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 many delivery jobs are related to this profession. As a skilled driver, many companies rely on you to deliver their products on time, and customers need you to make their shopping easier. Different industries require your services to thrive since you can deliver a wide range of products. This is why delivery drivers rarely lack good jobs throughout the year.

delivering diverse products

Most delivery drivers work in the food industry or provide courier services. When you work in the field, you deliver different products, depending on the company you work for. These include retail groceries to customers' homes and commercial products to retailers.

To some extent, delivery drivers are the physical representation of companies to the general public. That means that you have to portray the company's standards during work hours wherever you are. You must be neat, organised, prompt and respectful as you do your duties.

delivery driver jobs
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average salary of a delivery driver

A delivery driver earns between $55,000 and $75,000 annually in Australia. Employers determine the pay of their delivery drivers in different ways. Usually, you make it according to the industry you work in. For example, if you work for restaurants and eateries, you are likely to earn less than working for courier agencies. This is due to the sensitive nature of the packages you deliver. Drivers in the wholesale trade also earn reasonable hourly rates like couriers.

Regular employees get a basic salary that is typically paid weekly. As a regular delivery driver, in some companies, you receive bonuses for deliveries during busy delivery seasons. Working overtime also earns you extra cash, depending on your company. Apart from the pay and remuneration employers offer, it is common to receive tips from satisfied customers.

factors that determine delivery drivers' pay

The salary of a delivery driver usually depends on the employer. If you work for a large delivery company, you will earn more than someone working for a small company. Delivery drivers who work in-house are also likely to make more since they handle all the deliveries. You are paid per delivery when you work for an employer who uses many delivery drivers.

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delivery driver salary
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types of delivery drivers

Some of the types of delivery drivers include:

  • Courier: as a courier delivery driver, you deliver packages and documents to individuals, businesses or government agencies. You pick up the parcel from a customer's location and give it to a designated address. You can also deliver sensitive documents.
  • Food delivery driver: as a food delivery driver, you deliver food and takeaway orders to the customers' doorsteps. You also take orders and receive payments from the customers.
  • Freight driver: as a freight driver, you will be responsible for transporting goods and materials from one location to another. This may involve driving a truck, van, or other vehicle types. You will need to be able to load and unload your vehicle safely, and you may also be responsible for keeping track of your cargo.
  • Furniture driver:  as a furniture driver, you will be responsible for picking up and delivering furniture to customers. This will involve loading and unloading furniture and assembling and disassembling it when necessary. You will need to be physically fit and able to lift heavy furniture, as well as be able to use essential tools for assembly and disassembly. Good customer service skills are also crucial, as you will be dealing with customers daily.
  • Package delivery driver: as a package delivery driver, you work for mail and courier delivery services and drive trucks from distribution centres to customers' workplaces or homes. Unlike other delivery drivers, your job is physically demanding since the packages can be heavy.
  • Floral delivery driver: as a floral delivery driver, you transport floral arrangements to customers' residences or places of business. The vehicle is sometimes climate-controlled to ensure flowers arrive at the destination in good condition.
A photo of a man driving a van off to deliver packages
A photo of a man driving a van off to deliver packages
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working as a delivery driver

Delivery drivers pick up and deliver items to various destinations. It is a flexible and stable outdoor job in the logistics industry with a promising job outlook. Let's explore the daily tasks and work environments of delivery drivers.

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education and skills

Depending on the role you are applying for, you may need a specific driver's licence. For example, a lot of delivery drivers will need Light Rigid (LR), Medium Rigid (MR), or Heavy Rigid (HR) licences to be considered for multiple delivery driver roles.

There is no formal education necessary for becoming a delivery driver. Most employers provide on-the-job training to ensure the delivery services are satisfactory for their clientele. However, it would be best if you considered some formal qualifications to improve your career prospects. For instance, many businesses prefer candidates with a Year 10 school certificate.

Start with a Certificate II, III and IV in Driving Operations to get the industrial experience you need to boost your employability. Even if you have a driver's licence, you should take a driving course, VET qualification or traineeship. Some employers also expect you to pass the police check.

skills and competencies

As a delivery driver, you need a specific skill set to excel in your work. Some qualities include:

  • Customer service: since delivery drivers work an enjoyable job, they have to be good at interacting with many people daily. You also need good communication skills to engage your clients properly and remain courteous. Sometimes, you will deal with unhappy customers and must remain empathetic, decisive and patient.
  • Driving skills: you need to be an excellent driver to 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 without a glitch.
  • Research skills: as a delivery driver, you have to be familiar with the area you sign up for deliveries. Since you'll not have a good understanding of all locations to which you'll deliver products, good research skills will come in handy. Apart from the road network, you need to be able to research neighbourhoods that you've never been to in advance to make your work easier. Having this knowledge also helps you work faster.
  • Personal organisation skills: You must plan each trip adequately to achieve successful deliveries. You also have to label and load all the packages for easy access. Additionally, preparing yourself sufficiently for the road and determining the best way to manage your time is essential.
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FAQs about working as a delivery driver

Here are the most asked questions about working as a delivery driver:

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