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How to hire a driver/warehouse worker

Driver/warehouse worker hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring driver/warehouse workers in the United States:

  • There are currently 1,332,807 driver/warehouse workers in the US, as well as 310,383 job openings.
  • Driver/warehouse workers are in the highest demand in Philadelphia, PA, with 12 current job openings.
  • The median cost to hire a driver/warehouse worker 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/warehouse worker to become settled and show total productivity levels at work.

How to hire a driver/warehouse worker, step by step

To hire a driver/warehouse worker, you should create an ideal candidate profile, determine a budget, and post and promote your job. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to hire a driver/warehouse worker:

Here's a step-by-step driver/warehouse worker 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/warehouse worker job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new driver/warehouse worker
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a driver/warehouse worker do?

A driver/warehouse worker is responsible for transporting goods and services from the warehouse or distribution center to specific destinations based on the delivery details. Driver/warehouse workers assist in loading and unloading items from delivery trucks, storing merchandise to the appropriate warehouse areas, operating various warehouse tools and equipment, and inspecting the delivery vehicle for any engine defects that might cause delays. They also check the inventory report to ensure the correct quantity of items and escalate customers' complaints to the warehouse management for immediate resolution, such as product replacement or issuing refunds.

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

    Before you start hiring a driver/warehouse worker, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or 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/warehouse worker 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/warehouse worker that fits the bill.

    This list presents driver/warehouse worker salaries for various positions.

    Type of Driver/Warehouse WorkerDescriptionHourly rate
    Driver/Warehouse WorkerMaterial moving machine operators use machinery to transport various objects. Some operators move construction materials around building sites or excavate earth from a mine... Show more$12-21
    Lift DriverA lift driver is responsible for operating warehouse machines and vehicles, especially on loading and unloading items from distribution trucks and transporting the merchandise to different parts of the warehouse. Lift drivers inspect the efficiency and reliability of the machines, ensuring its operational and optimal performance to avoid production delays... Show more$12-20
    Warehouse Machine OperatorWarehouse machine operators perform various tasks for their employers. These include setting up, operating, monitoring, and troubleshooting machinery, inspecting parts for specifications and any potential damage, and reading and interpreting diagrams and blueprints to position and secure the machines... Show more$12-19
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Customer Service
    • CDL
    • Delivery Truck
    • Load Trucks
    • Electric Pallet Jack
    • Safety Regulations
    • Customer Orders
    • Warehouse Operations
    • Inventory Control
    • Hand Trucks
    • Office Furniture
    • Filling Orders
    • Cycle Counts
    • Warehouse Inventory
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Deliver glass to various contract client locations, warehouse inventory which include stocking and stacking pallets with forklift operation
    • Deliver HVAC supplies and products to customers and maintain the upkeep of the warehouse, which include shipping and receiving.
    • Maintain warehouse standards through cleanliness and organization by performing housekeeping duties.
    • Inspect physical condition of warehouse equipment and prepare work orders for repairs and requisitions for replacement of equipment.
    • Used RF scanner units to asses contents of receive packages.
    • Receive incoming shipments and review contents against purchase order for accuracy using RF scanner.
    More driver/warehouse worker duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your driver/warehouse worker job description helps attract top candidates to the position. A driver/warehouse worker salary can be affected by several factors, such as geography, experience, seniority, certifications, and the prestige of the hiring company.

    For example, the average salary for a driver/warehouse worker in Texas may be lower than in Maryland, and an entry-level driver/warehouse worker usually earns less than a senior-level driver/warehouse worker. Additionally, a driver/warehouse worker with certifications may command a higher salary, and working for a well-known company or start-up may also impact an employee's pay.

    Average driver/warehouse worker salary

    $35,198yearly

    $16.92 hourly rate

    Entry-level driver/warehouse worker salary
    $27,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 25, 2025

    Average driver/warehouse worker salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1Minnesota$39,251$19
    2New York$38,535$19
    3Wisconsin$38,377$18
    4Pennsylvania$36,407$18
    5California$36,247$17
    6New Jersey$36,091$17
    7Colorado$35,950$17
    8Nebraska$35,888$17
    9Virginia$35,463$17
    10Ohio$34,792$17
    11Oregon$34,179$16
    12Indiana$34,099$16
    13Washington$34,021$16
    14Iowa$33,606$16
    15Arizona$33,353$16
    16Utah$33,167$16
    17Illinois$32,955$16
    18Louisiana$32,896$16
    19Florida$31,644$15
    20North Carolina$31,507$15

    Average driver/warehouse worker salary by company

    RankCompanyAverage salaryHourly rateJob openings
    1Baker Distributing$39,074$18.7923
    2Silgan Containers$38,322$18.4212
    3University of Washington$38,135$18.3317
    4VisionCorp Rep$38,068$18.301
    5ProDrivers$37,969$18.25
    6United Refrigeration$37,590$18.071
    7McKesson$36,826$17.7019
    8State of Nevada Employees' Association Inc$36,694$17.643
    9Blue Rock School$35,905$17.26
    10Woods Services$35,840$17.23
    11Blank Rome$35,781$17.20
    12Bunzl Distribution$35,740$17.1836
    13Marin Software$35,667$17.15
    14Amec Foster Wheeler$35,579$17.11
    15Farmer's Business Network$35,579$17.114
    16Slumberland Furniture$35,458$17.05
    17Colony Tire$35,322$16.9815
    18Red Wing Shoes$35,286$16.96
    19PCG SERVICES$35,253$16.95
    20Empire Cat$35,203$16.924
  4. Writing a driver/warehouse worker job description

    A driver/warehouse worker job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a driver/warehouse worker job description:

    Driver/warehouse worker job description example

    This position earns a competitive wage , depending on experience. We provide fantastic benefits , including health, dental, vision, paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, life insurance, a 401(k), and short- and long-term disability . Additionally, we offer our Driver / Warehouse Worker shirts, a jacket, and an annual $150 shoe allowance . If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, apply today!


    ABOUT JOHNSTONE SUPPLY

    Johnstone Supply is a wholesale distributor serving professional HVACR contractors. Johnstone has the largest selection of equipment and genuine OEM parts in the industry. We have replacements for nearly every major brand and an extensive cross reference that makes sourcing hard-to-find parts easy. Our selection is continually expanding to meet the needs of our contractors and to ensure we have the best brands and technology to get the job done.

    With a friendly, fun, and team-oriented environment , our employees know that they are not just a number. We value their hard work and show it through our bonuses, competitive pay, and great benefits .


    A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A DRIVER / WAREHOUSE WORKER

    In this position, you play a vital role in the fulfillment of our orders. When our warehouse receives shipments, you help to process and store each item. As you sort everything, you make sure to carefully inspect it for damages or shortages. If anything is wrong, you report the issue to your supervisors and initiate a freight claim. Always attentive to detail, you make sure to keep track of our inventory.

    Diligently, you prepare, pack, scan, and stage products for inter-store transfers, customer pick-ups, and deliveries. You always ensure that items are packaged correctly so that nothing is damaged during delivery. As you fulfill each order, you process any necessary documentation, including bills of lading, packing lists, small parcel manifests, and more. You help to load delivery vehicles and assist customers when they come to complete pickups. When necessary, you process customer returns and warranties, ensuring that each item is in sellable condition. Additionally, you complete deliveries. You take pride in the quality services you provide!


    QUALIFICATIONS

    • Valid driver's license and a good driving record
    • Ability to lift, carry, and load up to 75 lbs.
    • Ability to lift 100 lbs. with mechanical assistance or the assistance of coworkers
    • Computer skills

    Experience with inventory management, warehouse operations, or operating a forklift would be a plus. Are you a good problem solver? Can you effectively manage a variety of tasks? Are you punctual and reliable? Do you have good communication skills? If yes, you might just be perfect for this driving position!


    WORK SCHEDULE

    This driving position is full-time and typically works Monday - Friday with a rotating half-day Saturday shift .


    ARE YOU READY TO JOIN OUR DRIVING TEAM?

    If you feel that you would be right for this job, please fill out our initial 3-minute, mobile-friendly application . We look forward to meeting you!

    Location: 55811

  5. Post your job

    There are a few common ways to find driver/warehouse workers for your business:

    • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
    • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
    • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your driver/warehouse worker job on Zippia to find and recruit driver/warehouse worker candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    During your first interview to recruit driver/warehouse workers, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

    You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete 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/warehouse worker

    Once you have selected a candidate for the driver/warehouse worker position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

    You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

    After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new driver/warehouse worker. 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/warehouse worker?

Recruiting driver/warehouse workers involves both the one-time costs of hiring and the ongoing costs of adding a new employee to your team. Your spending during the hiring process will mostly be on things like promoting the job on job boards, reviewing and interviewing candidates, and onboarding the new hire. Ongoing costs will obviously involve the employee's salary, but also may include things like benefits.

Driver/warehouse workers earn a median yearly salary is $35,198 a year in the US. However, if you're looking to find driver/warehouse workers for hire on a contract or per-project basis, hourly rates typically range between $12 and $21.

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