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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Driver Helper

💰 $ - $

LogisticsTransportationWarehouse

🎯 Role Definition

The Driver Helper supports commercial drivers by assisting with loading, unloading, securing cargo, performing basic vehicle checks, navigating delivery routes, and delivering excellent customer service at point-of-contact. This hands-on role is physically active and safety-focused — ideal for candidates with strong teamwork, time management, and logistics awareness. Common work settings include last-mile delivery, moving companies, freight distribution centers, and supply-chain operations. SEO keywords: Driver Helper, delivery assistant, route support, loading and unloading, logistics assistant, warehouse-to-door delivery.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Warehouse Associate or Material Handler transitioning to route support
  • Seasonal or temporary mover/loader roles
  • Retail stock associate or freight/receiving clerk

Advancement To:

  • Delivery Driver / Route Driver (may require CDL or company training)
  • Lead Driver Helper / Team Lead (supervisory duties over helpers)
  • Logistics Coordinator or Dispatch Specialist
  • Warehouse Supervisor or Operations Lead

Lateral Moves:

  • Inventory Specialist / Shipping & Receiving Clerk
  • Dock Supervisor / Cross-Docking Operator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Assist the driver with safe, efficient loading and unloading of packages, appliances, furniture, and palletized freight using proper lifting techniques, dollies, hand trucks, and pallet jacks to prevent damage to goods and injury to personnel.
  • Secure cargo in the vehicle using straps, load bars, or blocking materials and verify weight distribution to maintain safe vehicle handling and comply with company load policies.
  • Read and interpret delivery manifests, bills of lading, route sheets, and pick lists; verify package counts and complete required paperwork or electronic confirmations for each stop.
  • Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections under driver direction, checking fluid levels, tire condition, lights, brakes, and load security; immediately report mechanical issues or safety concerns to dispatch or maintenance.
  • Operate RF barcode scanners, mobile handhelds, or tablets to scan packages, update proof-of-delivery status, capture recipient signatures, and upload delivery confirmations in real time.
  • Support last-mile delivery by carrying and placing items at customers’ doorways, porches, garages, or designated drop zones while following customer instructions and company delivery protocols.
  • Provide courteous on-site customer service: confirm delivery details, answer basic questions, escalate customer concerns to the driver or dispatch, and represent the company in a professional manner.
  • Follow DOT, OSHA, and company safety standards at all times, wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE), using safe lifting practices, and participating in daily safety briefings.
  • Assist with staging, sorting, and staging freight in the yard or warehouse for prioritized routes; ensure orders are organized to match delivery sequence and minimize handling.
  • Help the driver plan the most efficient walking and carrying sequences at multi-stop deliveries to reduce time on site and avoid unnecessary re-handling of goods.
  • Load and unload large or heavy items such as appliances and furniture with two-person lifts and proper equipment, coordinating movements with the driver to protect property and prevent injury.
  • Handle returns, refused shipments, and exceptions by documenting reasons, securing items for return transport, and completing required paperwork or electronic reports.
  • Maintain vehicle interior cleanliness and basic exterior care (trash removal, securing loose items) to preserve cargo integrity and present a professional company image.
  • Assist with cross-dock and transload operations when required, transferring freight between trailers and staging areas in high-volume or time-sensitive environments.
  • Support the driver with route navigation using GPS and company routing apps, reporting route delays, traffic, or unexpected access issues to dispatch in real time.
  • Perform basic, non-mechanical vehicle maintenance tasks such as topping off windshield washer fluid, checking tire inflation visually, and ensuring safety equipment (cones, straps, blankets) is onboard and serviceable.
  • Identify, document and report damaged goods, shortages, or delivery discrepancies immediately upon discovery; assist with initial claims documentation as directed.
  • Lift, move, and handle refrigerated or temperature-sensitive goods following SOPs to maintain product integrity, especially in food and beverage or pharmaceutical deliveries.
  • Work flexible schedules, including early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays, to support time-sensitive deliveries and seasonal demand spikes.
  • Assist with training and mentoring new driver helpers on company procedures, route norms, safe handling practices, and customer interaction standards.
  • Comply with company timekeeping, attendance, and route reporting procedures; complete required forms and electronic logs accurately and on time.
  • Respond to unexpected job demands such as short-notice reroutes, additional stops, or route consolidations with adaptability and a focus on completing deliveries to target windows.
  • Participate in inventory counts and reconcile physical goods with electronic manifests when assisting in the warehouse or during loading operations.
  • Follow environmental, hazardous materials (HAZMAT) handling guidelines when applicable, including proper labeling, securing and documentation of controlled or sensitive shipments.
  • Support special projects such as community delivery events, bulky item pick-ups, or one-off commercial moves that require additional manpower and coordination.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist dispatch and routing teams with real-time status updates and ad-hoc delivery confirmations when requested.
  • Help maintain and organize loading docks, staging areas, and supply inventories (straps, blankets, hand trucks) to improve daily loading efficiency.
  • Participate in continuous improvement initiatives by suggesting route, packaging, or handling improvements based on field experience.
  • Support seasonal surge workflows such as peak holiday shipping or promotional distribution events, including overtime assignments and cross-site transfers.
  • Occasionally support inventory replenishment or light warehouse picking duties during off-route hours to ensure order fulfillment deadlines.
  • Coordinate with building managers, reception areas, or customer contacts to comply with site-specific delivery protocols and access controls.
  • Assist with photographing damages, delivery locations, or exceptional delivery conditions for internal records and insurance purposes.
  • Participate in safety training refreshers, lift technique coaching, and company policy updates to maintain current qualifications.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Safe material handling and two-person lift techniques for heavy items (furniture, appliances, pallets).
  • Proficiency operating hand trucks, appliance dolly, and non-powered pallet jacks; forklift operation (powered) when certified is a plus.
  • Experience with RF barcode scanners, mobile proof-of-delivery apps, handheld devices, and basic data entry.
  • Basic knowledge of pre-trip/post-trip vehicle inspection checklists and the ability to recognize safety defects.
  • Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, route-planning apps, and reading printed route manifests.
  • Understanding of load securement methods (straps, load bars, blocking) and weight distribution principles.
  • Ability to read and complete delivery paperwork: bills of lading, delivery receipts, exception reports, and return forms.
  • Awareness of relevant safety and regulatory standards (OSHA, DOT hours-of-service basics) and company compliance policies.
  • Experience handling fragile, temperature-sensitive, or high-value shipments with appropriate protection and documentation.
  • Ability to follow written SOPs, site-specific delivery protocols, and chain-of-custody procedures for controlled shipments.
  • Basic troubleshooting skills for non-mechanical vehicle issues (e.g., returning to base for mechanical escalation) and knowledge of when to escalate.

Soft Skills

  • Strong customer service orientation with professional, courteous onsite interactions and conflict de-escalation ability.
  • Excellent teamwork and communication skills to coordinate closely with drivers, dispatch, warehouse personnel, and customers.
  • High reliability, punctuality, and commitment to meeting scheduled delivery windows and attendance expectations.
  • Good physical stamina, endurance, and the ability to lift and carry heavy items repeatedly during a shift.
  • Problem-solving mindset and the ability to adapt quickly to last-minute route changes, weather impacts, or access issues.
  • Attention to detail for inventory reconciliation, package verification, and documenting delivery exceptions accurately.
  • Time management and organizational skills for sequencing stops and minimizing non-productive time.
  • Safety-first attitude, willingness to follow PPE requirements, and to proactively report hazards or near-miss incidents.
  • Integrity and trustworthiness when working in customer homes or business premises with valuable merchandise.
  • Coachability and willingness to follow training, accept feedback, and adopt best practices to improve efficiency.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED (or equivalent life experience); basic literacy and numeracy to read manifests and complete forms.

Preferred Education:

  • Vocational training or coursework in logistics, transportation, or warehouse operations; certifications in lift safety or first aid are advantageous.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Logistics and Supply Chain
  • Transportation Management
  • Warehouse Operations
  • Automotive or Diesel Technology (beneficial for understanding basic vehicle checks)

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 0–3 years (many employers hire entry-level candidates with on-the-job training); physical labor or moving experience preferred.

Preferred:

  • 1–2 years of delivery, moving, warehouse, or route support experience; experience with handheld scanning devices and customer-facing delivery preferred.
  • Valid driver’s license required; clean driving record and safe driving history preferred. Availability for background check and drug screening as required by employer.
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