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Delivery Driver

Delivery Driver roles in the U.S. typically require that you already have legal work authorization and a valid driver’s license accepted for the job location. Work is performance-based: safe driving, on-time delivery, and accurate scanning. CV is required for review.

CV is mandatory: candidates without a CV are not reviewed.
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Sector: Logistics & Warehousing Eligibility: Work authorization required Work type: Permanent (role-dependent) Last updated: January 1, 2026
Important: This role is generally not a standard “visa route” for new arrivals. It is most realistic for candidates who already have U.S. work authorization and can meet insurance/background screening requirements.

What delivery drivers do (real operations)

Daily workflow varies by employer (parcel, grocery, route delivery), but the core responsibilities are similar:

  • Pre-trip checks (vehicle condition, fuel, lights), route review, and load verification.
  • Load and sequence packages; handle returns, undeliverable items, and missed stops.
  • Navigate efficiently and deliver to address/time window; follow access instructions.
  • Scan items and capture proof of delivery (POD) when required.
  • Maintain safe driving habits, incident reporting, and customer communication.
Delivery work is measured: safety, on-time rate, scan accuracy, and service quality are typically tracked.

A short “day on route” story

You start with a load-out window. Packages are scanned, staged, and placed to match the route sequence. The day becomes a cycle: drive, park safely, deliver, scan, confirm, and move on—while adjusting for traffic, access issues, and weather. Strong drivers stay calm, avoid shortcuts that create risk, and keep scans clean so there is no end-of-day “damage control.”

Last-mile delivery Scanning & POD Safety metrics Route discipline

Gross pay (brutto) — realistic benchmarks

Delivery driver pay varies by company, city, vehicle type, and whether the role includes selling (route sales). The table below uses widely cited U.S. occupational benchmarks (gross).

Role benchmark Typical gross pay Practical notes
Light truck / parcel delivery $14.22–$38.29/hr
Median reference: ~$21.22/hr 		Strong proxy for van/parcel delivery; pay differs widely by metro area and employer model.
Annual benchmark (light truck drivers) $44,140/year Median annual reference; bonuses and overtime can change realized totals.
Route delivery + selling (driver/sales) $37,130/year May include commission/tips depending on the industry (role-dependent).
Many delivery roles are hourly and may pay overtime if non-exempt (commonly after 40 hours/week). Some models use daily/route pay; exact terms depend on employer policy and local rules.

What you should confirm before accepting

  • Pay model: hourly vs daily/route pay; overtime policy; bonuses and performance pay rules.
  • Vehicle type: van vs box truck; who pays fuel (role-dependent); parking policy.
  • Stops & expectations: typical route length, peak season load, and service metrics.
  • Screening: background check, driving record check, and any medical/DOT requirements.

Detailed requirements (what employers actually screen)

  1. English CV with accurate phone/email (mandatory for review).
  2. Legal work authorization for the United States (required).
  3. Valid driver’s license accepted for the job location; driving record check readiness.
  4. Typically 21+ (often required by insurance policy; employer-specific).
  5. Background check readiness (and sometimes drug screening, role-dependent).
  6. Physical capability for lifting/carrying parcels (often up to ~50 lbs), stairs, and repeated entry/exit.
  7. Navigation & scanning: smartphone comfort, route apps, scanning/POD accuracy.
  8. Safety discipline: speed control, seatbelt use, no distracted driving; incident reporting.
Role reality: Employers optimize for low risk. A clean driving record, consistent attendance, and scan accuracy are often more important than “experience.”

Candidate portrait (short profile)

A strong delivery driver is calm under pressure and predictable in execution. They protect safety first, keep scanning clean, and solve small route problems without drama.

  • Temperament: stable, polite, not reactive in traffic or at difficult addresses.
  • Work style: consistent pace, careful parking, and disciplined scanning/POD.
  • Reliability: shows up on time, finishes routes, handles peak seasons.
  • Communication: basic English for instructions, customer notes, and incident reporting.

Next steps

  1. Create/upload your CV and keep contact details up to date.
  2. After CV review, we confirm role fit and available employers/projects.
  3. If shortlisted, you proceed to employer interview and screening steps.
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Work conditions in the USA (current, practical)

Schedule & performance

  • Routes are time-sensitive; traffic, weather, and access issues require quick adjustments.
  • Performance is often tracked: on-time rate, scan accuracy, customer issues, and safety events.
  • Peak season can increase volume and reduce flexibility in start/end times.

Compliance & safety

  • Most employers run background and driving record checks.
  • Some delivery operations (vehicle/use-case dependent) may require DOT-style medical qualifications or additional documentation.
  • Overtime policies depend on classification; many hourly roles follow standard overtime rules when non-exempt.
This page is informational and not legal advice. Exact rules depend on employer, vehicle type, and state policy.
Authorization disclaimer: U.S. work authorization is required. This page does not provide legal advice or immigration services; it summarizes typical employer expectations and job reality.

FAQ (role-specific, anti-template)

Can international candidates get this job without work authorization?

In most cases, no. Delivery driving typically requires that you already have legal authorization to work in the U.S. plus a valid license accepted for the job location.

How much do delivery drivers make per hour (gross)?

Pay varies widely by city and employer model. A common U.S. benchmark for parcel/van delivery is aligned with “light truck drivers,” where median hourly pay is around the low-$20s gross.

Do delivery drivers get overtime?

Many hourly roles pay overtime if the position is non-exempt, typically after 40 hours in a week. Some employers use different pay models, so you must verify the exact policy.

Do I need a DOT medical card?

Not always. DOT-related medical requirements depend on the vehicle/use-case and whether the operation falls under specific commercial driving rules. Ask the employer what applies to your route and vehicle.

What is the biggest reason candidates fail screening?

Driving record issues, background check problems, or inability to meet pace/accuracy expectations (scanning, delivery completion, attendance).

Related roles in Logistics & Warehousing

Use these internal links to compare similar roles before applying.

Visa & authorization disclaimer: Any U.S. work authorization path depends on eligibility and official procedures. This page is informational and not legal advice.