Delivery van drivers collect parcels or goods and deliver them to customers, businesses or collection points. Roles range from scheduled retail deliveries to high-volume multi-drop courier work.
Getting into delivery driving
The National Careers Service says direct application is one route and previous warehouse or driving experience can help but is not always essential. Employers expect the correct licence for the vehicle, a good driving record and practical route and customer-service skills.
Employed versus self-employed
Compare these carefully. The National Careers Service notes that self-employed drivers may be paid per delivery, so earnings can vary. If considering self-employment, account for vehicle, insurance, fuel, maintenance, unpaid time and other business costs rather than comparing a headline delivery rate directly with an employee salary.
Typical work
Tasks can include loading in route order, planning routes, updating tracking systems, contacting customers, recording mileage or issues and returning undelivered items.
Progression
Experience may lead toward delivery coordination, team management, road transport management or HGV driving.
Source
National Careers Service — Delivery van driver job profile, accessed October 2026.
Employee or self-employed? Compare net work, not the headline rate
An employed delivery-driver salary and a per-delivery self-employed rate are not the same measure. If a contract pays per stop or parcel, ask how many paid deliveries are typical, whether failed deliveries are paid, what happens during quiet periods and whether waiting time is covered. Then list costs you would have to pay yourself, such as vehicle use, fuel, insurance, maintenance, phone or equipment. Do not compare the gross delivery rate directly with an employee salary.
Questions to ask before accepting
- Is the role employment, agency work or a self-employed contract?
- Who provides and insures the vehicle?
- How are mileage, fuel and parking handled?
- What are the expected route size and shift length?
- Are breaks and waiting time included?
- How are damaged, missing or returned parcels dealt with?
Describe useful experience
Employers may value safe driving, punctuality, route planning, accurate scans or records, and calm customer communication. Give an example from a real job where you managed time or handled a problem. For typical duties and a broad career context, see the National Careers Service transport and logistics sector.