Job Description of a Delivery Truck Driver

Most goods today are delivered by truck.

A delivery truck driver drives a small truck or a van within a city or specified geographic area. Unlike long haul drivers, who usually drive 18-wheelers for long distances, delivery truck drivers are focused on getting small and specialized products to specific locations within cities and towns. Delivery truck drivers may work for the company whose products they are delivering, or for a specialized delivery service that delivers the goods of other companies.

Driving the Truck

The primary job of a delivery truck driver is to operate the delivery vehicle. This involves safe and responsible driving under city and highway conditions, accurate and efficient map reading and navigation from pickup point to drop-off point, and quick and safe reaction in the event of emergencies such as traffic accidents, blown tires or children and animals running in front of the truck. Driving a delivery truck entails a large amount of responsibility, as does the operation of any motor vehicle.

Maintaining the Truck

Maintenance duties vary depending on the company and the skills of the driver. Some drivers have nothing to do with the physical operations of the vehicle they drive, while others perform routine maintenance, while still others may double as full-service mechanics. Most drivers should have a basic familiarity with the operations of their vehicle, including oil changes, maintaining proper tire pressure and keeping the vehicle clean and safe. At the very least, a driver is responsible for reporting any problems or unsafe conditions in the vehicle to the mechanic, owner or manager of the company.

Inventory

Most delivery drivers are responsible for inventory tracking. Drivers will have deliverers and recipients of goods sign receipts confirming the movement of inventory. Depending on their role in the company, drivers are responsible to a greater or lesser extent for maintaining inventory records, keeping track of what has gone in and out of warehouses and ordering new inventory when supplies get low. Drivers also must report any goods that are lost, stolen or damaged while in transit.

Loading and Unloading

Unlike long haul drivers, who generally are not responsible for loading or unloading their inventory, delivery truck drivers are usually involved in these activities. For local deliveries of heavy and industrial goods, this may involve the use of a forklift or other machinery. When delivering smaller items such as plants, bread, food items or courier packages, loading and unloading is generally done by hand.

Finances

Delivery truck drivers may also be responsible for collecting payments from clients. For delivery truck drivers who work for a company delivering its own products, this may involve payment for the products on receipt. For drivers working for delivery companies, payment collection involves collection from shippers upon pickup of the inventory.

Salary and Job Outlook

While the higher-paying jobs within the trucking industry are competitive, outlook for employment as a delivery truck driver is fairly good. Delivery is a necessary component of so many industries that it will always exist in one form or another, and therefore employment in the field is relatively stable. Average wages for delivery truck drivers are less than stellar, with the median being $13.27 in 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

References

• Career Planner: Job Description and Jobs For Truck Driver, Light or Delivery Service
• Best Job Descriptions: Light or Delivery Truck Drivers Job Description
• Jobs in Transportation: Delivery Truck Drivers Job Description
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook: Truck Drivers and Driver / Sales Workers