A delivery driver drives a van or light truck (a medium sized goods vehicle up to 7.5 tonnes in weight), delivering goods such as furniture, groceries or office equipment, from one place to another. They are sometimes called van drivers. The transportation of valuables or cash involves the use of a different type of vehicle (see the Security Officer or Guard job profile).

The Work

You could be:

• working out a delivery plan
• loading the van so that goods are arranged in the correct order for delivery
• unloading the van at each destination
• helping to carry in any heavy items
• getting a signature of receipt from the person receiving the goods, sometimes using a hand-held device
• keeping the van clean and tidy and carrying out basic maintenance
• updating delivery records, manually or using a hand-held computer
• making sure that you keep the vehicle and goods secure.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work
• the size of the company or organisation you work for
• the demand for the job.

Starting pay is often based on the National Minimum Wage (NMW) or the National Living Wage (NLW).

As of 1 April 2019 the National Minimum Wage is £6.15 an hour for workers aged 18 to 20 and £7.70 an hour for workers aged 21 to 24. The National Living Wage is £8.21 for workers aged 25 and over. With experience, this can rise to around £12.00 an hour, or more. The hourly rate may vary depending on whether delivery targets are met.

Many delivery drivers for large parcel delivery companies are self-employed, so earnings vary.

Conditions

• You may work within a local area or drive over longer distances.
• You may work varied hours including weekends and evenings.
• You would spend a lot of time sitting in the confined space of the driving cab.
• You would have to drive the van in all weather conditions.
• You may have to visit the warehouses and depots of a wide variety of companies.
• Depending on the goods you are dealing with, you may have to do a lot of heavy lifting.
• You may have to meet targets, such as making a set number of deliveries a day.

Getting In

• A good general education is useful.
• You need to have a current driving licence.
• You can qualify for an ordinary driving licence (category B) at 17 years and this lets you drive vans up to 3.5 tonnes, including the load. Most vans fall into this category.
• A category C1 licence allows you to drive medium sized goods vehicles between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes, including the load. You need to be at least 18 to apply for a C1 licence.
• Depending on the employer, you may need to have held your licence for at least one year.
• For driving vehicles over 7.5 tonnes, see the Lorry or LGV Driver job profile.
• You need to be fit if the job involves heavy lifting.
• You may be able to get in through a Modern Apprenticeship. This normally leads to Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs).
• You will require a satisfactory criminal record check from Disclosure Scotland to show that you are suitable for this type of work. Contact Disclosure Scotland for details on the type you would need.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2019

19039

1 %

RISE

2024

19223

  United Kingdom

2019

244261

1.7 %

RISE

2024

248308

LMI data powered by EMSI UK

What Does it Take?

You need to be:

• reliable and responsible
• punctual
• aware of safety issues
• polite and helpful
• patient and tolerant of other road users
• a good organiser
• able to sell goods if required.

You need to have:

• excellent driving skills
• good customer service skills
• a good knowledge of the area you are working in
• good concentration.

Training

• Your employer would provide initial training through an induction course. Thereafter, there may be further short courses.
• The courses would cover topics such as company rules, types of goods carried, health and safety and manual handling.
• You would learn other aspects of the job, including delivery routes, from more experienced drivers.
• If you do a Modern Apprenticeship you will be able to gain an SVQ, such as Driving Goods Vehicles at SCQF Level 5 or 6.
• Experienced delivery drivers can also work towards SVQs.

Getting On

• Delivery drivers may move on to other jobs in the transport and distribution industry.
• Opportunities exist as transport supervisors, controllers and managers.
• Self-employment is a possibility.
• It is also possible to move into administrative, warehouse and general management posts.
• Alternatively, you may wish to take further driving tests to allow you to drive Large Goods Vehicles (LGVs) or Passenger Carrying Vehicles (PCVs) such as buses and coaches.

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.