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What is a local driver and how to become one
A local driver operates a motor vehicle to transport goods or people within a specific region. They typically work for companies that provide delivery or transportation services. Local drivers must have a valid driver's license and a good driving record, as well as knowledge of local traffic laws and regulations. They may also be responsible for loading and unloading cargo, maintaining the vehicle, and keeping accurate records.
Avg. Salary $48,160
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth Rate 4%
Growth Rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.79%
Asian 3.57%
Black or African American 13.38%
Hispanic or Latino 17.55%
Unknown 4.64%
White 60.08%
Genderfemale 8.74%
male 91.26%
Age - 49American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 49Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity Level is intermediate
7 - challenging
Work Life balance is very poor
6.4 - fair
What are the pros and cons of being a Local Driver?
Pros
Often paid by the hour or mile, providing a steady income
Can be a good job for those who enjoy driving
Usually don't require formal education beyond a high school diploma
May offer benefits such as health insurance or retirement plans
Typically don't require extensive physical labor
Cons
Often requires working long hours or odd shifts
Can be stressful due to traffic, deadlines, and difficult clients
May require working in adverse weather conditions
May not offer consistent work or income
Some positions may require additional training or certification
Local Driver career paths
Key steps to become a local driver
Explore local driver education requirements
Start to develop specific local driver skills
Skills Percentages CDL 22.20% DOT 12.83% Post-Trip Inspections 9.16% Customer Service 7.21% Pallet Jack 7.00% Complete relevant local driver training and internships
Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New local drivers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a local driver based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real local driver resumes.Obtain the necessary licensing
Becoming a licensed local driver usually doesn't require a college degree. However, you need to pass an exam to become a licensed local driver in most of states. 13 states require local drivers to have license for their work. You can see the list of states below.State Education Exam License Url Arkansas Specific course required State exam required Commercial Driver (Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver) California - State exam required Commercial Driver License Idaho - State exam required Commercial Drivers Massachusetts - State exam required COMMERCIAL DRIVERS Missouri - State exam required Truck Drivers, Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Research local driver duties and responsibilities
- Experience in semi driving, logging, managing bills of lading, light maintenance, vehicle inspections.
- Transport Hazmat air tanks per fmcsa regulations.
- Full trailer load and LTL delivery and pick up.
- Assist in planning to ensure loads are ready for OTR drivers.
Prepare your local driver resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your local driver resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a local driver resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose From 10+ Customizable Local Driver Resume templates
Build a professional Local Driver resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Local Driver resume.
Apply for local driver jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a local driver job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How Did You Land Your First Local Driver Job
Are you a Local Driver?
Share your story for a free salary report.
Average local driver salary
The average Local Driver salary in the United States is $48,160 per year or $23 per hour. Local driver salaries range between $33,000 and $69,000 per year.
What Am I Worth?
How do local drivers rate their job?
Local Driver reviews
Flexible hours, you can kind of control your income, even travel to high demand areas (while traveling) to make bigger money. It’s just nice to be able to go almost anywhere and have an opportunity to make money.
Seeing different areas and being left alone. Meeting new people along the way.
Rough roads people that are texting while I'm driving down the road. At least 5 out of 10 drivers are texting.
Cinema
Experience 8 year GCC county almost work driving responsibility passenger drop location and food delivery timing driving delivery I am work hope
Updated January 8, 2025
