How to become a Delivery Driver

Delivery Driver

Delivery drivers use light vans, cars, utilities, motorcycles, scooters or bicycles to pick up and deliver goods, usually over short distances.

Personal requirements for a Delivery Driver

  • Trustworthy and reliable
  • Able to gain a thorough knowledge of city and suburban streets
  • Good communication skills and some mathematical ability
  • Able to cope with the physical demands of the job
  • Safe driving skills

Education & Training for a Delivery Driver

You can work as a delivery driver without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job. You can also become a delivery driver through a traineeship. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.


Additional information

You will need an appropriate drivers licence for motorised vehicles.

Duties & Tasks of a Delivery Driver

Delivery drivers:

  • Drive the vehicle into position for loading or unloading
  • Assist with loading or unloading to ensure goods are correctly stowed
  • Check loading documents
  • Plan the shortest delivery route and drive the vehicle to the destination
  • Use a two-way radio, or other electronic device, to keep in contact with the depot or base
  • Complete paperwork and use a handheld scanning device
  • Arrange unloading and obtain a receipt for goods delivered
  • Handle cash and give correct change to customers
  • Provide customer service and advice
  • Report vehicle maintenance needs
  • Hand-deliver goods.

Tasks

  • May receive payments for deliveries and arrange accounts
  • Reporting vehicle maintenance needs
  • Assisting with loading to ensure goods are arranged for ease of delivery and safely secured to avoid damage
  • Arranging and performing unloading operations and obtaining certification of deliveries
  • Determining the destinations of goods and most appropriate delivery routes
  • Verifying loading documents
  • Manoeuvring vehicles into position for loading and unloading

Working conditions for a Delivery Driver

Some delivery drivers are employed on a subcontract basis and provide their own vehicles. Motorcycle and bicycle couriers nearly always provide their own transport. Some delivery drivers wear a uniform.


Employment Opportunities for a Delivery Driver

There is an increasing number of opportunities for bicycle couriers in metropolitan areas, as they are very efficient in busy city conditions.


Specializations

Delivery Driver

Delivery drivers use light vans, cars, utilities, motorcycles, scooters or bicycles to pick up and deliver goods, usually over short distances.

  • Average age
    Average age
    36
  • Future Growth
    Future Growth
    Positive
  • Gender Share
    Gender Share
    13% female
  • Average full-time
    Average full-time
    43 hours
  • Weekly Pay
    Weekly Pay
    $1,269
  • Skill level rating
    Skill level rating
    Entry level
  • Unemployment
    Unemployment
    Average unemployment
  • Full-Time Share
    Full-Time Share
    52%
  • Employment Size
    Employment Size
    86,100
  • Employment Size
    Employment by state
    ACT: 1.5%
    NSW: 32.8%
    NT: 0.7%
    QLD: 21.1%
    SA: 7.1%
    TAS: 2.1%
    VIC: 24.5%
    WA: 10.3%
  • Employment Size
    Age brackets
    15-19: 9.2%
    20-24: 14.7%
    25-34: 19.5%
    35-44: 16.1%
    45-54: 18.9%
    55-59: 9.2%
    60-64: 7.4%
    65 and Over: 5%
  • Employment Size
    Education level
    Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 6.4%
    Bachelor degree: 8.5%
    Below Year 10: 2.6%
    Certificate III/IV: 18.7%
    Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 2.4%
    Year 10 and below: 23.8%
    Year 11: 9.2%
    Year 12: 31.1%
    Years 11 & 10: 27%
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