Delivery Driver - Career Advice - Transport and Travel

Delivery drivers utilise vans, cars, bicycles, motorbikes and scooters to pick up and deliver goods. Delivery Drivers or Couriers pick up and deliver parcels, documents and other items between distribution centres, offices, companies or private residences.

They assist with the loading and unloading of goods and ensure that they are safely stowed. They plan and drive from a loading location to an unloading location. They may need to use a two-way radio or Future Growth Strong other communication device. They may be involved with payments and receipts for services rendered. They may also need to perform maintenance on their vehicle. Some delivery drivers are self-employed and some work on a sub-contract basis.

ANZSCO ID & Description: Drives a van or car to deliver goods. Registration or licensing is required.

Alternative names: Courier, Van Driver

Specialisations: Fast Food Delivery Driver, Grocery Deliverer, Inner City Deliverer, Meals on Wheels Driver, Taxi Truck Driver

Pizza Hut
Motocycles with pizza containers on the back
(Source: CIA Insurance UK)

Knowledge, skills and attributes

A delivery driver needs:

to be trustworthy, honest and reliable
to be good at navigating streets
to have excellent driving skills
good communication skills
some mathematical ability
to exhibit attention to detail.

Delivery Drivers for Meals on Wheels

Duties and Tasks

determining the destinations of goods and most appropriate delivery routes
manoeuvring vehicles into position for loading and unloading
assist with unloading to make sure goods are correctly stowed
plan the shortest delivery route and drive the vehicle to the destination
use a two-way radio, or other electronic device, to keep in contact with the depot or base
complete paperwork and use a handheld scanning device
arrange unloading and obtain a receipt for goods delivered
handle cash and give correct change to customers
provide customer service and advice
report vehicle maintenance needs
hand-deliver goods
assisting with loading to ensure goods are arranged for ease of delivery and safely secured to avoid damage
verifying loading documents
arranging and performing unloading operations and obtaining certification of deliveries
reporting vehicle maintenance needs
may receive payments for deliveries and arrange accounts

Working Conditions

Some delivery drivers work on a sub-contract basis and provide their own vehicle. Motorcycle and bicycle couriers almost always provide their own transport. Some delivery drivers wear a uniform. A delivery driver may work regular work hours and work week, or they may be required to work irregular hours depending on the job required. The latter is especially true if they are self-employed.

Tools and technologies

Depending on the area they work in, delivery drivers may need to be able to maintain their vehicle. They may also need to be able to use communication devices or mobile barcode scanner.

Education and training/entrance requirements

You can work as a delivery driver without any formal qualifications and get training on the job. You will need a valid driver's licence if driving a motorised vehicle.

Additional Information

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Transport and Logistics Training Package that will expand your career opportunities within this industry.

Employment Opportunities

There is an increasing number of opportunities for bicycle couriers in metropolitan areas, as they are very efficient in busy city conditions.

Did You Know?

OzHarvest is Australia’s leading food rescue organisation, collecting quality excess food from commercial outlets and delivering it directly to more than 1000 charities supporting people in need across the country.

Founded in 2004 by Ronni Kahn, after noticing the huge volume of good food going to waste from the hospitality industry, she decided there had to be a better way. Starting in Sydney with one van – the first of many donations from Goodman+ Foundation – she delivered 4,000 meals in the first month.

OzHarvest now operates nationally, rescuing over 100 tonnes of food each week from over 3,000 food donors including supermarkets, hotels, airports, wholesalers, farmers, corporate events, catering companies, shopping centres, delis, cafes, restaurants, film and TV shoots and boardrooms.
(Source: OzHarvest)