Light Truck Drivers

Career Overview

Drive a light vehicle, such as a truck or van, with a capacity of less than 26,001 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), primarily to pick up merchandise or packages from a distribution center and deliver. May load and unload vehicle.

Also Known As

• Delivery Driver
• Driver
• Package Car Driver
• Truck Driver

Alternate Job Titles

• Bulk Delivery Driver
• Car Escort
• Commercial Driver
• Deliverer
• Delivery Driver
• Delivery Person
• Delivery Truck Driver
• Directories Distributor
• Directory Carrier
• Distributor Operator
• Driver
• DSP Driver (Delivery Service Partner Driver)
• Errand Runner
• Escort Vehicle Driver
• Explosives Truck Driver

What You'll Do

In this role, your typical responsibilities include:

• Obey traffic laws and follow established traffic and transportation procedures.
• Report any mechanical problems encountered with vehicles.
• Verify the contents of inventory loads against shipping papers.
• Inspect and maintain vehicle supplies and equipment, such as gas, oil, water, tires, lights, or brakes, to ensure that vehicles are in proper working condition.
• Read maps and follow written or verbal geographic directions.
• Load and unload trucks, vans, or automobiles.
• Present bills and receipts and collect payments for goods delivered or loaded.

Knowledge You'll Use

You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:

• English Language

Key Abilities

This career requires key abilities in:

• Multilimb Coordination
• Far Vision
• Spatial Orientation
• Problem Sensitivity
• Near Vision
• Stamina
• Control Precision
• Reaction Time
• Static Strength
• Trunk Strength

Work Style

People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:

• Dependability
• Attention to Detail
• Cautiousness
• Integrity
• Self-Control

What Matters in This Career

This career tends to satisfy these work values:

• Support
• Independence
• Working Conditions
• Relationships
• Achievement

Education & Preparation

Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)

On-the-Job Training: Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month

Education Details: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

Experience Required: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.

Technology You'll Use

Popular Technologies & Software

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Office software
• Microsoft Outlook
• Microsoft Windows

Tools & Equipment

• Electronic clipboards
• Forklifts
• Global positioning system GPS receivers
• Jacks
• Large goods vehicles LGV
• Light trucks less than 3 tons
• Personal computers
• Pickup trucks
• Satellite linkup systems
• Scanners
• Truck lift gates
• Two way radios
• Vans
• Wheel blocks

Work Environment

• In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
• Contact With Others
• Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
• Telephone Conversations
• Time Pressure

Salary & Job Market

Salary Percentile	Annual Wage
Entry-Level (10th percentile)	$29,580
Median	$44,140
Top Earners (90th percentile)	$79,630

Workers Employed Nationally: 994,410

Related Careers

If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:

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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.