What delivery driver jobs are and who hires for them

A delivery driver picks up packages or food from a business location and brings them to customers' homes or offices. The job exists because companies need someone to move goods from warehouse to doorstep, and restaurants need someone to move meals from kitchen to table. You are the last person in that chain — the one customers see.

The main employers are Amazon, UPS, FedEx, DoorDash, Uber Eats, Instacart, and local pizza shops, grocery stores, and furniture retailers. Some hire drivers as employees on payroll. Others classify drivers as independent contractors, meaning you work for yourself but use their app or system to find deliveries. The difference matters for taxes, insurance, and whether you get a paycheck or invoice for your work.

The job is not the same everywhere. A delivery driver for a furniture store might make three deliveries in a day and spend an hour at each stop. A DoorDash driver might make fifteen food deliveries in four hours. An Amazon delivery driver might deliver 150 to 200 packages in a shift. The pace, the vehicle, the pay structure, and the physical demands change based on who you work for.

Key Takeaways

  • Delivery driver jobs fall into two categories: employee positions with regular paychecks and contractor positions where you invoice for each delivery or earn per-delivery fees.
  • You will need a valid driver's license, a vehicle that passes inspection, and proof of insurance; some employers also require a background check.
  • Pay varies widely — employees often earn hourly wages plus mileage reimbursement, while contractors earn per delivery or per hour and cover their own gas and vehicle costs.
  • The physical demands include lifting packages (sometimes 50+ pounds), walking in all weather, and sitting in a vehicle for hours.
  • Most delivery jobs are available when ready or within days, with minimal training beyond learning the app or route system.

What you need before you can start

Every delivery job requires a valid driver's license and proof of auto insurance. Some employers ask to see both documents before your first shift. You will also need a vehicle — a car, truck, van, or motorcycle — that is registered and passes a safety inspection. A few companies (mostly Amazon and some UPS contractors) will check your vehicle's age and condition; if it is too old or damaged, they may not let you use it for deliveries.

A background check is standard for most delivery jobs. Employers typically look for driving violations, criminal history, and sometimes credit history. The check usually takes three to seven days. If you have a recent DUI, multiple speeding tickets, or a felony conviction, some companies will reject you; others have different thresholds. It depends on the employer.

A smartphone is required for contractor positions because you use an app to accept deliveries, navigate to addresses, and confirm completion. Employee positions may or may not require your own phone — some companies provide one or use a handheld device. Check the job posting or ask during the interview.

How pay works for employees versus contractors

If you are hired as an employee, you receive a paycheck on a regular schedule — weekly or biweekly. The hourly wage varies by location and employer, typically ranging from $15 to $22 per hour, though this changes by region and company. Many employee positions also include mileage reimbursement (a set amount per mile driven) or a vehicle allowance. Some offer benefits like health insurance or paid time off, though this is less common in delivery roles.

If you are a contractor, you do not receive a paycheck. Instead, you earn money per delivery completed. DoorDash and Uber Eats typically pay $2 to $12 per delivery depending on distance and demand; Instacart pays per batch (a batch can be one or multiple orders). Amazon Flex pays by the block — you claim a time slot (usually two to four hours) and earn a set amount for that block, typically $18 to $25 per hour. You invoice the company or the payment goes directly to your bank account, usually within days.

As a contractor, you pay for your own gas, vehicle maintenance, and insurance. You also owe self-employment taxes, which are higher than employee taxes because you pay both the employer and employee portion. Many contractors find that after fuel and vehicle costs, their take-home pay is lower than the per-delivery rate suggests. Track your mileage and expenses carefully — you can deduct them when you file taxes.

The physical and time demands of the work

Delivery driving is physically demanding. You will lift packages regularly — some weigh 5 pounds, others 50 or more. You will walk up stairs, navigate apartment buildings, and carry items to doorsteps in rain, snow, and heat. Your knees, back, and shoulders take the impact. If you have an existing injury or condition that makes lifting or walking difficult, ask the employer about accommodations before you start.

The hours are flexible for contractors but can be long. You choose when to work, but the busiest times (lunch, dinner, weekends) are when you earn the most. Many contractors work 40 to 60 hours per week to make a livable income. Employees usually work set shifts — often early morning or afternoon — and may be required to work weekends and holidays.

You spend most of your shift in a vehicle. This means sitting for hours, dealing with traffic, finding parking, and navigating unfamiliar neighborhoods. In winter, you may idle the engine for heat. In summer, you may run the air conditioning constantly. These costs add up for contractors.

How to find and land a delivery driver job

For contractor positions, read the app (DoorDash, Uber Eats, Instacart, Amazon Flex) and sign up directly. Most apps let you complete the process on your phone in 15 to 30 minutes. You will upload your driver's license, insurance card, and vehicle registration. The background check happens in the background. Once approved, you can start accepting deliveries when ready — sometimes within 24 hours.

For employee positions, search job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, or Craigslist for "delivery driver" plus your city name. You can also call local pizza shops, furniture stores, grocery stores, and moving companies directly and ask if they are hiring. UPS, FedEx, and Amazon post jobs on their own websites. explore through the website or in person. The interview is usually brief — they want to confirm you have a valid license, a vehicle, and a clean driving record. You may start within days.

Some delivery companies hire through staffing agencies. These agencies match drivers to routes or deliveries and handle payroll. Search "delivery driver staffing agency" plus your city to find local options. The pay may be slightly lower than direct hire, but the process is sometimes faster.

What happens on your first day and beyond

For contractor positions, your first day is usually solo. You read the app, accept a delivery, follow the GPS to the pickup location, collect the package or food, drive to the customer's address, and confirm delivery in the app. There is no training — you learn by doing. Most contractors say the first few deliveries are confusing, but the pattern becomes routine quickly.

For employee positions, you may have a brief orientation — 30 minutes to a few hours — where a manager explains the route, the vehicle, and the company's policies. You might ride along with an experienced driver for your first shift. Then you are on your own. The job itself does not require special skills, but learning the route system or app takes a day or two.

After the first week, the work becomes predictable. You know how long deliveries take, which neighborhoods are easiest to navigate, and how to manage your time. Contractors can increase earnings by working during peak hours or taking longer routes. Employees can ask for better routes or shifts as they prove themselves reliable.

Common challenges and what to expect

Difficult customers are common. Some will complain about delivery time, blame you for missing items (which the restaurant or warehouse packed), or refuse to answer the door. You are trained to stay professional and document the interaction in the app. Most companies back drivers when the issue is not your fault.

Vehicle problems happen. A flat tire, dead battery, or engine trouble can end your shift. If you are an employee, the company may cover some costs or let you use a company vehicle. If you are a contractor, you pay for repairs and lose income while the vehicle is down. This is why contractors should keep an emergency fund.

Weather and traffic slow you down. A snowstorm or rush-hour congestion means fewer deliveries completed and lower earnings for contractors. Employees still get paid hourly, but the work is harder and more stressful. Plan for these days and adjust your expectations.

Contractor income is unpredictable. Busy days can bring $200 in earnings; slow days might bring $40. This makes budgeting difficult if you rely on delivery driving as your only income. Many contractors work multiple apps at once to smooth out the variation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a commercial driver's license?

No. A standard driver's license is sufficient for most delivery jobs. You only need a commercial license if you are driving a vehicle over a certain weight (usually 26,000 pounds) or carrying hazardous materials. Most delivery vehicles — cars, small vans, pickup trucks — do not require one.

Can I use someone else's vehicle?

Not usually. Insurance and liability are tied to the registered owner. If you are in an accident, the insurance company may deny the claim if the vehicle was being used for commercial delivery and the policy does not cover that. You need a vehicle registered in your name or with explicit permission from the owner and their insurance company.

What if I get into an accident while making a delivery?

Report it to your employer when ready. If you are an employee, the company's insurance typically covers the accident. If you are a contractor, your personal auto insurance should cover it, but you may need to disclose that you were using the vehicle for delivery work. Some insurance policies exclude commercial use, so check your policy before you start.

How much can I earn in a week?

It varies widely. An employee working 40 hours at $18 per hour earns roughly $720 before taxes. A contractor working 40 hours might earn $400 to $800 depending on delivery rates, tips, and how efficiently they work. Subtract gas and vehicle costs, and contractor take-home is often lower. Your actual earnings depend on your location, the company, and how many hours you work.

Can I do delivery driving part-time?

Yes. Contractor positions are designed for flexible, part-time work. You can work a few hours on weekends or evenings. Employee positions are usually full-time or set shifts, though some companies offer part-time schedules. Ask the employer about part-time availability when you explore.