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How to hire a driver/merchandiser

Driver/merchandiser hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring driver/merchandisers in the United States:

  • In the United States, the median cost per hire a driver/merchandiser is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • Human Resources use 15% of their expenses on recruitment on average.
  • On average, it takes around 12 weeks for a new driver/merchandiser to become settled and show total productivity levels at work.

How to hire a driver/merchandiser, step by step

To hire a driver/merchandiser, consider the skills and experience you are looking for in a candidate, allocate a budget for the position, and post and promote the job opening to reach potential candidates. Follow these steps to hire a driver/merchandiser:

Here's a step-by-step driver/merchandiser hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a driver/merchandiser job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new driver/merchandiser
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a driver/merchandiser do?

A driver/merchandiser's role in society is to directly deliver products to customers on time, bearing good communication skills to interpret and relay messages and instructions. A driver/merchandiser is also tasked to check on the truck's condition, repair or replace damaged parts, and deliver it to reliable auto shops if the damage is severe. They must follow road guidelines and laws imposed by the state or city where they do the job.

Learn more about the specifics of what a driver/merchandiser does
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    Before you post your driver/merchandiser job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a driver/merchandiser for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a driver/merchandiser to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a driver/merchandiser that fits the bill.

    This list presents driver/merchandiser salaries for various positions.

    Type of Driver/MerchandiserDescriptionHourly rate
    Driver/MerchandiserDelivery truck drivers and driver/sales workers pick up, transport, and drop off packages and small shipments within a local region or urban area. They drive trucks with a gross vehicle weight (GVW)—the combined weight of the vehicle, passengers, and cargo—of 26,000 pounds or less... Show more$7-27
    Route Sales PersonA route salesperson specializes in securing sales targets while traveling to different areas to meet with clients. They are primarily responsible for devising strategies on selling products and services, making calls and answering correspondence, arranging meetings, conducting follow-up calls, and building rapport with customers to strengthen client base... Show more$18-28
    Route Sales RepresentativeA route sales representative is responsible for offering goods and services to customers in a designated area. Route sales representatives work closely with the marketing team to develop effective sales strategies, create sales pitches, and release promotional offers to generate sales, increase revenues, and build the organization's profitability... Show more$17-25
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • DOT
    • CDL
    • Pre-trip
    • Rotate Product
    • Store Management
    • Hand Trucks
    • Merchandise Product
    • Cash Handling
    • Delivery Truck
    • Tractor Trailer
    • Electric Pallet Jack
    • Customer Expectations
    • Load Trucks
    • Customer Accounts
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Manage backroom/stock room inventory by organizing pallets, stacking and storing product inventory.
    • Load and unload freight with compressor and pump using proper PPE.
    • Present log dot book daily and fill out payroll time sheet daily.
    • Coordinate daily delivery schedules base on peak delivery times and alternate routes for the delivery of Co2.
    • Deliver bulk propane to residential and commercial customers.
    • Ensure timely delivery of CO2 gas/ carbonation/cylinders to restaurant establishments in the DFW area
    More driver/merchandiser duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your driver/merchandiser job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A driver/merchandiser can vary based on:

    • Location. For example, driver/merchandisers' average salary in mississippi is 57% less than in alaska.
    • Seniority. Entry-level driver/merchandisers 72% less than senior-level driver/merchandisers.
    • Certifications. A driver/merchandiser with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
    • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a driver/merchandiser's salary.

    Average driver/merchandiser salary

    $14.62hourly

    $30,416 yearly

    Entry-level driver/merchandiser salary
    $16,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 17, 2025

    Average driver/merchandiser salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1Alaska$52,251$25
    2New Jersey$46,934$23
    3New York$42,337$20
    4Massachusetts$40,547$19
    5District of Columbia$40,005$19
    6Illinois$37,216$18
    7Virginia$33,638$16
    8Nebraska$32,897$16
    9Indiana$31,865$15
    10Ohio$30,991$15
    11Pennsylvania$29,028$14
    12North Carolina$24,636$12
    13Florida$23,397$11

    Average driver/merchandiser salary by company

    RankCompanyAverage salaryHourly rateJob openings
    1GPAC$67,645$32.52
    2Beverages Holdings, LLC$37,024$17.8010
    3The Coca-Cola Company$35,197$16.92193
    4Green Mountain Coffee Roasters$35,101$16.88
    5Liberty Coca-Cola Beverages$34,277$16.48
    6Farmer's Fridge$34,141$16.4113
    7Mid-States Bolt & Screw$33,364$16.041
    8Buffalo Restoration, LLC$33,269$15.99
    9Express Employment Professionals International HQ$29,536$14.20
    10ABARTA Coca-Cola Beverages$27,871$13.401
  4. Writing a driver/merchandiser job description

    A job description for a driver/merchandiser role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a driver/merchandiser job description:

    Driver/merchandiser job description example

    $43,000-$50,000 / Year

    401K – Medical – Dental- Vision & Life

    Enjoy a MINIMUM of (20) 4-day weekends per year, AND PTO accrual day ONE

    Enjoy an incredible WORK/LIFE balance – HOME EVERY NIGHT

    POSITION PURPOSE

    Beverage South (GA/SC) is looking for a Delivery Merchandiser to join the Beverage South Family! This position will deliver our products to our local accounts Monday through Friday and be home every night. If you are an experienced delivery driver then please apply and have fun while you work with BEER.

    The Delivery Merchandiser – Non CDL works under regular supervision Monday through Friday, starting no later than 5:30 am to completion delivering product to licensed accounts on assigned routes. Duties include collection of payment and strict adherence to Beverage South and supplier quality assurance procedures.

    Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

    Adheres to all check-in/check-out policies and procedures. Assumes full responsibility for all products assigned to be delivered daily to include safeguards of same along with vehicles, and equipment from theft, abuse, or loss.

    Sign for load sheet and verify number of pallets and equipment. Review stop sheets daily and contact Delivery Supervisor or Distribution Manager regarding missing accounts.

    Drives truck to deliver all ordered products to daily assigned accounts. Honors all customer requests authorized by management.

    Stock and rotates all existing and delivered products on shelves and back stock. Sets up all promotional displays as assigned by specific salesperson. Adds and replaces all POS material as directed via daily hand held communication.

    Collects empty kegs and out-of-date products. Pick up product damaged by a Beverage South employee or is a manufacture defect.

    Collects payments for the delivery in checks or money order. Provides customer with invoice of transaction for product sold, notes all adjustments on the invoice, obtains signature of customer on the invoice and as a driver signs the invoice for verification before leaving the account.

    Completes daily check-in procedure and reconciliation. Completes daily deposit and verifies with computer totals.

    Reports market trends and competitive activity to supervisor and recommends response, if appropriate.

    Any time a truck is backed into a Beverage South dock the wheels must be chocked.

    Performs daily check equipment daily, including vehicle fluid levels, and reports any maintenance or performance problems. This includes cleaning the cab of trash and sweeping out the trailer daily.

    Operates Company vehicle according to Fleet Safety Manual to include reporting any and all (company and personal) vehicle accidents immediately to Delivery Supervisor and follow the Beverage South accident policy as outlined therein and additionally adheres to all DOT regulations.

    Performs other duties as determined by the Distribution Manager/Supervisor.

    Qualifications: Completion of Company training program. Possess in-depth knowledge of company products: every brand and package sold and benefits of each product; policies; procedures, and operations. Knowledge of State laws regarding the sale of alcohol. Possess grooming and hygiene practices consistent with maintaining good customer relations. Adapts well and is flexible with not having a daily routine.

    Education/Experience: High school degree or equivalent. Prefer 3-6 months commercial driving experience and prior route sales or delivery experience.

    Language Ability: Interpersonal skills to deal with customers effectively and in a professional, business-like manner.

    Math Ability: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Basic understanding of completing and balancing a deposit with product sold.

    Reasoning Ability: Ability to understand the basic operation of handheld units and associated software.

    Certificates and Licenses: A valid driver's license and DOT Medical Card.

    Supervisory Responsibilities: None

    Physical Demands: The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

    Heavy work. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear. Requires continuous standing, walking, bending, kneeling, climbing, routine and repetitive pushing/pulling 150-500pds. and lifting/carrying 26-50 pounds and occasionally up to 160 pounds. Individual must be physically capable of occasionally moving product into and out of customers’ establishments in large volumes in a relatively short period of time. Employee is exposed to outside weather conditions and deals with sudden temperature changes when entering and exiting refrigerated coolers. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus to read information on electronic devices and on paper, and to operate a motor vehicle. Continuous jostling from riding and driving a truck.

    Measures:

    1. Attendance.

    2. Route reconciliation including long and shorts on cash and product.

    3. Rotation and Quality Assurance of all delivered and stocked product.

    4. Safety, related to all aspects of daily assigned responsibilities.

    5. Maintaining consistent professional customer relationships.

    6. Vehicle Inspections.

    Success Factors:

    1. Drive and energy

    2. Team work

    3. Honesty and Integrity

    4. Accountability and ownership

    5. Pride in the Beverage South product line Pride in your Job!

    Drug Free Workplace and Equal Employment Opportunity

  5. Post your job

    To find driver/merchandisers for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

    • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
    • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any driver/merchandisers they would recommend.
    • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level driver/merchandisers with the right educational background.
    • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your driver/merchandiser job on Zippia to find and recruit driver/merchandiser candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    Your first interview with driver/merchandiser candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

    It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new driver/merchandiser

    Once you've selected the best driver/merchandiser candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

    It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

    After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new driver/merchandiser. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
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How much does it cost to hire a driver/merchandiser?

Before you start to hire driver/merchandisers, it pays to consider both the one-off costs like recruitment, job promotion, and onboarding, as well as the ongoing costs of an employee's salary and benefits. While most companies that hire driver/merchandisers pay close attention to the initial cost of hiring, ongoing costs are much more significant in the long run.

You can expect to pay around $30,416 per year for a driver/merchandiser, as this is the median yearly salary nationally. This can vary depending on what state or city you're hiring in. If you're hiring for contract work or on a per-project basis, hourly rates for driver/merchandisers in the US typically range between $7 and $27 an hour.

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