5 Best Delivery Jobs: Ranked & Reviewed [2023]

Looking at traditional delivery driver jobs but don’t know how to land one? You’re not the only one.

With so many companies looking for people to deliver their products, these types of job opportunities have skyrocketed. But knowing which company will provide the best working experience is difficult.

To make it easy, check out this guide to discover the five best delivery jobs you can get in 2023.

Types of Delivery Jobs

Delivery jobs are relatively self-explanatory, but there are a few different types out there you should know about:

1. Food Delivery

Food delivery drivers ensure timely, fresh meals arrive at clients’ doorsteps by picking up deliveries, navigating routes, and delivering fresh food. You can work directly for a restaurant or be an independent contractor and fulfill orders through an app.

Food delivery driver jobs pay $18 per hour on average.

2. Grocery Delivery

A grocery delivery driver ensures that food goods are delivered to clients’ homes from grocery stores or warehouses. You’ll be responsible for loading and unloading the delivery vehicle while keeping proper storage and handling of each item.

As a grocery delivery driver, you can earn around $19 per hour on average, but it depends on what store you work for, your city, and how many orders you fulfill.

3. Package Delivery

Package delivery drivers take parcels from distribution centers to customers’ residences or places of business.

It involves operating big vehicles, so there’s a bigger focus placed on safety and handling the packages with care. You’ll be responsible for loading and sorting shipments, filing accident reports, and keeping cars clean.

You might deal with cash collection, but the main priority is delivering packages to customers.

Package delivery driver jobs pay $19 per hour on average.

4. Medical / Pharmacy Delivery

This opportunity lets you play a critical role in the healthcare system and ensure the secure transport of medications, medical supplies, and lab specimens.

You’ll take care of cargo loading and unloading, gather validation signatures, and maintain inventories and order lists for prescriptions. You usually start at a centralized warehouse and then go to medical facilities, retail establishments, and patients’ residences.

Medical delivery drivers are frequently employed by medical courier services, pharmacies, and hospitals, earning around $17 per hour on average.

5. Courier

A courier delivery driver facilitates the delivery of items and papers for various organizations, companies, governments, and people. Drivers earn around $19 per hour on average.

You drive a car to pick up products from clients’ locations and guarantee their prompt and safe delivery to another address.

Due to the sensitive nature of some deliveries, some employers may run background checks on applications.

Through courier jobs, you can access several opportunities and the possibility for both full-time and contract-based work, from FedEx to government contracts.

Related: How to become a medical courier

Why Should You Consider a Delivery Job?

There are several compelling reasons why you should consider these delivery opportunities:

• Flexibility: Schedules for delivery jobs are flexible, allowing you to choose when to work.
• Quick Entry: Delivery jobs have fewer entry requirements when compared to other professions, such as a valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle.
• High Demand: Increased e-commerce and online shopping increased demand for delivery services, offering drivers job security and stable employment.
• Competitive Pay: Delivery jobs offer competitive pay, including opportunities for additional earnings through tips, incentives, and flexibility in driver compensation.
• Stay Active: Delivery jobs require physical activity, so regular movement and lifting packages promote a healthy lifestyle.

Top 5 Platforms to Find Delivery Jobs

Now, let’s take a look at the best platforms for delivery jobs.

1. DoorDash

DoorDash offers customers in the United States, Australia, Canada, and Puerto Rico easy access to takeout meals.

You must be at least 18 years old, own a smartphone, and have access to a vehicle such as a car, bicycle, scooter, or motorcycle to become a driver at DoorDash.

• Flexibility to set your schedules and terms for employment.
• Possibility to earn extra cash through customer tips.
• DoorDash offers discounts on car maintenance.

Cons of DoorDash

• Some areas may be oversaturated with drivers.

2. Shipt

Shipt is an established grocery store delivery business that provides flexible income options.

The company offers a potential alternative for people looking for a meaningful job in the delivery industry thanks to its competitive pay, practical app-based operations, and simple application process.

Pros of Shipt

• Flexible schedule and the option to choose when and how much you want to work.
• Competitive earnings ranging between $15 to $25 per hour.
• Easy application processes with simple requirements, like a valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle.

Cons of Shipt

• You must pay for your expenditures.
• No perks like paid time off or health insurance.
• Flexible scheduling is available, but full-time hours are not guaranteed.

3. Postmates

Postmates provides employment possibilities for delivery drivers in various sectors, including grocery, healthcare, and pharmacy.

The company makes money by delivering goods to consumers and offers people a platform to operate as independent contractors.

Pros of Postmates

• Decent schedule and flexibility to choose your hours.
• Easy reach customer support for assistance when needed.
• Good pay and the potential to earn extra income.

Cons of Postmates

• Payout fluctuations occur abruptly and have an unpredictable impact on earnings.
• Gas costs can significantly reduce overall income, particularly in areas with lengthy commutes.

4. FedEx

FedEx is a global courier company providing shipping services in over 220 countries and territories.

To become a FedEx courier, you must be at least 21 years old, have a valid driver’s license, and pass a background check and physical exam.

Pros of FedEx

• Steady employment with set work hours and a consistent paycheck.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
• Opportunities for career growth within a large, multinational corporation.

Cons of FedEx

• High-pressure environment due to time-sensitive deliveries.
• Physically demanding when handling and transporting packages.

5. ScriptDrop

ScriptDrop is a rapidly growing health-tech startup that enables pharmacies to offer home delivery of prescription medications.

To become a ScriptDrop delivery driver, you must be 18, have a valid driver’s license, and pass a background check. Luckily, you don’t need any previous experience.

Pros of ScriptDrop

• Drivers contribute to patient convenience and health outcomes.
• Ideal for students, part-time workers, or those looking for supplemental income.
• Possibility to earn extra cash through customer tips.

Cons of ScriptDrop

• Delivery requests can fluctuate.
• Involves high levels of responsibility, which can be stressful.

What You’ll Need to Do a Delivery Job

Delivery driver requirements vary by job type and employer, but some general requirements to kick-start your journey may include:

• Valid Driver’s License: A valid license is a fundamental prerequisite for most delivery jobs since you’ll be driving a vehicle to deliver goods or packages.
• Reliable Vehicle: Many delivery jobs may require you to have a car of your own. Some gigs also allow drivers to use scooters or even bikes.
• Clean Driving Record: Employers frequently favor delivery drivers with clean driving records because it shows that they drive sensibly and safely.
• Navigation Skills: Strong navigational abilities are necessary to properly navigate your delivery routes and guarantee accurate and on-time deliveries.
• Physical stamina: Since delivery professions require lifting and carrying goods, strong physical stamina is vital.

Tips to Succeed at a Delivery Job

Below are some tips that can help you succeed in this demanding job.

• Efficient Planning: Plan efficient delivery routes ahead, considering traffic patterns, distance, and time windows for timely completion and productivity.
• Embrace Technology: You’ll need to use delivery tracking software or applications to perform tasks, so some familiarity with these tools is required.
• Prioritize road safety: Follow traffic laws, keep a safe distance, avoid distractions, and drive defensively to avoid collisions and to safeguard you and your cargo.
• Attention to Detail: Accuracy is crucial in delivery jobs, ensuring correct addresses, quantities, and instructions for customer satisfaction.
• Flexibility: Be willing to work longer hours during busy times or when your company needs additional support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wrapping Up

The delivery industry provides various employment options with flexible working hours, excellent pay, and the ability to work in a quickly expanding business.

There is a delivery job to fit different interests and ability levels, whether you want to transport meals, groceries, packages, medical supplies, or documents. These positions offer competitive salaries, quick entry requirements, strong demand, and flexibility.

People can discover rewarding professions in the delivery industry that fit their tastes and aspirations thanks to platforms like DoorDash, Shipt, Postmates, FedEx, and ScriptDrop. Start a rewarding adventure in the delivery industry and reap the rewards of this booming and dynamic industry.