Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Amazon Delivery Driver

🎯 Role Definition

The Amazon Delivery Driver is a last-mile courier responsible for safely and efficiently delivering packages to Amazon customers, representing the Amazon brand at the doorstep, and ensuring on-time, accurate, and courteous service. This role requires strong driving skills, customer-facing communication, physical stamina for loading/unloading packages, and proficiency with route navigation and handheld scanning devices. Ideal candidates demonstrate reliability, a safety-first mindset, and the ability to meet productivity and quality metrics in a fast-paced delivery environment.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Package Handler or Sort Associate transitioning into driving
Local courier, gig driver, or rideshare driver with delivery experience
Warehouse associate or shipping/receiving clerk moving into last-mile delivery

Advancement To:

Lead Delivery Driver / Trainer
Delivery Station Supervisor or Lead
Area Manager, Operations Manager, or Fleet Manager

Lateral Moves:

Shuttle or route driver roles with third-party carriers (DSPs)
Warehouse lead, inventory specialist, or logistics coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Safely operate a company vehicle (van, box truck, or other assigned vehicle) to execute time-sensitive last-mile deliveries in accordance with assigned routes and schedules while complying with all traffic laws and Amazon safety policies.
Load, secure, and unload packages in the vehicle using safe lifting techniques, ensuring proper placement to prevent damage and to optimize route efficiency for timely deliveries.
Use handheld scanning devices, mobile apps, and route-optimization tools to scan packages, confirm delivery, update status in real time, and capture required proof of delivery (photo, signature, or barcode).
Verify recipient information, confirm delivery addresses, obtain signatures when required, and handle address discrepancies by communicating with dispatch or the customer using professional, customer-focused language.
Meet or exceed daily productivity and on-time delivery targets by following assigned manifests, prioritizing deliveries, and adapting to real-time route changes while maintaining service quality.
Provide exceptional customer service at the point of delivery by being courteous, responsive to customer questions or concerns, and representing Amazon’s brand standards in every interaction.
Inspect vehicle condition daily and perform routine safety checks (tires, lights, brakes, fluid levels), reporting maintenance needs, damage, or safety hazards promptly through established company channels.
Follow and enforce Amazon’s safety and compliance protocols, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), ergonomic lifting practices, and adherence to DOT and company driving regulations.
Safely load and transport customer packages of varying sizes and weights—following weight limits and safe handling procedures—to minimize injury risk and prevent product damage.
Record and report delivery exceptions, failed attempts, lost or damaged packages, and unusual incidents with clear, accurate notes to support claims resolution and operational transparency.
Assist with staging and sorting packages at the delivery station when required to ensure accurate manifest fulfillment and optimized route sequencing for efficient last-mile operations.
Participate in mandatory training sessions, safety briefings, and skills development programs including defensive driving, customer service protocols, and device/application updates.
Perform route planning and time management by reviewing the day’s manifest, identifying high-priority stops, and proactively communicating expected delivery windows or delays to customers and dispatch.
Securely handle customer property and sensitive information, safeguarding package contents and protecting personal data in accordance with company privacy and security standards.
Support peak season operations, surge demands, and special event schedules by accepting flexible shifts, performing extended routes, and coordinating with supervisors to meet increased volume.
Resolve on-route operational challenges—such as traffic disruptions, parking limitations, or inaccessible properties—using sound judgment and escalation procedures, while keeping customers informed of delivery status.
Facilitate returns, refused packages, or special handling instructions by following established return procedures, documenting conditions, and ensuring returned items are processed correctly at the station.
Maintain clean, organized vehicle interiors and exteriors, ensuring branding is presented professionally and reducing the risk of package loss or damage during transit.
Collaborate with dispatchers, work leads, and other drivers to share situational updates, assist with reroutes, and support efficient load balancing across the delivery network.
Complete accurate end-of-shift vehicle logs, mileage records, and delivery documentation to support payroll, vehicle maintenance scheduling, and operational reporting.
Adhere to company drug and alcohol policies, safety checks, and driving qualification requirements; participate in random testing programs and report any incidents or collisions promptly.
Contribute to continuous improvement by submitting feedback on route optimization, process inefficiencies, and customer pain points to help streamline last-mile operations.

Secondary Functions

Assist with in-station sorting and staging during high-volume periods to improve overall workflow and ensure route accuracy.
Cross-train on related station roles (packing, scanning, manifesting) to increase operational flexibility and coverage.
Participate in safety audits and support corrective action plans to maintain a compliant, low-risk delivery environment.
Mentor and train new delivery associates on safe driving, efficient route strategies, and customer service best practices.
Support inventory counts and returned package reconciliation to improve station accuracy and reduce shrink.
Help implement seasonal or promotional delivery processes, ensuring proper handling of special shipments (fragile, temperature-controlled, or priority).
Document near-miss incidents and propose practical, data-driven recommendations for safety or operational improvements.
Coordinate with local law enforcement or property managers when addressing recurring delivery access challenges.
Assist in community outreach or brand ambassador events where driver participation improves local customer experience and awareness.
Maintain and submit digital records and forms required for regulatory compliance, insurance, and internal audits.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Valid driver’s license in good standing with a clean driving record and the ability to meet company driving qualification standards.
Proficiency with GPS navigation systems, route-optimization apps, and handheld scanning devices used for package tracking and proof of delivery.
Ability to safely operate and maneuver delivery vehicles of assigned class (cargo van, box truck), including backing, parking in tight spaces, and curbside delivery techniques.
Basic vehicle maintenance knowledge (pre-trip inspections, fluid checks, tire checks) and the ability to recognize and report mechanical issues.
Experience using mobile apps and digital workflows for logging deliveries, capturing photos, obtaining signatures, and communicating with dispatch.
Familiarity with DOT regulations, local transportation laws, and company-specific safety protocols that govern commercial driving and load securement.
Ability to lift, carry, push, and manipulate packages up to typical carrier limits (commonly up to 50 lbs) using proper ergonomic techniques.
Strong record-keeping skills for completing manifests, mileage logs, delivery exception reports, and incident documentation.
Basic situational problem-solving skills for resolving address issues, inaccessible locations, or package discrepancies in real time.
Knowledge of standard delivery types and handling requirements (fragile items, customer returns, large items) to ensure appropriate care and documentation.

Soft Skills

Exceptional customer service orientation with a friendly, professional demeanor at the doorstep and over the phone.
Time management and route-planning skills that balance efficiency with safe driving practices to meet on-time targets.
Strong communication skills to interact effectively with customers, dispatchers, station staff, and supervisors.
Reliability and punctuality with an attendance record that supports on-time route starts and consistent coverage.
High attention to detail to ensure packages are delivered to correct addresses and signatures/proof of delivery are accurately captured.
Physical stamina and resilience to perform repeated lifting, walking, and frequent entry/exit of the vehicle in various weather conditions.
Adaptability under changing conditions such as traffic delays, reroutes, or sudden volume surges during peak seasons.
Team-oriented mindset for collaborating with teammates to balance workloads and support station objectives.
Responsible decision-making and sound judgment in high-pressure or ambiguous delivery scenarios.
Safety-first attitude with a focus on preventing accidents, reducing risk, and following required safety protocols.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED (or equivalent). Valid driver's license and any region-specific driving certifications as required.

Preferred Education:

Vocational training, commercial driving coursework, or certifications in logistics/transportation.
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) for higher-capacity vehicle roles (where applicable).

Relevant Fields of Study:

Transportation and Logistics
Supply Chain or Operations Management
Automotive Technology or Vehicle Maintenance
Business Administration (customer service focus)

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0–3 years of driving or delivery experience; entry-level candidates with strong driving records are often considered.

Preferred:

1+ year of last-mile delivery, courier, or commercial driving experience; prior experience with high-volume routes, route optimization tools, or working for third-party delivery service providers (DSPs) is a plus.