UPS Driver Job Description, Key Duties and Responsibilities

By | July 16, 2023
UPS Driver Job Description
UPS drivers ensure items are delivered to clients safely, on schedule, and professionally. Image source: mentalfloss.

This post provides complete information on the UPS driver job description. It highlights the key responsibilities, tasks, and duties that commonly define what UPS drivers do.

It also presents the major requirements individuals will be expected to meet to be hired for a driving job with UPS, and the salary you are expected to earn working in that role.

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What Does a UPS Driver Do?

The UPS driver job description involves delivering items to clients on schedule and in a professional way.

It also entails carrying items, contacting clients, driving trucks, reporting to management, and going back to the hub at the end of the day.

UPS drivers are responsible for checking for damages to package before delivery.

They must also check for correct addresses, missing delivery instructions, or undeliverable packages.

It is the duty of the driver to deliver packages on time and inform the customers that are affected if there is going to be delay of their shipment.

They will ensure that all shipping instructions are accurate before loading a shipment onto the truck.

Drivers should always be friendly to their clients, be excellent listeners, follow through on commitments and call in sick with a notice if they are unable to work.

UPS drivers must report accidents or injuries suffered as a part of their job, as well as any occupational injuries they may have.

They should have a clean and professional appearance.

Drivers must also be able to carry packages and other items weighing up to 70 lbs on a regular basis and lift/carry up to 105 lbs over short distances.

They must report any accidents and give details if at all possible in order for their company not to be liable for any injuries or damages of any kind.

UPS Driver must know all air, train, bus, ferry, or other transportation options that are available in the area they plan to work in..

They have specific routes assigned to them each day as well as time frames that they must complete these routes within.

More on UPS Driver Job Description

The driver working for UPS must be able to operate lift equipment or escalators, and be able to read a planogram if they operate in a retail center.

It is their responsibility to report any damage or flaws in the products they deliver.

This includes items with missing pieces, broken products, and any other damages that may occur during shipping.

UPS drivers will receive packages from local businesses and deliver them to the hub for sorting before going out for delivery on their route..

They prepare packages for delivery by loading items into a truck by hand or by use of forklift equipment and label items with bar codes as necessary.

Drivers must be able to follow all federal and state laws that apply to their job.

They must stay on the phone with their company during delivery.

UPS drivers are required to inform the company of any incidents that may occur during delivery and report any accidents or injuries they may suffer.

They must always be professional in appearance, word, and clothing, and wear proper safety attire at all times while on the job.

Drivers must have a valid driver’s license and have insurance for their own protection, as well as for the protection of clients who receive shipments from them.

UPS Driver Job Description Example/Sample/Template

The job description of a UPS driver usually consists of the following duties, tasks, and responsibilities:

  • Ensure that all customers are satisfied with the delivery
  • Deliver the packages on time
  • Ensure that packages are delivered safely and intact
  • Utilize appropriate packaging methods (depending on package) in accordance with UPS policy and procedures to maintain product integrity, prevent damage during transit, and safeguard against loss, theft or damage
  • Document all deliveries in a legible manner, using accurate and detailed documentation to ensure a complete record of each delivery is maintained for quality control purposes, file and regulatory requirements, or as required by UPS upon request
  • Maintain good customer relations and provide customer service to all customers
  • Assist in dealing with customers’ complaints, complaints of damaged or missing shipments, or package not received from UPS
  • Support the goals and mission of UPS as an employee
  • Maintain accurate records to ensure that the activities of each shift are recorded accurately so that billing and scheduling information can be accurately determined;
  • Ensure that all equipment is properly maintained to ensure operational effectiveness and safety (minimum requirement)
  • Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor, including but not limited to overtime duties as necessary.

UPS Driver Job Description for Resume

If you have worked before as a UPS driver or are presently working in that role and are writing a new resume or CV, you can create a compelling professional experience section by applying the sample UPS driver job description above.

You can highlight the duties and responsibilities of a UPS driver provided in the above job description example for the role in the professional experience section of your resume.

This will confirm to the recruiter/employer that you have been effective working as a driver with UPS, which can have a big effect on them to grant you an interview and possibly give you the job, especially if having some work experience as a UPS driver is important to the new job.

UPS Driver Requirements: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities for Career Success

If you are seeking a driving job with UPS or other like companies, here are major requirements that you may be expected to meet to be hired:

  • You must be able to pass the physical exam to be sure you will be able to handle the physical demands of the job, including working in any weather condition and in any environment
  • Candidate has to come forward with an authentic US driver’s license
  • You must possess a safe driving record and no history of traffic tickets or accidents while driving in the past 2 years
  • Must be at least 20 years old, but not older than 52 years (driver’s age limit)
  • Have no history of mental or physical illnesses while handling heavy objects at high speed (inside or outside your vehicle)
  • Must have no history of criminal record or previous bankruptcies while handling cargo while driving a truck
  • Ability to maintain good health and be able to handle heavy cargoes alone, with help from other employees only when necessary to reduce your chances of injury, illness, and stress
  • Must be able to lift 70 pounds unassisted on a frequent basis (more than 20 times in 1 day)
  • Ability to bend and stoop throughout long shifts
  • Have the ability to read gauges and information on the computer while driving
  • You should be able to communicate clearly with customers by phone, in person, and over the radio/walkie-talkie/two-way radio/CB (citizen’s band), as needed.

UPS Driver Salary

The national average salary for a UPS driver, according to the website Glassdoor is $62,733 in the United States, with some variation based on the area of application.

Conclusion

This post is helpful to individuals interested in a career with UPS as a driver or with other similar companies.

They will be able to improve their knowledge of what UPS drivers do and so will be able to decide if that is the job they want to do.

It is also useful to recruiters/employers in similar industry as the UPS who are seeking to hire the best drivers available.

They can create a comprehensive description of the driver role that they want to fill by applying the UPS driver job description example provided on this page, for use in their recruitment process.