How To Become A Package Delivery Driver: What It Is and Career Path

What is a package delivery driver and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Package delivery drivers are responsible for transporting packages, parcels, and other items from one location to another. They typically drive a delivery truck or van, and may work for a delivery service or shipping company. Their main duties include loading and unloading packages, checking delivery addresses and routes, and ensuring that packages are delivered on time. They also need to maintain accurate records of deliveries and handle customer inquiries or complaints.

ScorePackage Delivery DriverUS Average

Salary

2.9

Avg. Salary $37,271

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

5.8

Growth rate 11%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

5.0

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.79%

Asian 3.58%

Black or African American 12.04%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

Unknown 4.65%

White 59.93%

Gender

female 12.63%

male 87.37%

Age - 49

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 49

Stress level

5.8

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

6.7

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

4.9

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a package delivery driver?

Pros

Physical activity and exercise
Ability to meet new people
Opportunity to explore different neighborhoods
Free or discounted shipping for personal packages
Potential for advancement within the company

Cons

Exposure to extreme weather conditions
Risk of injury from lifting heavy packages or driving accidents
High stress levels and pressure to meet delivery deadlines
Lack of job variety or opportunities for creativity
Monotonous tasks and repetitive routines

Key steps to become a package delivery driver

Explore package delivery driver education requirements

Most common package delivery driver degrees

High School Diploma

32.6 %

Bachelor's

32.4 %

Associate

19.4 %

Start to develop specific package delivery driver skills

Skills	Percentages
CDL	42.05%
Physical Exams	36.99%
Delivery Vehicle	12.57%
Appearance Guidelines	3.59%
Delivery Route	1.14%

Complete relevant package delivery driver training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New package delivery 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 package delivery driver based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real package delivery driver resumes.

Research package delivery driver duties and responsibilities

Hire and manage drivers who run the routes.
Conduct pre-trip vehicle inspection on a daily basis.
Complete daily pre-trip vehicle inspection check before start of delivery day.
Maintain records, such as vehicle logs, Hazmat paperwork with regulations.

Prepare your package delivery driver resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your package delivery 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 package delivery 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 package delivery driver resume templates

Build a professional package delivery 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 package delivery driver resume.

Apply for package delivery driver jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a package delivery 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 do package delivery drivers rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Package delivery driver reviews

A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2023

Pros

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.

Cons

The pay, benefits, and low tips.

A zippia user wrote a review on Oct 2019

Cons

Rude, disrespectful individuals who do not respect the driver and driver's aide ,not following the rules of ridership and respect for others.

A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2019

Pros

I enjoy working with people and working at a steady pace.

Cons

I don't like using my car I don't make enough money for the wear and tear on my car so I want to work for a company that has there cars.

What is a package delivery driver and how to become one

What are the pros and cons of being a package delivery driver?

Package delivery driver career paths

Key steps to become a package delivery driver

Explore package delivery driver education requirements

Most common package delivery driver degrees

Start to develop specific package delivery driver skills

Complete relevant package delivery driver training and internships

Research package delivery driver duties and responsibilities

Prepare your package delivery driver resume

Choose from 10+ customizable package delivery driver resume templates

Apply for package delivery driver jobs

How did you land your first package delivery driver job

Average package delivery driver salary

How do package delivery drivers rate their job?

Package delivery driver reviews

Package delivery driver jobs by state