What does a parts runner do?
Parts runners are essential to the function of the parts department. They are responsible for either delivering the part of the automotive to customers or picking up the parts for a shop job. Their duties include picking up the payment for items ordered, delivering several automotive parts to different routes, and picking up parts needed to complete the automotive repair. Also, they pick up returned items from clients, examine the parts to match the parts sold to them, and provide the customer with the return receipt. In addition, parts runners maintain the vehicle used for the delivery.
Parts runner responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real parts runner resumes:
- Manage DIY services including battery installation, testing, wiper installs, etc.
- Develop relationships with personnel from other Chrysler dealerships to participate in a mutually beneficial parts purchase and delivery co op.
- Deliver items to customers, whether they are a dealership, bodyshop or regular customer.
Parts runner skills and personality traits
We calculated that 16% of Parts Runners are proficient in Phone Calls, Customer Service, and Inventory Control. They’re also known for soft skills such as Customer-service skills, Interpersonal skills, and Math skills.
We break down the percentage of Parts Runners that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Phone Calls, 16%
Answered phone calls and stayed in touch with the boss while out running errands.
- Customer Service, 15%
Estimated roof measurements -Handled customer service/contracts -Acquired parts/material for job sites -Removal of existing roofing material -Installing new roofing Products
- Inventory Control, 9%
Maintain record of inbound and outbound parts along with inventory control.
- HVAC, 8%
Deliver parts to HVAC and Plumbers on site.
- DOT, 6%
Managed DOT files and maitainted all maintence records.Ran parts to the employees working in the field.
- Delivery Truck, 6%
Moved and organized stock including loading and unloading parts and equipment from delivery trucks.
Most parts runners use their skills in "phone calls," "customer service," and "inventory control" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential parts runner responsibilities here:
Customer-service skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a parts runner to have is customer-service skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "retail sales workers must be responsive to the wants and needs of customers." Parts runners often use customer-service skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "clean shops, help with various tasks and shop duties, as well as customer relations. "
Interpersonal skills. Another essential skill to perform parts runner duties is interpersonal skills. Parts runners responsibilities require that "a friendly and outgoing personality is important for these workers because the job requires almost constant interaction with people." Parts runners also use interpersonal skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "acquired skills: referencing part numbers, use of basic office equipment and interpersonal communications"
Math skills. parts runners are also known for math skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to parts runner responsibilities, because "retail sales workers must have the ability to calculate price totals, discounts, and change owed to customers." A parts runner resume example shows how math skills is used in the workplace: "analyzed and evaluated, quantitatively and qualitatively, the effectiveness of training programs in meeting established goals and objectives. "
Selling skills. For certain parts runner responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "selling skills." The day-to-day duties of a parts runner rely on this skill, as "retail sales workers must be persuasive when interacting with customers." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what parts runners do: "delivered honda parts to body shops, mechanics, and dealerships with as well kept up with our inventory. "
The three companies that hire the most parts runners are:
- Penske Automotive Group5 parts runners jobs
- Sonic Automotive4 parts runners jobs
- Duncan Aviation
4 parts runners jobs
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Compare different parts runners
Parts runner vs. Timer
Parts specialists are responsible for the sale and maintenance of inventory at a dealership, an automotive care center, or other businesses providing automotive parts and supplies. Their duties and responsibilities include maintaining detailed inventory records, purchasing automotive parts, and ensuring that parts are delivered promptly. They are responsible for answering customer questions about various machine parts and equipment. Qualifications for this position vary, which include relevant work experience, experience in a supervisory or managerial job, and professional training through a vocational school.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between parts runners and timer. For instance, parts runner responsibilities require skills such as "phone calls," "inventory control," "hvac," and "dot." Whereas a timer is skilled in "sales floor," "mowing," "windows," and "management system." This is part of what separates the two careers.
On average, timers reach higher levels of education than parts runners. Timers are 12.6% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Parts runner vs. Parts sales associate
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that parts runner responsibilities requires skills like "hvac," "dot," "delivery truck," and "cdl." But a parts sales associate might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "basic math," "math," "parts sales," and "cleanliness."
Parts sales associates earn similar levels of education than parts runners in general. They're 0.7% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Parts runner vs. Parts department supervisor
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from parts runner resumes include skills like "phone calls," "dot," "cdl," and "assembly line," whereas a parts department supervisor is more likely to list skills in "purchase orders," "safety procedures," "warranty claims," and "cycle counts. "
Parts department supervisors typically earn similar educational levels compared to parts runners. Specifically, they're 2.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.6% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Parts runner vs. Parts specialist
Types of parts runner
Updated January 8, 2025
