What does a delivery driver do?
Delivery drivers make up the backbone of an organisation’s logistical operations. They drive the vehicles that transport products to retailers or customers, raw materials from suppliers, and any other cargo that may be required from one site to another. Delivery drivers are also responsible for loading and unloading their cargo, and ensuring that it is transported safely and without damage. They manage the necessary documentation associated with their deliveries and interact with customers or other recipients of deliveries as representatives of their organisations. Skilled delivery drivers are essential for the efficient running of any logistical operation.
Delivery driver skills and qualifications
Successful delivery drivers will have both the technical expertise in operating the relevant motor vehicle, as well as the organisational skills to complete their required tasks on time. They should have the ability to interact with customers with the utmost professionalism and also be physically able to manually transport the loads required by the organisation. Their key attributes include the following:
- A valid Australian driver’s licence, of a class suitable for the needs of the organisation (e.g. Standard; Light Rigid, Medium Rigid or Heavy Rigid Heavy Vehicle; Fork-lift Licence)
- Ability to perform strenuous lifting and loading of goods
- Diligence and attention to detail in handling paperwork
- Neat, professional appearance and the ability to deal with customers
- Ability to work independently and maintain open communication with clients and employers
Delivery driver experience requirements
The more experience a candidate has operating vehicles and heavy machinery in a professional context, the better. Just how much experience you might ask for will depend on the specific nature of the role. Entry-level delivery driver positions, such as food-delivery drivers or positions requiring the use of a minivan, may not require any working experience at all. More demanding positions, such as those requiring a special vehicle licence or the transportation of precious cargo, or otherwise of cargo in large volumes to multiple destinations under time pressure, will require some years’ prior experience as a delivery driver.
Delivery driver education and training requirements
All delivery drivers must, of course, hold a valid Australian driver’s licence in order to operate a motor vehicle. A regular driver’s licence will be sufficient for some delivery jobs, including as a takeaway food delivery driver, a courier or driving a van. For positions that require the use of larger, semi-trailer style vehicles, however, further training is required. After having held a standard vehicle licence for at least a year, a candidate can apply for one of three heavy vehicle class licences – Light Rigid (LR), Medium Rigid (MR) or Heavy Rigid (HR). In order to acquire such a licence, candidates are required to complete both theoretical and practical training and assessments.
Delivery driver salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average wage for a delivery driver is $29.09 per hour. Actual salaries can vary depending on location, candidate experience, position seniority and the specific company.
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Delivery driver job description FAQs
What’s the difference between a delivery driver and a courier?
While the positions may overlap in responsibilities, in general, delivery drivers are assigned regular routes that they complete as part of an organisation’s normal functioning. Couriers, by contrast, may not have a predetermined route, but instead respond to the needs of an organisation as they arise, to make deliveries to a variety of locations.
What makes a good delivery driver?
Good delivery drivers are defined both by their skill at completing deliveries on time, as well as the professional manner with which they treat their recipients and their organisation.
What are the challenges of the delivery driver position?
Delivery drivers must remain calm under pressure when trying to meet tight delivery deadlines. They must also be prepared for the physical toll of their position, which can involve long hours sitting in a vehicle, as well as the physical exertion of loading and unloading goods.
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