Delivery Van Driver

A delivery van driver is responsible for transporting goods from one point to another. The weight and type of goods transported varies between the types of licensing the van driver has obtained, as well as the company the driver is employed with. Some types of delivery goods include supermarket or grocery pallets, secured or valuable items, furniture, or paperwork for specific companies. A delivery van driver can work for a specific company providing transportation for warehouses or courier services ensuring that specific items reach their intended destination in secure fashion.

Skills needed for those seeking a career as a delivery van driver includes excellent driving skills and respect and courtesy for others on the road, knowledge of geography and the use of maps, GPS systems, or other navigational tools that help map out destinations, the ability to work without direct supervision, good communication skills and the ability to complete paperwork required for the job, and a strong commitment to keeping time and adhering to schedules.

The type of license you have obtained determines the amount of weight that you will transport. Those who obtained their driver's license before January 1, 1997 can transport goods up to a weight of 7.5 tonnes. Those who obtained their driving license after January 1, 1997 can drive delivery vans up to 3.5 tonnes. To drive vans with a weight between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes you would need to obtain a category C1 license in addition to your driver's license. If you obtained your driving license after September 2009, you will also need to get your Driver Certificate of Professional Competence. Those who seek employment as a delivery van driver for security purposes or for transporting valuables will need to obtain a Security Industry Association License. To gain more information regarding the licenses needed contact the Transport Office or the Driving Standards Agency.

Opportunities exist with security companies, retail outlet stores and warehouses. Experienced delivery van drivers can also find growth within their respected field of employment through management and supervisory positions.

A delivery van driver's hours are tracked through the use of a tachograph. There are certain requirements designated by law, governing the amount of hours a delivery van driver can work. A typical workweek ranges between 40 and 48 hours and you might be requested to work late night hours and weekends. Those who begin work as a delivery van driver can expect to earn between £12,000 and £20,000 per year.

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