• Most of a driver’s day is spent behind the wheel of a truck. Often, trucks are equipped with air-ride seats for added comfort.
• At various sites, they are required to deliver/pick up their cargo. Depending on the cargo, they may manually move the goods (requiring lifting) or use material handling equipment (like a dolly) for larger/heavier items.
• When making their deliveries or pickups, the driver interacts with clients and customers; therefore, employers look for drivers who are friendly and courteous.
• With multiple deliveries comes paperwork! Whether the documents are electronic or paper, these drivers manage bills of lading and delivery receipts for each delivery and pickup.

To be considered for Delivery/Pickup Driver positions, there are licensing requirements. To acquire a license, you must complete training and meet physical requirements. Requirements vary by province.

1) Licensing Requirements

• A Class 3 or D license is required to drive some straight-body trucks.
• A Class 1 or A license is required to drive tractor-tractors and long combination vehicles.
• Air brake endorsement (Z) is required for drivers who operate vehicles equipped with air brakes.

Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT)

Mandatory Entry-Level Training is required for attaining a Commercial Driver’s License in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. Some companies provide subsidies and assistance to cover the costs of training. Learn more about MELT in the following provinces:

• British Columbia
• Alberta
• Saskatchewan
• Manitoba
• Ontario

2) Physical Requirements

There are specific vision, hearing and physical fitness requirements to get and maintain a Commercial Driver’s License. These requirements vary by province.

3) Additional Training

• On-the-job training is often provided (often known as Driver Finishing Programs) to enhance the skills of newly licensed drivers.
• Many companies offer coaching and mentoring to new drivers as part of the onboarding process.
• Transportation of dangerous goods (TDG) certification is required for drivers transporting hazardous products or dangerous goods.

Compensation of Delivery/Pickup Drivers depends on many factors, including the company, location, type of load/cargo, level of experience, type of truck (i.e. straight truck or trailer-trailer) and more. Companies vary in how they pay their drivers and can include hourly, salary, per km/mile or a combination of methods. Benefits vary but often include (at minimum) basic medical, vision and dental coverage. Other benefits, such as vacation, pension, and profit-sharing, depend on the company’s compensation model.

Salary range coming soon.

Pickup and delivery driving is a great place to start as a newly licensed driver. The range of delivery and pickup locations provides an opportunity for new drivers to practice their driving maneuvers and to gain hours of experience behind the wheel.

Once you have built up your driving base, consider short or long-haul driving opportunities if you are looking for a new challenge.