Delivery and Courier Service Drivers
(NOC 7514)
in All Trades and TransportationDelivery and courier service drivers drive cars, 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 work for dairies, drug stores, newspaper distributors, take-out food companies, dry cleaners, mobile caterers, courier and messenger service companies and many other businesses, or they may be self-employed.
Job Outlook
Average
Read more
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
Some workers in this occupation were laid off because of the pandemic. About 30% of delivery drivers work for retail stores, many of which closed during the months of March, April, and May, laying off employees. Other jobs in this occupational group experienced growth because of COVID-19. Dining rooms and bars were forced to close under the Health Protection Act Order, causing the popularity of meal delivery to rise. Some businesses were created or expanded to fill this need, while some people
sought part-time gig employment with companies like Uber Eats. Similarly, the restriction on in-store shopping drove consumers to buy from online retailers. Some shipping companies and couriers were temporarily overwhelmed by the surge in packages.
The increasing popularity of online shopping and meal delivery was happening prior to the pandemic, creating some new delivery positions. Prospects are good for jobseekers considering this occupation. Employers in some areas have reported difficulty in filling positions, a trend common with other lower wage, physically demanding jobs.
The median employment income for the 52% of Delivery and Courier Service Drivers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $35,298. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, the 59% of those who worked full-time, year-round had a median employment income of $43,600. (Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$12.95
Minimum$14.00
Median$26.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$5,083
Minimum$26,500
Median$57,673
MaximumCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$13.50
Minimum$27.25
Median$35.50
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,580
Minimum$37,269
Median$79,787
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Delivery and courier service drivers drive cars, 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 work for dairies, drug stores, newspaper distributors, take-out food companies, dry cleaners, mobile caterers, courier and messenger service companies and many other businesses, or they may be self-employed.
Job duties
Delivery and courier service drivers:
- Drive cars, vans and light trucks to pick up and deliver various products like fast food, newspapers, magazines, bakery and dairy products, and items like 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
- 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
Movement to supervisory positions or to non-driving jobs like 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
North Shore
Cape Breton
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Transportation and warehousing
Retail trade
Wholesale trade
Accommodation and food services
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
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
High school
$27,205 median annual incomeLess than high school
$21,520 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$25,749 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$32,308 median annual incomeBachelor
$20,918 median annual incomeCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Trade Certification
$46,494 median annual incomeHigh school
$31,260 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$42,050 median annual incomeLess than high school
$28,319 median annual incomeBachelor
$30,527 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramThe 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
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
No contacts were found under this occupation profileAdditional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.