How to become a 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
36
Future Growth
Positive
Gender Share
13% female
Average full-time
43 hours
Weekly Pay
$1,269
Skill level rating
Entry level
Unemployment
Average unemployment
Full-Time Share
52%
Employment Size
86,100
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%
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%
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%
