Delivery Driver
Run the last mile. Delivery Drivers handle the final leg from warehouse to door — Amazon, FedEx, UPS, regional couriers, food delivery. Class C or B CDL depending on route. Direct-hire entry with no prior CDL required for many routes.
Delivery Driver goes by many names
On KinTrades, all of these job titles route to the Delivery Driver trade — so search any of them and you'll find matching work.
Day to day on the job
Delivery drivers run a route — typically 100-250 stops per day on Amazon and food routes, 60-120 on UPS and FedEx Ground, 30-60 on heavier freight delivery. The work is fast-paced, route-driven, and physical (lifting boxes, in/out of the truck dozens of times per day).
Specializations diverge by carrier. Amazon DSP Drivers run Amazon delivery service partner routes. UPS Drivers work the iconic brown trucks — Teamsters union, premium pay. FedEx Drivers work Ground or Express. Food Delivery via DoorDash, Uber Eats, etc. is gig work — high flexibility, lower pay.
Most delivery drivers work for last-mile carriers. UPS is the highest-paid (Teamsters); Amazon DSP is the highest-volume; food delivery is the most flexible. The trade is a fast on-ramp to CDL Class A work for drivers who want to advance.
How you move up as a Delivery Driver
Delivery Driver progression varies by carrier. UPS and FedEx have internal ladders to senior delivery and supervisor roles. Amazon DSP partners can scale to fleet ownership. Many drivers use the role as an on-ramp to CDL Class A. BLS OES 53-3033, May 2024.
Driver — what this rung looks like
What Delivery Drivers earn in VA, DC, MD & NC
Pay data: BLS OEWS · May 2024 · VA · DC · MD · NC. Expanding nationally.
Core craft + supporting skills
Pulled from your taxonomy. Core skills (orange) are required for the Delivery Driver trade; supporting skills (gray) round out a well-rounded journeyworker.
Paths into the Delivery Driver trade
Amazon DSP / Food Delivery / Regional Carriers
Most delivery drivers come in with no prior credentials beyond a clean driver license and clean MVR. Hire-on bonuses common. Amazon DSP partners hire weekly.
UPS / FedEx Driver Hiring
UPS and FedEx run their own driver training programs. UPS is Teamsters union with strong pay and benefits; FedEx Express is non-union. Both run formal application processes.
CDL Class B for Heavy Routes
Many delivery drivers upgrade to CDL Class B (box trucks over 26,001 lbs) for higher pay routes. Pell-eligible CC programs cover Class B in 2-4 weeks.
Certifications that help
CDL Class B for heavy routes, HazMat endorsement (H), TSA Known Crewmember for cargo screening, DOT physical, clean MVR (most carriers require 3+ years).
Common pathways into Delivery Driver work
KinTrades welcomes Delivery Driver workers from every walk of life. Whether you're a veteran transitioning out of service, a student planning your career, or someone returning to work — there's a clear path in.
Veterans
Delivery driver roles are common first civilian jobs for transitioning service members. Army 88M Motor Transport Operator and Air Force 2T1X1 Vehicle Operations directly transfer.
UPS, FedEx, and Amazon DSP all have veteran hiring programs.
Many veterans use delivery driver work as a stepping stone to CDL Class A.
Veterans on KinTradesHigh School Students
Delivery driver work is one of the most accessible HS-to-job pathways — most carriers hire 18+ with a regular driver license. UPS Package Handler positions hire 18+ with no driver requirement.
Amazon DSP partners hire 21+ for vans.
Strong path for HS grads who want immediate income while figuring out longer-term career.
Students on KinTradesSecond Chance
Delivery driver work is subject to MVR (Motor Vehicle Record) checks and DOT physicals at most carriers. Driving violations and DUI/DWI typically disqualify.
Felony convictions vary by carrier — UPS and FedEx run formal background screening; Amazon DSP partners and food delivery vary widely.
Hazmat endorsement requires TSA background check.
Second-chance hiringIf Delivery Driver interests you, also look at
Common questions about becoming a Delivery Driver
What does a Delivery Driver do?
Delivery drivers run a route — typically 100-250 stops per day on Amazon and food routes, 60-120 on UPS and FedEx Ground, 30-60 on heavier freight delivery. The work is fast-paced, route-driven, and physical (lifting boxes, in/out of the truck dozens of times per day).
What does a Delivery Driver make in Virginia, DC, Maryland, and North Carolina?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024, Delivery Drivers earn an annual median of $42K in Virginia (range $32K–$58K), $50K in DC ($38K–$68K), $46K in Maryland ($36K–$62K), and $38K in North Carolina ($30K–$52K).
How do you become a Delivery Driver?
Amazon DSP / Food Delivery / Regional Carriers: Most delivery drivers come in with no prior credentials beyond a clean driver license and clean MVR. Hire-on bonuses common. Amazon DSP partners hire weekly.
How long is Delivery Driver apprenticeship in Virginia, DC, Maryland, or North Carolina?
1-2 years to senior driver or specialty routes. Delivery Driver progression varies by carrier. UPS and FedEx have internal ladders to senior delivery and supervisor roles. Amazon DSP partners can scale to fleet ownership. Many drivers use the role as an on-ramp to CDL Class A.
Is Delivery Driver a good career path for someone with a record?
Delivery driver work is subject to MVR (Motor Vehicle Record) checks and DOT physicals at most carriers. Driving violations and DUI/DWI typically disqualify. Felony convictions vary by carrier — UPS and FedEx run formal background screening; Amazon DSP partners and food delivery vary widely. Hazmat endorsement requires TSA background check.