Local Truck Driver Jobs
There are a wide range of companies that hire local delivery drivers. Although some local delivery routes use tractor-trailers and require CDL-A licenses, many local routes use straight trucks and only require a CDL-B. Following are a few examples of local delivery jobs, but there are a large range of other possibilities. Some common job characteristics to most local delivery routes are that you usually stay in your home city, drivers tend to be hourly employees and they are more likely to be company drivers rather than owner-operators. Usually, drivers start out at a warehouse or distribution center and make several stops throughout the day. Record keeping is important in a delivery job: it is essential to know that packages went to the right address and whether or not someone was there to receive them. Delivery jobs can be very physically demanding, and you will be exposed to every kind of weather. Since you’ll be dealing directly with customers, most employers prefer to hire candidates with a neat appearance who have good people and communication skills.
In Focus: Local Driver Jobs with JB Hunt
Grocery Store
Big chain grocery stores receive shipments from their distribution centers. These products usually arrive on a tractor-trailer. In some cases, grocery store truck drivers are required to become union members to get the job.
In addition to goods from the distribution center, some sellers bring their goods straight to the local store. Bakeries, for example, are responsible for maintaining their own section of the bread aisle in a grocery store. These drivers are responsible for delivering bread to several stores on their route. In this case, you don’t just drop off the product, you make sure it’s attractively displayed and also work to convince the store manager to carry more of your product. In this sort of job, you might be paid a percentage of sales as commission in addition to a base pay rate.
Package Delivery
Companies like UPS, FedEx and other parcel carrying services offer package delivery driving jobs. With these organizations, you usually pick up a truckload of packages early in the morning at a regional distribution center. Throughout the day, you make deliveries to residences or offices. You usually have to use scanning technology to record where and when you delivered the package, and who (if anyone) signed for it. Some package delivery companies require you to wear a uniform and meet appearance standards. You might have to pass a company-specific driving test in addition to completing a CDL-A or B training program.
Furniture
If you drive a furniture or appliance delivery truck, you might start your day at a warehouse and load up with deliveries for multiple stops. When you reach your destination, you will have to be sure to place furniture exactly where the customer wants it, which might involve moving items after they’ve been placed. You might have to assemble furniture on arrival and install appliance and make sure they work properly. Most drivers have helpers to load, unload and assemble these heavy items.