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 jobs
1

average 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.

 

Smiling male sitting in driver's seat of a logistics truck holding a piece of paper
Smiling male sitting in driver's seat of a logistics truck holding a piece of paper
2

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.
3

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:

4

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.

 

man looking away
man looking away
5

FAQs

FAQs about working as a delivery driver

thank you for subscribing to your personalised job alerts.