Drivers of all types are currently in high demand. The job boards are filled with companies offering sign on bonuses and salary incentives. If you are looking for driving related jobs, one option to consider is package delivery driver services. More and more people are using the internet to purchase small and large items. In turn, these items need to be delivered to both homes and offices. Companies such as FedEx, UPS and DHL are the big players in this area for package delivery services. They all have facilities across the country and are often looking for reliable delivery drivers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this is an area of expected jobs growth of about 4% over the next couple of years.
A benefit of driving for FedEx/UPS/DHL or similar company is that these are typically local delivery jobs which means you are home in the evening. These companies often offer health insurance benefits for full time drivers and paid vacation time. Package delivery drivers will work outside and the job will require some manual labor, meaning you'll get some on the job exercise. Beginning full time drivers can make in the range of 30K in their first year. Drivers that have invested a few years working for the company can make in excess of 70K per year. During holiday seasons you can bet there will be overtime options allowing a driver to bump those annual salaries even higher.
There is no question that being a delivery driver will be hard work. Be ready for some heavy lifting and manual labor. Drivers are expected to be able to lift up to 70 lbs. and may be required to pass a fitness exam prior to employment. There may be long hours required to meet delivery expectations, especially during the holidays. From the driving aspect of the job you will have to endure the elements, including weather and local traffic conditions. Most drivers will have a set route they will deliver to. This helps to make sure drivers are more efficient in their deliveries and not having to learn new areas every day. That doesn't mean you will make the same stops every day just that you deliver to a specific area.
Each company may have certain licenses requirements as well as training classes that will need to be met before you hit the streets as a driver. The requirement for a commercial driver license (CDL) may be necessary for some driving positions within the organization. Although in most cases if you are doing local deliveries then a CDL may not be necessary. A high school diploma or the equivalent will also be enough to get you in the door for most of these types of delivery driver positions. Keep in mind before applying that a clean driving record will be important. Speeding tickets and other traffic violations are enough to lose the job, so keep it safe. Take a look at the job board below this article for driver jobs near your location.