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a delivery driver role.
delivery driver jobsaverage salary of a delivery driver
According to National Careers, the compensation package of a delivery driver ranges from £16,000 to £25,000 per year. The earnings depend on credentials and work experience. New delivery drivers start with a salary of £16,000 annually, while experienced delivery drivers take home a salary of £25,000 yearly.
Apart from the basic pay, some companies offer medical insurance and other benefits to incentivise workers. For instance, some employers pay higher rates for working overtime.
how to increase the salary of a delivery driver
The compensation package of a delivery driver relies on your skills and work experience. Most employers ignore educational qualifications for delivery drivers. Instead, they focus on your driving experience and personal attributes. If you have a good driving record and some experience in dealing with customers, you are likely to earn more. The earnings may also fluctuate depending on the size of the lorry or delivery van. Delivery drivers carrying warehouse goods usually drive larger trucks or vans. If you deliver goods from warehouses to shops, you may earn more than a delivery driver transporting items to customers.
types of delivery drivers
Delivery drivers can be categorised depending on the items they transport or the kind of vehicle they use to make deliveries. Some of the typical delivery drivers include:
- food delivery driver: you transport food from eateries or takeout restaurants to customers' doorsteps. Sometimes, the role involves taking orders via the telephone or online apps and delivering the food items. You may deliver items using a car, moped or bicycle.
- mail delivery driver: as a mail delivery driver, you transport correspondence and packages from the post office to the clients' doorsteps. Sometimes, you also deliver parcels. Deliveries are usually made using a van.
- computer hardware driver: as a computer hardware driver, you deliver technical products to customers. The role requires familiarity with computer components if the customer requires installation services.
- truck delivery driver: as a delivery driver using a truck, you transport items from the warehouse to the supermarket or wholesale centres. Sometimes, you deliver large items like furniture to clients' doorsteps.
working as a delivery driver
As a delivery driver, you interact with various people and are always on the road. Here is what to expect in your delivery driver role:
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delivery driver job description
Delivery drivers have several duties to carry out daily. Some of the tasks include:
- planning deliveries: before you begin transporting packages, planning is crucial. Determine the route, time and number of deliveries you should make.
- loading and unloading packages: in most cases, a delivery driver assists in loading and unloading packages or supervises other people doing the job.
- transporting and delivering products: the primary responsibility of a delivery driver involves navigating traffic to get the deliveries to customers on time.
- communicating with customers: as a delivery driver, you usually inform customers when their deliveries are due. In most cases, you confirm the delivery location and seek the necessary information in case the directions are unclear or inaccurate. Once you arrive at the location, you engage with your company's customers professionally and make sure they're satisfied with the service.
- handling payment: delivery drivers ensure that customers pay for Cash on Delivery (COD) products. Depending on your company, this can be as simple as confirming mobile or credit card payments.
- helping install products: depending on the kind of products you deliver and the company you work for, there are times when you help customers install the product. Such products include furniture and electronics.
- handling paperwork: once a customer has received and paid for the package, you help them sign delivery documents. These prove that you completed the delivery. In some businesses, these documents are ePODs (electronic proof of delivery).
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work environment
Being a delivery driver is physically demanding, especially when loading and offloading packages. Remember that some of these products are heavy or delicate, so it is vital to be physically fit. As a company driver, you use a company vehicle or bike for which you are responsible and wear your company's uniform during working hours. Moreover, the job is highly social since you interact with loaders, customers and other people inside and outside your company. You also spend time on the road, which involves negotiating traffic, harsh weather and various road conditions. With good organisation, your work can be stress-free and rewarding. Finally, expect to be under strict supervision, especially if your employer uses driver management software.
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who are your colleagues?
As a delivery driver, your colleagues might include warehouse workers, retail managers and HGV drivers. You may also be working alongside sales representatives and couriers, as well as other specialists that could include logistics manager, warehouse managers, warehouse operative, inventory controllers and bookkeepers.
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work schedule
Your way of working as a delivery driver determines your work schedule. Some drivers have a regular schedule, especially those delivering goods or products to institutions and businesses. In most cases, you work about 40 hours a week. In this position, you either work 10 hours for four days or eight hours for five days. The hours depend on the kind of products you deliver. For instance, if you deliver baked goods or dairy products, you start work early in the morning. Being a delivery driver often requires you to work overtime and at weekends. As a self-employed driver, you can expect a more irregular work schedule. You choose which days and how many hours you work. Self-employed delivery drivers generally have a second job, meaning they make deliveries at night, over the holidays and at weekends.
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job outlook
As more companies do business online to meet customer demands, they need more drivers to deliver their products. This growth will be mostly felt in the food and retail delivery industries. Apart from direct employment, delivery agencies increasingly provide third-party service providers for medium and large enterprises. Delivery companies offer full-time, part-time and franchise work options.
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advantages of finding a delivery driver job through randstad
Finding your delivery driver job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a delivery driver is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
Some qualifications of a delivery driver include:
- apprenticeship: when you have a driving licence, you can become a delivery driver by doing an apprenticeship. Intermediate apprenticeship opportunities as an express delivery operative or urban driver are available. Apprenticeships take over 12 months and equip you with the necessary skills to excel in the role.
- work experience: as a delivery driver, you require some experience in delivering or conducting administrative work for delivery companies. Start with entry-level positions like bike deliveries to gain the necessary experience.
delivery driver skills and competencies
As a delivery driver, you need a specific skill set to excel in your work.
- customer service: since delivery drivers are highly sociable, it helps to be good at interacting with many people in a day. You also require good communication skills to engage your clients courteously. In some cases, you may find yourself dealing with unhappy customers. In such situations, you should remain sympathetic, decisive and patient.
- driving skills: a delivery driver should be an excellent driver to ensure they make all the deliveries on time. Good driving skills mean you can navigate traffic while maintaining a good driving record. A good driver should be able to cover a reasonably long distance and drive for long periods.
- research skills: as a delivery driver, it is crucial to be familiar with the area in which you are working. Apart from the road network, you research neighbourhoods you've never been to make your work easier and faster. Since you may not know all the locations you deliver products to, good research skills will come in handy.
- personal organisation skills: as a delivery driver, it is essential to plan each trip adequately. Labelling and loading all the packages for easy access is also crucial. Preparing yourself sufficiently for the road and determining the best way to manage your time is also important.
FAQs
FAQs about working as a delivery driver
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do delivery drivers get paid well?
Delivery drivers get paid well, considering the nature of this job. The fact that this job also allows you to take other employment is an advantage. However, the pay differences depend on certain factors, such as the type of cargo and the risk involved. Want to learn more about working as a delivery driver? Then check out this article.
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what is required to be a driver?
To become a delivery driver, you require a valid driver's licence and prior experience in dealing with customers. Most delivery drivers pursue apprenticeships to familiarise themselves with the role. Want to learn more about working as a delivery driver? Then check out this article.
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what skills does a delivery driver need?
Aside from good communication skills, a delivery driver requires good navigation, organisational and research skills to help with their planning. Good delivery drivers are also reliable and responsible. Want to learn more about working as a delivery driver? Then check out this article.
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how much does a delivery driver make?
A delivery driver in the UK takes home a compensation package of between £16,000 and £25,000 per year, depending on experience. Want to learn more about working as a delivery driver? Then check out this article.
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how do I apply for a delivery driver vacancy?
Applying for a delivery driver job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
