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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Warehouse Delivery Driver

💰 $32,000 - $55,000

LogisticsTransportationWarehouseDrivingSupply Chain

🎯 Role Definition

As a Warehouse Delivery Driver, you are the operational face of our distribution network — responsible for the safe, timely, and accurate transport of goods from the warehouse to customers, retail locations, or job sites. This role requires strong driving skills, adherence to DOT/FMCSA regulations, hands-on warehouse experience (loading/unloading and load securement), use of electronic proof-of-delivery systems, and consistent focus on customer service and safety.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Warehouse Associate / Order Picker
  • Courier / Local Delivery Driver
  • Forklift or Material Handler

Advancement To:

  • Lead or Senior Delivery Driver
  • Route Supervisor / Dispatch Coordinator
  • Transportation or Logistics Supervisor
  • Fleet Manager / Operations Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Inventory Control Specialist
  • Customer Service / Account Coordinator
  • Dock Coordinator / Shipping & Receiving Lead

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Operate company delivery vehicles (vans, box trucks, straight trucks, or tractor-trailers depending on certification) safely and professionally, adhering to all federal, state and local driving laws and FMCSA/DOT regulations while completing assigned routes and drop schedules.
  • Perform thorough pre-trip, en-route, and post-trip vehicle inspections, document vehicle condition and maintenance needs, and promptly report mechanical issues or safety concerns to fleet maintenance.
  • Load and unload freight using appropriate equipment (hand trucks, dollies, pallet jacks, and when certified, forklifts), ensuring accurate count and condition of shipped goods and preventing load shifting or damage in transit.
  • Accurately pick, verify and reconcile order manifests and packing lists against physical loads prior to departure, ensuring product quantities, SKUs, and special instructions (e.g., temperature control, fragile) are followed.
  • Use handheld scanners, mobile apps, or tablet devices to scan barcodes, capture electronic proof-of-delivery (POD), record signatures, and update route status in real time for dispatch and inventory reconciliation.
  • Plan and execute efficient delivery routes, leveraging GPS units and route-optimization software while adjusting for traffic, weather, and customer constraints to meet promised delivery windows and reduce miles driven.
  • Secure freight with appropriate tie-downs, straps, blankets, and load bars; maintain correct weight distribution and comply with cargo securement regulations and vehicle capacity limits.
  • Maintain accurate driver logs and records, using Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) or paper logbooks as required, and manage hours-of-service (HOS) to ensure legal compliance and safety.
  • Provide professional and courteous customer service at deliveries and pick-ups — communicate ETA changes, handle on-site questions, and escalate product or service issues to dispatch or customer service teams.
  • Accept and process returns, collect COD payments or invoices when required, issue receipts, and reconcile daily cash or payment cards following company procedures.
  • Handle special handling requests including temperature-sensitive shipments, hazardous materials (if certified), oversized or palletized loads, and fragile items according to safety and regulatory requirements.
  • Adhere to warehouse safety protocols while staging and organizing loads, using PPE, maintaining clear aisles, and following proper lifting techniques to prevent injuries and product damage.
  • Deliver accurate, legible paperwork for each delivery, complete incident and delivery exception reports, and document any customer claims, shortages, or damages immediately and thoroughly.
  • Communicate proactively with dispatch, logistics coordinators, and warehouse staff about route changes, delayed pickups or deliveries, traffic incidents, or suspected product discrepancies.
  • Assist with cycle counts, receiving, and inventory reconciliation in the warehouse as needed to support throughput during peak periods or staff shortages.
  • Manage onboard equipment and supplies (fuel cards, vehicle permits, spare straps, pallet jacks) and keep vehicle cab and cargo area clean, organized and stocked with necessary paperwork and safety equipment.
  • Comply with company policies on security, loss prevention, and confidentiality for sensitive or high-value shipments — including chain-of-custody procedures where applicable.
  • Participate in regular safety meetings, driver training sessions, and performance reviews; apply continuous improvement suggestions to route efficiency and customer satisfaction.
  • Troubleshoot common on-route issues (flat tires, lockouts, blocked access) using company processes and escalation points; coordinate alternative delivery solutions when required.
  • Perform basic vehicle maintenance tasks such as checking oil, coolant, tire pressure, lights and brakes before trips and report needs for professional servicing to reduce downtime.
  • Execute multi-stop deliveries with complex delivery instructions (tight time windows, liftgate service, inside delivery), coordinating with on-site personnel and third-party vendors to complete successful handoffs.
  • Maintain a clean driving record, pass background and drug-screening checks, and attend to required certifications or endorsements for specialized cargo (e.g., hazmat, commercial endorsements).

Secondary Functions

  • Support onboarding and on-the-job training for new drivers and warehouse staff on safe loading practices, scanning procedures, route protocols, and customer service standards.
  • Collaborate with dispatch and route planners to test and validate alternative routes, time-of-day strategies, and delivery consolidation to improve fuel efficiency and reduce transit times.
  • Participate in inventory audits and provide frontline feedback on recurring product shrinkage, barcode inaccuracies, or packing defects to continuous improvement teams.
  • Assist the warehouse team during seasonal peaks by performing order picking, staging, or pallet building to maintain service levels during high-volume periods.
  • Provide input on vehicle and equipment procurement based on field experience (e.g., liftgate needs, vehicle sizing, ergonomic tools) to improve operational productivity.
  • Support ad-hoc reporting requests by providing delivery logs, PODs, or incident documentation for customer service, claims, or compliance investigations.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Valid driver's license appropriate for vehicle class (Class B or A CDL if required by vehicle type) and ability to obtain necessary endorsements (air brakes, hazmat) when requested.
  • Proven experience operating delivery trucks, vans, and large box vehicles with safe driving record and familiarity with FMCSA/DOT regulations and hours-of-service (HOS) rules.
  • Proficiency with Electronic Logging Devices (ELD), mobile proof-of-delivery (POD) apps, handheld barcode scanners, and common warehouse management systems (WMS).
  • Competence in pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections, basic mechanical troubleshooting, and reporting maintenance needs to reduce vehicle downtime.
  • Certified or experienced operation of material handling equipment: pallet jack, hand truck, and forklift operation (if certification required by employer).
  • Strong knowledge of proper load securement techniques, weight distribution principles, and safe lifting methods to protect product integrity and personal safety.
  • Experience using GPS navigation and route-optimization tools (Waze, Google Maps, routing software) and ability to interpret traffic and weather impact on routes.
  • Cash handling and proof-of-payment processing experience, including collection of COD payments, reconciliation of receipts, and secure handling of company funds or fuel cards.
  • Ability to read and interpret shipping manifests, bills of lading, packing lists, and delivery instructions for accurate order fulfillment.
  • Familiarity with hazardous materials handling procedures and placarding rules (if transporting HAZMAT) — certification a plus.

Soft Skills

  • Excellent customer service orientation: courteous, patient, and professional when interacting with clients and on-site personnel.
  • Strong time-management and organizational skills to prioritize multiple stops, manage paperwork, and meet tight delivery windows.
  • High attention to detail to verify shipment accuracy, note damages, and complete accurate delivery documentation.
  • Dependability and punctuality with a consistent attendance record and readiness for early starts, variable shifts, or weekend work as required.
  • Physical stamina and dexterity to lift heavy items, climb in and out of vehicles, and work in varying temperatures and conditions.
  • Clear verbal and written communication skills for interactions with dispatch, customers, and warehouse teams.
  • Problem-solving mindset with the ability to make reasonable on-the-spot decisions and escalate complex issues appropriately.
  • Team player attitude, willing to assist warehouse operations and support peers during high-volume periods.
  • Safety-first mindset: proactive about identifying hazards and following procedures to prevent accidents and product loss.
  • Adaptability to changing routes, priorities, and technology systems with a positive attitude toward continuous learning.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED (preferred but not always required).

Preferred Education:

  • Vocational certificate in transportation, logistics, or commercial vehicle operation.
  • Formal CDL training program graduate (if operating commercial vehicles).

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Transportation & Logistics
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Automotive Technology / Commercial Vehicle Operation
  • Occupational Safety & Health

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1 to 5 years of delivery driving, route driving, or warehouse shipping/receiving experience.

Preferred:

  • 2+ years of professional driving experience in local or regional delivery operations, with familiarity using handheld POD devices and ELDs.
  • Clean driving record, successful background check, and experience with multi-stop routes, palletized deliveries, and customer-facing handoffs.
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