Delivery and Courier Service Drivers
(NOC 7514)
in All Trades and TransportationDelivery and courier service drivers drive automobiles, vans and light trucks to pick up and deliver various products. Courier service drivers pick up envelopes and/or packages for quick delivery to a specific address. They are employed by dairies, drug stores, newspaper distributors, take-out food establishments, dry cleaners, mobile caterers, courier and messenger service companies and many other establishments, or they may be self-employed.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a fairly large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities occur fairly regularly. The number employed in this occupation is expected to decline moderately over the next few years, which will likely limit the number of new opportunities available. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Delivery and Courier Service Drivers most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs may either be permanent or temporary positions, as both are common.
The median employment income for 55% of Delivery and Courier Service Drivers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $35,298. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$11.00
Minimum$14.50
Median$27.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$5,083
Minimum$26,500
Median$57,673
MaximumCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$13.00
Minimum$20.35
Median$34.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,580
Minimum$37,269
Median$79,787
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Delivery and courier service drivers drive automobiles, vans and light trucks to pick up and deliver various products. Courier service drivers pick up envelopes and/or packages for quick delivery to a specific address. They are employed by dairies, drug stores, newspaper distributors, take-out food establishments, dry cleaners, mobile caterers, courier and messenger service companies and many other establishments, or they may be self-employed.
Job duties
Delivery and courier service drivers perform some or all of the following duties:
- Operate and drive automobiles, vans and light trucks to pick up and deliver various products, such as fast food, newspapers, magazines, bakery and dairy products, and items such as dry cleaning, envelopes, packages and parcels.
- Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspection of vehicle.
- Plan delivery travel schedules and service routes.
- Load and unload cargo, goods or merchandise.
- Provide customer service by selling products, delivering over established routes and accepting or making payments for goods.
- Record information on pick-ups and deliveries, vehicle mileage and fuel costs and report any incidents or problems encountered.
- May scan and sort freight or cargo for delivery.
- May assemble, install or set-up delivered goods or merchandise.
- May communicate with central dispatch using mobile communications equipment.
Sample job titles
- courier driver
- delivery driver
- delivery salesperson
- delivery truck driver
- fast food delivery driver
- newspaper delivery driver
- route driver
Skills
You should enjoy driving and be able to function under minimal supervision. You must be alert, responsible, and self-motivated. An awareness of safety is important. You must also get along well with people, as drivers often deal directly with customers. For some jobs, you should be willing to drive long distances and for extended periods of time.
Job requirements
- Completion of high school is usually required.
- A driver's licence appropriate to the class of vehicle being driven is required.
- One year of safe driving experience is usually required.
- On-the-job training is provided.
- Eligibility for bonding and transportation of dangerous goods (TGD) certification may be required for delivery and courier drivers.
Other considerations
Progression to supervisory positions or to non-driving jobs, such as driver trainer or dispatcher is possible with additional training or experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Annapolis Valley
Northern
Cape Breton
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Transportation and Warehousing
Retail Trade
Wholesale Trade
Accommodation and Food Services
Food and Beverage Product Manufacturing
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
65+
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
45-54
35-44
55-64
25-34
Top levels of education
High school
$11,076 median annual incomeLess than high school
$10,402 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$10,040 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$12,190 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$7,042 median annual incomeCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Trades certificate
$40,890 median annual incomeHigh school
$28,089 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$39,023 median annual incomeLess than high school
$25,753 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$36,972 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult high school/secondary diploma programs
This program is typically offered at the high school level.The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 220
Halifax, NS B3J 2M4
(866) 679-6722
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.