Delivery Truck Driver & Driver/Sales Worker

Written By Keandra Wilson

 1. OVERVIEW

Delivery truck drivers and driver/sales workers are essential links in the supply chain, ensuring timely transportation of goods from distribution centers to homes, businesses, and retail stores. These professionals operate trucks under 26,001 lbs and may handle both delivery and customer sales functions. The role requires physical stamina, attention to road safety, and excellent customer service.

  • 2024 Median Pay: $42,770/year ($20.56/hour)

  • Job Growth (2023–2033): +9% (Faster than average)

  • Typical Entry-Level Education: High school diploma or equivalent

2. ROLE BREAKDOWN BY LEVEL

ENTRY LEVEL

  • Titles: Delivery Driver, Driver Helper, Route Assistant

  • Education: High school diploma or equivalent

  • Experience: None required

  • Certifications/Licenses: State driver’s license, clean driving record

  • Duties:

    • Load/unload packages and goods

    • Navigate delivery routes using GPS

    • Follow local traffic laws and safety protocols

    • Interact with customers and collect signatures

    • Maintain cleanliness of vehicle

  • Tools Used: Delivery vans, smartphones, route planning apps, hand trucks

  • Training: On-the-job shadowing (usually <1 month)

  • Pay Range: $30,000–$40,000/year

MID LEVEL

  • Titles: Route Sales Driver, Light Truck Driver, Delivery Lead

  • Experience: 2–5 years

  • Certifications (Preferred): Defensive driving certification, DOT training

  • Duties:

    • Manage daily delivery schedules and assigned routes

    • Communicate with dispatch and logistics staff

    • Accept customer payments and promote additional products

    • Train new drivers or helpers

    • Report incidents and maintain delivery logs

  • Tools Used: Handheld scanners, sales software, navigation tools

  • Pay Range: $40,000–$50,000/year

SENIOR LEVEL

  • Titles: Driver Supervisor, Logistics Coordinator, Territory Manager

  • Experience: 5+ years with route experience

  • Certifications: Commercial driver’s license (CDL, in some roles), management or logistics training

  • Duties:

    • Supervise a fleet of drivers and delivery schedules

    • Handle escalations, route planning, and compliance issues

    • Coordinate with warehouse and sales departments

    • Analyze delivery metrics for efficiency

    • Support hiring and driver performance evaluations

  • Tools Used: Fleet tracking software, CRM systems, inventory platforms

  • Pay Range: $50,000–$65,000+/year

3. HOW TO BECOME ONE

  • Minimum Education: High school diploma or GED

  • Training: On-the-job orientation (package handling, safety procedures)

  • Licensing: Valid driver’s license; clean driving record required

  • Certifications: Optional sales or safety certifications (e.g., Smith System, OSHA safety)

  • Soft Skills: Punctuality, navigation skills, patience, customer service

4. TOOLS & TECHNOLOGY

  • Vehicles: Vans, light trucks, box trucks (under 26,001 lbs)

  • Tech: GPS apps (Google Maps, Waze), barcode scanners, tablets

  • Sales Tools: POS systems, route optimization software

  • Safety Gear: Gloves, steel-toe boots, reflective vests

5. WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • Locations: Urban, suburban, and rural delivery areas; often outdoors

  • Hours: Early mornings, weekends, holidays; some night shifts

  • Risks: Injuries from lifting, traffic accidents, weather exposure

  • Physical Demands: Long periods of driving, lifting 50+ lbs

6. JOB OUTLOOK

  • Growth Drivers: Rise in e-commerce, demand for local deliveries, food/grocery apps

  • Projected Openings: ~183,800 per year through 2033

  • Trends: Increase in app-based gig delivery jobs, demand for eco-friendly delivery methods

7. RELATED OCCUPATIONS

  • Role: Bus Drivers | Salary: $48,370 | Education Level: High school diploma

  • Role: Hand Laborers | Salary: $37,680 | Education Level: No formal education

  • Role: Heavy Truck Drivers | Salary: $57,440 | Education Level: Postsecondary certificate

  • Role: Postal Workers | Salary: $57,870 | Education Level: None required

  • Role: Warehouse Workers | Salary: $39,280 | Education Level: High school diploma

8. RESOURCES & LEARNING HUBS

  • Certifications/Associations:

    • National Safety Council: https://www.nsc.org

    • American Trucking Associations: https://www.trucking.org

    • O*NET Profile: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/53-3031.00

  • Courses & Training:

    • Coursera: "Logistics and Delivery Management" by Rutgers

    • edX: "Supply Chain Fundamentals"

    • Smith System Driver Training

  • Books:

    • "Driven: A Trucking Memoir" by Melissa Stephenson

    • "The Delivery Driver's Handbook" by The Driver Collective

  • Videos & Channels:

    • YouTube: "UPS Delivery Driver Day in the Life"

    • "Truckers Life" documentary series

    • "Amazon Flex: Real Tips from Drivers"

  • Communities:

    • Reddit: r/deliverydrivers

    • Facebook Groups: "Delivery Driver Community," "Instacart Shoppers & Drivers"

    • LinkedIn: Logistics and Transportation Professionals groups

9. REGIONAL JOB DATA

  • BLS Occupational Page: Delivery Truck Drivers & Driver/Sales Workers

  • State Trends: https://www.projectionscentral.org

  • Salary by Zip Code: https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Wages/find-salary.aspx

  • Licensing Info: Check your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

 

Keandra Wilson
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