Delivery and Courier Service Drivers (NOC 7414)
Description
Delivery and courier drivers drive automobiles, vans and light trucks to pick up and deliver various products. They are employed by dairies, drug stores, newspapers, take-out food establishments, dry cleaners, mobile caterers, automobile repair, courier and messenger service companies and many other establishments, or they may be self-employed.
Return to top
Example Titles
- bread deliverer
- canteen driver
- courier service driver
- delivery driver
- driver salesperson
- dry cleaning driver
- mail service courier
- newspaper delivery driver
- pizza delivery driver
- route driver
- vending machine driver-supplier
>> View all titles
Return to top
Classified Elsewhere
- Couriers, Messengers and Door-to-door Distributors (1463)
- Drivers of heavy trucks (in 7411 Truck Drivers)
- Garbage truck drivers (in 7422 Public Works Maintenance Equipment Operators)
- Supervisors of delivery drivers (in 7222 Supervisors, Motor Transport and Other Ground Transit Operators)
Return to top
Duties
Delivery drivers perform some or all of the following duties:
- Operate and drive automobiles, vans and light trucks to pick up and deliver various products, such as fast food, newspapers, magazines, bakery and dairy products, and items such as dry cleaning, envelopes, packages and parcels
- Perform pre-trip inspection of vehicle
- Sell products over established routes and accept or make payments for goods
- Record information on pick-ups and deliveries, vehicle mileage, fuel costs and any problems encountered
- May communicate with central dispatch using a cell phone or citizens' band (CB) radio.
Return to top
Skills
Delivery and courier service drivers should have the following skills and abilities:
Essential Skills:
- oral and listening communication skills
- good health and vision
- interpersonal skills in dealing with customers and co-workers.
Technical Skills:
- ability to operate a motor vehicle
- knowledge of safe operating procedures
- good organizational skills
- ability to keep accurate records
- good sense of direction and knowledge of traffic patterns and routes.
Return to top
Employment Requirements
- Some secondary school is usually required.
- A driver's licence appropriate to the class of vehicle being driven and one year of safe driving experience is usually required.
- On-the-job training is provided.
- Eligibility for bonding (show you are a law-abiding and responsible person) and certification in transportation of dangerous goods (TGD) may be required for courier drivers.
Return to top
Terms & Conditions
Delivery and courier service drivers spend most of their time driving a car, truck, or van to pick up and deliver goods. Working hours depend on the hours of operation of the employer, but evening and week end work are common. Some delivery drivers may need to supply their own vehicles. Couriers may be required to carry heavy parcels. The work can be stressful as drivers deal with heavy traffic, parking restrictions, and customer deadlines. They may also have to compete for routes and contracts and try to make as many deliveries as possible to maximize earnings.
There are two main types of courier service. Companies that provide national and international overnight or longer term deliveries normally employ salaried employees who work regular scheduled shifts. Firms that provide same-day local deliveries often contract with self-employed drivers.
Approximately 12% of the occupational workforce in this profession is self employed. The majority work full time. However, there are opportunities for part time work. This is a male dominated occupation, with women representing only 8% of the workforce at the time of the last census (2006).
Return to top
Earnings
$20,800 per annum - starting
$30,700 per annum - average
$50,800 per annum - high
Earnings are reviewed annually or more frequently if new information becomes available.
Return to top
Education / Training
- On-the-job training is provided.
Return to top
Career Paths
These positions are often entry-level. Progression to other jobs such as training or dispatching, supervisory or management positions may be possible depending on individual qualifications and demonstrated work ability.
Return to top
Outlook
Employment prospects for delivery and courier service drivers are expected to be good in the period 2010 - 2014. The number employed in Manitoba in 2010 is estimated at 3,100.
High turnover and basic entrance requirements in this fairly large occupational group mean employment is generally not difficult to find, especially on a part-time basis. However, there is stiff competition for lucrative routes and deliveries, and there are significant costs associated with operating a delivery vehicle.
Some employment growth can be expected over the forecast period as busy families and an ageing population are attracted to the convenience of "delivery". Electronic messaging has reduced the need for the delivery of many documents, but there is still a need for couriers to deliver important legal or financial documents, blueprints, large multi-page documents as well as a growing demand for delivery of medical and dental samples and specimens.
As concerns over security and privacy are addressed, internet shopping and e-business continue to expand, increasing the volume of goods delivered directly to homes and offices.
Delivery and courier service drivers work throughout the province. They are also found in most industry sectors. The greatest concentration is in Transportation and Warehousing (31%), followed by Retail Trade (16%), Wholesale Trade (15%), Accommodation and Food Services (14%) and Manufacturing (10%).
Return to top
Employment by Age Group
Return to top
Employment by Industry
Return to top
Employment by Region
Return to top
Employment by Gender
Return to top
Employment by Aboriginal Self-Identification
Return to top
Employment by Visible Minority
Return to top
Please Note - The source for above charts is the 2006 Census.
Professional Associations, Unions, and Regulatory Bodies...
Return to top
Other Related Information...
Return to top