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
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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 grow significantly over the next few years, which will provide additional opportunities for employment. 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 52% 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
$12.95
Minimum$17.00
Median$23.47
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
$25,736 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$28,824 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$31,451 median annual incomeCape Breton
$29,022 median annual incomeSouthern
$17,514 median annual incomeCompared 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
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
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.