If you want to become a UPS driver, you’ve made a good decision. UPS delivery drivers are in high demand, primarily due to the surge in online shopping and labor shortage. And the company offers plenty of opportunities and benefits.
Most importantly, United Parcel Service (UPS) is one of the most successful logistic companies in the US, with over 100 years of service in the industry. So you may not need to worry about job security.
But how to get hired as a UPS package delivery driver?
What are the eligibility requirements?
How much does UPS pay delivery drivers?
This article shares everything you need to know to become a UPS package delivery driver.
Table of Contents
Why Should You Become a UPS Delivery Driver?
Most aspiring delivery drivers may focus on how much money they can make, but you should look at more than what you can earn. Besides the fact that you’ll be working for one of the top fortune 500 companies in the United States, UPS offers drivers many other benefits shared below.
Health Insurance
Health insurance can be expensive if you’re paying for it out of your pocket. UPS delivery drivers are offered excellent health insurance coverage. These benefits may include:
- Medical care and hospitalization
- Behavioral health
- Pharmacy and prescription drugs
- Dental care
- Eye care
- Hearing care
You’ll also get 401k matching contributions and annual raises.
Retirement Plan
You want to work for a company that cares about your well-being after leaving the organization. UPS delivery driver benefits include a retirement plan.
You can receive between 3% and 8% of eligible pay to the UPS 401k savings plan based on your years of service. Your retirement contributions are paid annually to your accounts.
Family Health and Welfare
If you want to be a part-time UPS van driver, you can get class C health insurance for your entire family paid at 100% after one year of service. As long as your spouse is not eligible for health insurance from their employer, they can be added to your coverage for full-time employees.
Paid Vacation
Paid vacation is essential for employees that don’t want to experience burnout. As a UPS van driver, you’ll clock many hours on the road delivering packages, so you’ll want a break every now and then. Fortunately, UPS offers you paid vacation days. You can get at least 2 weeks of paid vacation and additional time off, including family leaves.
Discounts
As a UPS delivery driver, you can also get discounts on delivery as an incentive. This incentive will apply to UPS standard list rates in effect at shipping. Only your account will be eligible for discounts, so other family members or friends won’t get this benefit.
Life Insurance
As a UPS package delivery driver, you’ll also get life insurance to have peace of mind knowing your family will be taken care of if you die. However, independent USP delivery drivers aren’t eligible for life insurance.
ALSO READ: How to Become an Amazon Flex Driver
Eligibility Requirements to become a UPS Driver
To become a UPS package delivery driver, you need to meet the following requirements:
- High school diploma
- Valid driver’s license
- 21 years or older
- Must be able to drive a manual transition
- No DUI or DWI in the past 3 years
- No license suspensions in the last 3 years.
Furthermore, UPS delivery drivers must have the following skillsets:
- Excellent communication and understanding of the written and spoken English language
- The ability to work in all weather conditions
- High physical stamina
- The ability to work quickly and efficiently
- Must be able to lift 70lbs
- Be presentable and able to solve problems
- Have a friendly disposition
You will have to pass a physical exam conducted by the Department of Transportation. Additionally, if you have tattoos, they must be easy to cover up. UPS hires delivery drivers who are friendly and have an excellent work ethic.
Do You Want to Be a Successful UPS Driver?
Do You Need a CDL to Drive for UPS?
If you want to become a UPS package delivery driver, you don’t need to worry about acquiring a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License).
You’ll only need a CDL if you intend on becoming a tractor-trailer driver or freight driver.
Acquiring a CDL is extensive and complex because you’ll need to complete:
- A medical exam and pass it
- An approved training course
- CDL knowledge test
Having a CDL shows that you have the skills required to drive heavy vehicles and that you’re not a danger to yourself or others on the road. With a CDL, you can become a UPS truck driver. But if you simply want to deliver packages, you’ll need a valid driver’s license.
How to Apply for UPS Package Delivery Driver Positions?
So what does it take to become a UPS driver?
To apply for a UPS driver position, simply visit the company’s website. Click on the tab at the top of the page that says “Jobs and Careers.”
From here, you can choose the type of delivery driver you want to apply for, such as:
- Part-time
- Full time
- Tractor-trailer driver
- Package delivery driver
- LTL drivers
Or type in your keyword and your area in the search engines at the top of the page. You can click on them to read the job description if there are available positions. You can then click on the “Apply Now” button. You’ll be required to create an online profile to apply for the job.
You’ll need to send your documentation and fill out an online application form. Then simply wait for a UPS manager to phone for a face-to-face interview.
ALSO READ: How to Become a Walmart Delivery Driver
How Long Does it Take to Become a UPS Driver?
If you want to become a permanent UPS driver, you’ll need patience because it’s not a quick process.
If you are accepted to be a UPS delivery driver, you’ll first start as an entry-level employee for 2 to 3 years, and you’ll have to clock in at least 40 hours a week. With that being said, you’ll become a permanent UPS delivery driver within 4 years.
However, if you have experience as a delivery driver for another company, you may be able to become a permanent UPS package delivery driver immediately. But, you’ll need to have at least 4 years of experience as a professional delivery driver.
How Much Money Does a UPS Driver Make?
According to Indeed, the average UPS delivery driver pay is $22.22 per hour, 45% above the national average. However, this will depend on the US state you live in, your level of experience, and the number of working hours. Learn how much delivery drivers make in every US state.
Beginner USP package delivery drivers may earn $15 per hour, whereas skilled UPS truck drivers can earn $23.49 an hour.
Those who live in New York, Denver, and Chicago may get paid more than UPS drivers in other states. Simply check the UPS website to see which areas and driving positions pay more.
Final Thoughts about Becoming a UPS Driver
You may increase your chances of becoming a UPS driver if you have some years of experience.
On the other hand, high school graduates are also perfect candidates to become UPS package delivery drivers. They have plenty of time to drive as apprentices and build their skills to become permanent employees.
However, becoming a UPS delivery driver is not enough. You need to keep making timely deliveries to ensure you can work with UPS for a more extended period. The good news is the company offers ORION, its proprietary route optimization software, to optimize multi-stop routes for all the drivers.
To learn about other route optimization options, check out Route4Me’s reliable route management software.
Learn how UPS route optimization software (ORION) helps drivers make on-time deliveries.
Do You Want to Be a Successful UPS Driver?
