How to Apply for a Delivery Job in Canada
What is a delivery job?
A delivery job typically involves transporting and delivering packages, goods or food to customers or businesses. As a delivery driver in Canada, your job is to ensure items are picked up and dropped off in a safe, timely manner.
What kind of delivery jobs are there?
There are a few options:
i. Food delivery: Delivering takeout or groceries for restaurants, meal kits or grocery stores. Usually uses your own vehicle. Popular companies include Uber Eats, DoorDash and Instacart.
ii. Courier: Picking up and delivering letters, documents or small parcels. Often uses a company vehicle. Major employers are Purolator, UPS and FedEx.
iii. Truck driving: Operating a truck to deliver large amounts of cargo or freight over long distances. Requires a commercial driver’s license. Common carriers are Day & Ross, TFI International and Manitoulin Transport.
What do I need to get started?
The basic requirements are:
a. A reliable vehicle (for most jobs)
b. A valid driver’s license
c. Insurance (for using your own vehicle)
d. A smartphone (to use delivery apps and navigation)
Some jobs may require additional licenses or training. The pay varies but typically ranges from $14 to $22 per hour. Many positions are part-time or flexible, making delivery an ideal side gig or temporary job.
Deciding if Delivery Driving Is Right for You
So you’re interested in becoming a delivery driver. Before you start applying to companies, make sure this line of work is right for you.
The hours can be long. Many delivery jobs require working evenings, weekends, and holidays to meet customer demand. If you want a typical 9-5 gig, delivery driving may not be ideal. However, the flexible hours can work well for students or those with kids.
i. Do you like driving and navigating roads? You’ll be behind the wheel for hours, often in busy traffic or on winding routes outside the city. If you can’t stand being in a vehicle for long periods, look for another job.
ii. Can you lift and carry heavy items repeatedly? Most delivery drivers have to haul boxes and packages of up to 50 lbs. Make sure you’re in good enough shape for the physical demands of the role.
iii. Do you work well under pressure? Delivery jobs often have tight deadlines to meet, and you may encounter obstacles like traffic jams, vehicle issues or incorrect addresses. You need to stay calm and find solutions quickly.
iv. Are you good with directions and maps? Especially when you first start, you’ll rely on navigation systems and maps to locate addresses efficiently. If you tend to get lost easily, delivery driving may frustrate you.
If the job still sounds appealing after considering these factors, you have the makings of a great delivery driver. The next step is to start applying to companies like UPS, FedEx, Amazon, and local delivery businesses in your area. With some experience under your belt, you’ll be a pro in no time!
Research Delivery Companies and Open Positions
To find delivery jobs in Canada, you’ll first want to research companies that hire drivers and see what positions they currently have open.
Some of the major delivery companies in Canada include:
a. Canada Post – Canada’s main postal service hires both full-time and part-time delivery employees to deliver mail and parcels across the country. They offer positions like delivery agents, rural and suburban mail carriers, and letter carriers.
b. UPS – UPS, short for United Parcel Service, hires delivery drivers to transport packages to customers. They hire drivers for positions like package delivery drivers, feeder drivers, and driver helpers.
c. Purolator – Purolator is Canada’s leading courier company and often hires drivers for full-time, part-time and seasonal delivery positions like courier drivers, driver assistants and casual drivers.
d. FedEx – FedEx, which stands for Federal Express, hires drivers for multiple delivery positions like package handlers, couriers, and driver apprentices. They offer both full-time and part-time jobs across Canada.
Once you find companies of interest, explore their websites to view current job openings and application details. Most will have an online application process where you submit your resume and cover letter. Be sure to highlight any relevant experience you have, such as a clean driving record, customer service background, or familiarity with the delivery area. Many positions require a high school diploma and valid driver’s license.
During the application process, you may need to provide additional details like your driver’s abstract and details of your vehicle if you will be using your own to make deliveries. Be prepared to pass a road driving skills test and background check. Some companies may require additional certifications for certain delivery vehicles.
Have the Necessary Qualifications for a Delivery Job
To land a delivery job in Canada, you’ll need to have certain qualifications and skills. As a delivery driver, you are the face of the company to customers, so professionalism and safe driving practices are must-haves.
1. Clean Driving Record
Most delivery companies will require a clean driving record for insurance purposes. This means no major violations, accidents, or DUI/DWI charges on your record for the past 3-5 years. Some may allow minor speeding tickets. Double check with the companies you’re interested in to see their specific policy.
2. Valid Driver’s License
You’ll need a valid driver’s license for the type of vehicle you’ll be driving, whether it’s a standard car, van, or truck. Make sure your license isn’t expired or suspended. If delivering across provincial borders, you may need additional permits.
3. Vehicle Requirements
Some companies provide company vehicles for deliveries, while others allow you to use your own. If using your own, it will need to meet certain standards like a minimum number of doors, cargo space, or towing capacity. It should be well-maintained, reliable, and fuel efficient. You’ll likely need additional insurance to cover commercial driving.
4. Familiarity with Area
Knowing your way around the delivery area is key to completing jobs efficiently. While GPS can help navigate to addresses, local knowledge of traffic patterns, parking options, and alternate routes will make you a better driver. Study maps of the neighborhoods you’ll be serving.
5. Customer Service Skills
Strong communication and customer service skills are essential for delivery drivers. You are often the only point of contact for customers, so you need to be friendly, courteous, and helpful. Be able to communicate delivery details, handle issues, and ensure a good experience.
Conclusion
With the necessary qualifications and skills, you’ll be on the road to finding a delivery job in no time. Good bye and we hope to see you next time.