A delivery driver is responsible for transporting mail, goods, groceries, or food and delivering them to customers. There are different delivery drivers with some driving light, four-wheeled delivery vans, trucks, mail vans, or Long-Life Vehicles (LLV) that may be electric or non-electric. However, some delivery jobs requirande drivers to operate Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMV), heavy-duty trucks that haul double or triple trailers. In those cases, the driver is required to have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). See our page on Truck Driver Resume for more information on how to get licensed to drive trucks and land a job as a truck driver.
In many cases, delivery drivers load packed products, plan the delivery route, communicate with customers, drop the merchandise off at the exact address, and collect payment or signatures if required. They ensure the product reaches the customer’s place in its original condition and on time. If you think you are a good driver who can plan routes and deliver goods promptly, numerous opportunities require a great resume.
In the following sections, we guide you to prepare an effective resume to get you an excellent delivery driving job. Let’s start by understanding the different resume formats.
See What People are Saying About Us
Job Duties of a Delivery Driver
A delivery driver’s primary responsibility is to deliver items from the point of distribution to the customers with the utmost care and punctuality. Their responsibility encompasses everything from handling any challenges faced on the road to ensuring customer and employer satisfaction.
The following are typical duties of a delivery driver:
Loading goods onto a truck or van using equipment like pallet trucks, forklifts, roller conveyors, trolleys, and jacks.
Planning routes using Google Maps or a custom route system like the one UPS drivers use to identify the fastest way without traffic and hindrances.
Scheduling time for delivery and, if needed, contacting customers before delivery to ensure their availability
Identifying any delays in pick-up or delivery and conveying the same to their supervisor or customer.
Inspecting the vehicle for fuel level, proper functioning of brakes, tire pressure, alignment of rear-view mirrors, and that the lights are working.
Checking invoices to ensure the correct items are delivered to the customer.
Driving delivery vehicles that could be electric or motor operated with utmost care and ensuring the safety of goods.
Following road safety protocols like wearing seatbelts, using the turn signal, and obeying all traffic signs while driving the delivery vehicle.
Detecting mechanical issues in the car and arranging the repair service or communicating the problems to a supervisor.
Maintaining good interpersonal relationships with the employers and the customers by communicating with clarity and accepting their feedback or complaints.
Collecting payments or signatures from the customers based on the invoice.
Delivery Driver Median Salaries
As per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a delivery truck driver is $34,340 as of May 2020. The drivers may be paid a higher or lower compensation based on expertise, qualifications, and experience.
Top Skills for Delivery Drivers
A delivery driver must be efficient in driving the vehicle to the destination and reviewing the accuracy of the dispatch, ensuring the vehicle is in proper working order, loading and unloading heavy packages, and communicating with the customers. Hence they require physical and social skills on top of notable technical driving prowess.
The following technical and soft skills make an excellent delivery driver:
Excellent driving skills
Both the employer and the customer rely on the delivery driver to safely deliver goods on time. This means adjusting for unexpected conditions such as heavy traffic and following all traffic rules. Usually, they must operate either a car, a van, or a single trailer truck. In some cases, performing a standard manual transmission is required. However, some delivery jobs require drivers to operate Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMV), which are heavy-duty trucks such as those that haul double or triple trailers. In those cases, the driver is required to have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Also, aspiring delivery drivers must identify the condition of the vehicle’s tires, fuel levels, and brakes before the delivery.Good physical condition
Going up and down truck cabins multiple times every shift and lifting 50 lbs or more are just some of the tough physical demands. Many delivery jobs expect you to load and unload your cargo, which requires physical strength and stamina. Although the desired level of physical activity varies from job to job, delivery drivers can drive for extended periods.Abide by the rules and regulations
Following safety regulations and maintaining an untarnished MVR record is crucial for delivery drivers. They must wear seatbelts, maintain an appropriate stopping distance, park in safe spaces, and follow all traffic signs.Good customer service skills
From contacting the customer to arrange a drop-off to collecting customer’s signatures and handling their requests, a delivery driver is constantly in contact with clients. This means having strong interpersonal skills is crucial. A delivery driver must communicate clearly to avoid any mishaps in the delivery. Most jobs require the driver to contact customers prior, during, or after delivery, so it’s important to practice effective and friendly communication. They must also communicate any delays.Safe handling of merchandise
A delivery driver should keep goods safe during loading and unloading. They operate lifting and moving equipment such as forklifts, pallet jacks, hand trucks, drum trolleys, and conveyors for some jobs.Good navigation
Route management is an integral part of a delivery driver’s job as they need to find the fastest way to reach their destination. They must be capable of operating route planning software such as Google Maps, Onfleet and Routific. They must also have a knack for directions and a basic knowledge of local zones to avoid delivery delays.Patience
Having patience while facing heavy traffic, accidents, or mechanical issues is significant to avoid dangerous situations in which the driver’s and other’s life could be put at risk. They must handle disputes with other drivers on the road patiently and keep their composure when taking demanding customersGood problem-solving
While on the road, you may encounter many challenging situations: technical difficulties while using Google Maps, flat tires, roadblocks, and more. To be an effective delivery driver, you should be able to handle any unexpected event or situation thrown your way to the best of your abilities. Being an independent problem-solver can help you overcome most issues to get a track record of always reaching your delivery goals.
Educational Requirements for Delivery Drivers
Degree
The minimum educational qualification for most delivery driver jobs is a High School Diploma or a GED. Higher education is not necessary nor provides any particular competitive edge. Being licensed and certified holds more value for this position.Licensure
You usually need to be 18 years of age or older to drive delivery trucks within the state or 21 years old to move interstate. While some states allow 15-year-olds to get a non-commercial learner’s permit, most delivery driver jobs require you to be at least 18 years of age or older. Another bonus is that delivery drivers usually stay within state lines, so being 18 years old is usually enough.
There are many different types of delivery driver jobs. For some, just having a regular driver’s license and experience driving a car is enough. For others, you might need a non-commercial Class C driver’s license or a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Typically, each commercial and non-commercial license has three classes: A, B, and C. Each class certifies you as someone who can drive a specific truck within a particular category of weight. A non-CDL Class C or equivalent tends to be required for delivery drivers or at least beneficial in giving you a competitive edge. Some employers, however, ask for a CDL Class C license. Check with the company you wish to get hired at for their specific licensure requirements. It’s important to note that each state has its own license categories, so you must check your local DMV for details relevant to your situation. For example, states like New York do not have a non-CDL Class C license.
Furthermore, jobs asking for a CDL Class A or B license are jobs that tie closely into a truck driver role. You may find that some job postings for delivery drivers have this requirement. If you’re considering getting a CDL Class A or B license, check whether working as a truck driver is better suited for your career goals. You must become familiar with which endorsements would prepare you for your ideal role if you choose to apply for a CDL license. Read the Truck Driver Resume page for more details.
Also, the FMCSA offers a mandatory DOT medical examination to identify your fitness to take up driving vehicles on a professional level. Some companies require just the DOT medical examination, while those who need to get a CDL license will be required to pass the test to get licensed.Certifications
Depending on which skills you need to improve or demonstrate mastery in, you might want to specialize in driving and customer care. While certifications are usually not expected for delivery driver jobs, it doesn’t hurt to show you’re specialized in skills employers are looking for.
Apart from the non-CDL license, a delivery driver may benefit from taking courses or certifications from non-profit government organizations like the professional driving ones offered by the National Safety Council (NSC) for driver safety. Alternatively, if you need to improve your customer care skills instead, completing a customer care certification might be just what you need to help you stand out from the crowd.
Delivery Driver Resume-Writing Tips
In this section, we will provide you with tips on how to write an excellent resume that will showcase your versatile skills in driving, customer relationships, and handling goods. Try to incorporate the following skills to make your resume unique and catch the attention of the recruiter.
Highlight your track record of on-time deliveries.
Punctuality is a significant contributor to the success of a delivery driver. Picking up and dropping off the goods on time is expected, and you must feature your capacity to complete deliveries on time. Also, mention any efforts you’ve taken to tackle delays in the deliveries and during crises to show problem-solving abilities.Avoid repetitive information.
Never repeat the same information about work history or skills. The recruiter will take hardly ten seconds to identify your fit for the job, so you must include all your exceptional skills and work experience concisely and thoroughly. While mentioning your work history, try adding any achievements you’ve made in each company without stating the same accomplishment or responsibility twice. Similarly, mention each unique skill you have that’ll showcase your expertise.Use excellent grammar.
Adherence to grammar and spelling rules lets recruiters know that you have good communication skills. Since being a delivery driver tends to entail frequent communication with clients, using concise and grammatically correct information demonstrates at least a basic knowledge of using proper English, which is a requisite for many delivery driver positions.Emphasize your spotless driving record.
Showcase your clean driving history with no records of violations of traffic rules or accidents. Also, mention your ability to handle traffic through proper route management. While some companies allow for a few violations, a clean record or having minimal violations is essential to prove your tendency to adhere to traffic rules and laws, which is a critical skill for delivery drivers.Focus on customer satisfaction.
Include your social, interpersonal skills and how you have delivered the products safely and on time. Shine a light on any measures you’ve taken to ensure customer as well employer satisfaction, such as traveling the extra mile to deliver a package in the middle of winter. Remember, customer service is an integral part of most, if not all, delivery driver positions. So, make sure to include a detailed report of any valuable skills that have assisted you in getting satisfactory customer interactions.
FAQ
Is it necessary to mention college degrees?
A college degree is unnecessary for a delivery driver, but mention the degrees you have in a list under the educational qualifications section regardless of whether you have space. While it will most likely not prove an advantage, it won’t hurt to have it in there either. However, remember that your previous experience, skills, licenses, and relevant certifications are more practical to help you land the job.
Is it necessary to get a CDL license to be a delivery driver?
No. Unlike for truck driver jobs, a CDL license is not mandatory. While some companies will require you to have a non-CDL Class C license or equivalent, others will only ask for your state-issued driver’s license. If you are not ready or do not want to get a CDL license, search for job openings that do not require it. For example, a UPS Package Delivery Driver isn’t required to have any kind of CDL license. However, it’s possible that some positions that do require a license offer higher salaries than those that don’t. You should research whether obtaining a CDL license is something that would open you up to job positions you would find more favorable. In the end, you could get a job with or without the CDL license.
Can I include long breaks in my work experience?
Yes. Long gaps in your work experience can be included. Be ready to explain the gap, though, and include the freelance work or community service you have done in that period, if any. But make sure to draw more attention to the experience, skills, and licenses that make you a perfect fit to be a delivery driver.
Can I include my expertise in driving other kinds of trucks too?
Yes. But it is important to keep the information short and give complete focus to delivery driver-related skills. Mention your skills to drive other trucks and vehicles within a single, short phrase.