How To Become A UPS Driver In 2023 [Step

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Does it seem challenging to become a UPS driver and deliver packages for a job demanding high physical stamina and truck driving experience?

Considering the varied driving job roles and relevant job description types UPS offers, the application process, duties, and eligibility requirements may be confusing for side income enthusiasts.

Luckily, United Parcel Service (UPS) periodically has an unending list of job openings for package delivery driver roles across the USA and even in other countries.

We’ve assembled a step-by-step guide on how to become a UPS driver, the great benefits UPS offers, associated financial factors, and more.

Table Of Contents

Side hustlers can work UPS driver jobs for roles of a package delivery driver, freight driver, personal vehicle driver, tractor-trailer driver, and more.

You may require excellent communication skills for interacting with customers or a commercial driver’s license based on your role.

While some packages are for individual customers and include home visits, others comprise larger deliveries directly to the business premise.

Side income enthusiasts can apply for a part-time or seasonal job and avoid other delivery driver gigs that make you travel long distances, typically keeping you distant from home for weeks.

This driver position demands 50+ weekly working hours and a strong ability to navigate small and large trucks in rough weather conditions.

You might learn complicated routes across town and valleys and also practice intelligent responses in tricky situations of theft, roadblocks, or quick deliveries.

UPS may demand a physical exam to test your fitness levels at lifting heavy packages weighing at least 70 pounds.

Expect to participate in more than one UPS-approved training course to learn the ropes of efficient deliveries and customer interactions.

UPS drivers generally earn $24.26 per hour for part-time driving positions.

Though these rates can vary based on long-haul or small package delivery driving jobs, their hourly payout is considered competitive in the gig economy of 2023.

But these commercials also depend on more immediate delivery data, such as order location and daily driving hours.

If you’re applying for a driver job in top-tier cities like New York, Los Angeles, or Illinois, you may be placed at the higher pay scale, ranging to $33/hour.

The delivery giant may offer varying rates as per the courier demand in the area.

Here are additional finances a part-time UPS driver may pay before starting the side gig:

Side income earners with experience in manual transmission of commercial vehicles can pay approximately $250 to kickstart their career as UPS truck drivers.

However, if you’re a complete layman in the delivery drivers industry, expect to pay around $5,000 for preparation.

All the costs can fluctuate depending on your CDL training, manual transmission knowledge, and license situation.

While the process isn’t time-consuming, delivering packages as a UPS driver can be challenging.

From unexpected weather conditions during deliveries to navigating across multi-stop routes efficiently, a UPS job can be demanding for work-from-home enthusiasts.

As these delivery driver jobs offer trucks without an air conditioner, be vary of driving in hot regions.

The combined burden of unloading and offloading heavy boxes occasionally quotes a high bar for physical stamina.

Since UPS follows the culture of promoting delivery drivers from within their organization and seasonal gigs for part-time UPS driver jobs, landing a full-time role is difficult.

Side income earners with the necessary licenses can complete the part-time delivery driver hiring process in 1-2 months.

This time bracket can differentiate according to the number of present drivers at your allocated UPS center.

Because the better half of low-level employees at UPS work with the expectation of eventually becoming a UPS package delivery driver, it can take longer to find a vacancy.

However, you can expect a quick process for entry-level employee positions when there’s a high demand for delivery drivers.

Though a friendly disposition can get you hired, additional steps are required. Here’s a 4-step guide to becoming a UPS delivery driver:

This step involves accessing the UPS website and choosing whether you want a tractor-trailer driver, freight driver, or similar role.

Once you create an account, the platform smoothly guides you through the process.

Fill in your personal details and complete a 15-minute questionnaire containing questions about your work experience, education, social contributions, etc.

This is a comparatively quick process since no people interactions and competitive tests exist. Once reviewed, expect an informational-based interview.

UPS may request seasonal drivers to submit images of their vehicles to inspect their condition and suitability for UPS driving jobs.

Make sure to cover up any visible mechanical flaws or broken parts, as they may lead to application rejections. A tractor-trailer driver need not do this since the company provides the vehicle.

Either way, all applicants submit their onboarding documents online for a final identity verification check, along with their signatures on legal terms and conditions set by UPS.

Large truck drivers must self-schedule a road test to demonstrate their manual or automatic transmission ability based on what their driving job role demands.

Before the on-road examination, applicants must finish the pre-test assessment on their knowledge of navigating trucks and maps.

Seasonal job roles for a UPS delivery driver don’t require a comprehensive practical test if candidates own a valid driver’s license.

You can directly visit the local UPS facility and complete the final onboarding documentation process.

Post completing the hiring process as a part-time driver, UPS requires employees to participate in an online paid training session.

This doesn’t stand for drivers handling large trucks. Expect to prove your fitness through a physical exam organized by the Department of Transportation.

In some cases, your medical exam may involve a drug test under the Dot Physical assessment.

Such delivery driving positions offer the luxury of traveling to remote destinations in your territory and the thrill of adventure when braving your drive in different weathers.

You can also earn a significantly competitive side income compared to marketing or sales representative gigs.

Here are some reasons to become a UPS package delivery driver:

Here are common questions side gig earners may ask about part-time UPS delivery driver gigs:

The company pays for the CDL training of a UPS truck driver if they’re presently employed as a package car driver and eligible for their Earn and Learn program. Once you acquire the position and earn a CDL-A, you can reach the maximum payout for delivery drivers handling large trucks.

Yes, whether you’re an entry-level employee or a professional delivery driver working for UPS, the company occasionally offers full-time placements. However, existing employees receive higher priority to become permanent UPS delivery drivers.

Here are similar side income gigs you can consider to make extra monthly income:

This guide simplifies your journey to becoming a permanent UPS delivery driver through proper steps and suggestions that initiate your side income generation goals.

If you’re hunting for delivery gigs, UPS offers sustainable income growth, which is not guaranteed in all gig economy jobs.

Do share your opinions in the comments section below and inform fellow gig enthusiasts of this opportunity by sharing this article.

Written by Brett Helling

Brett Helling is the owner of Ridester.com. He has been a rideshare driver since early 2012, having completed hundreds of trips for companies including Uber, Lyft, and Postmates. In 2014 he acquired Ridester.com to share his experiences with other drivers. His insights are regularly quoted by publications such as Forbes, Vice, CNBC, and more. He is currently working on a book about working in the Gig Economy, expanding his skill set beyond the rideshare niche. Read more about Brett here.