Delivery Driver Jobs Near Me: Amazon, UPS, FedEx and More
Compare delivery driver pay at Amazon, UPS, FedEx, and USPS. Learn about CDL vs. non-CDL roles, daily routines, and how to apply.
By Admin
Delivery driving is booming. With e-commerce at record volumes, companies like Amazon, UPS, FedEx, and dozens of smaller carriers can't hire drivers fast enough. These jobs pay well, offer independence (you're on the road, not in a cubicle), and many don't require a CDL. Here's the complete breakdown.
Delivery Driver Pay Comparison
- Amazon DSP (Delivery Service Partner): $19-25/hour. Drive Amazon-branded vans delivering 250-350 packages per day. 10-hour shifts, 4 days per week. No CDL needed. Benefits vary by DSP (the small business that contracts with Amazon).
- UPS Driver: $23-42/hour. Union job with the best pay in the industry. Full-time drivers earn $95,000-170,000/year with overtime and benefits. The catch: most drivers start as part-time package handlers and wait 1-4 years for a driving position.
- FedEx Ground: $18-24/hour through independent contractors. Similar to Amazon DSP — you work for a contractor, not FedEx directly. Routes are set daily.
- FedEx Express: $22-30/hour. Direct FedEx employees with full company benefits. Handles time-sensitive shipments. More selective hiring than Ground.
- USPS Mail Carrier: $19-30/hour. Federal job with outstanding benefits, pension, and job security. City Carrier Assistants start at $19.33/hour; regular carriers earn $25-34/hour. Apply at USPS.com.
- DoorDash/Uber Eats: $15-25/hour (varies wildly by market and time). Gig work with total flexibility. Best during lunch (11am-1pm) and dinner (5pm-9pm) rushes. You use your own car and pay for gas.
CDL vs. Non-CDL Delivery Jobs
No CDL Required
Most last-mile delivery jobs (Amazon, FedEx Ground, food delivery) use cargo vans or small trucks that don't require a CDL. You need a valid driver's license, clean driving record (no DUIs, fewer than 2 moving violations in 3 years), and the ability to pass a DOT physical.
CDL Jobs (Higher Pay)
If you get a Class A or B CDL (2-6 weeks of training, $3,000-7,000 cost), you unlock significantly higher-paying roles:
- UPS Feeder Driver: $38-44/hour tractor-trailer routes between UPS facilities
- FedEx Freight: $28-38/hour for LTL (less-than-truckload) routes
- Sysco/US Foods: $25-35/hour delivering to restaurants. Physical work (unloading) but excellent pay with overtime
- Beverage Distributor: $22-30/hour delivering for Coca-Cola, Pepsi, or beer distributors
What a Typical Day Looks Like
Amazon DSP example: Arrive at the delivery station at 10am. Load your van with 250-350 packages sorted into bags by route. Follow the Amazon Flex app's GPS routing. Deliver until the van is empty (usually 8-10 hours). Return the van by 8-9pm. You'll walk 15,000-25,000 steps per day, climb stairs, and carry packages up to 50 pounds.
Pros and Cons of Delivery Driving
Pros
- Independence — you're on your own most of the day
- Physical activity keeps you moving (no sedentary desk work)
- No degree, certification, or prior experience needed for most roles
- Quick hiring process (often 1-2 weeks from application to first day)
Cons
- Physical toll on knees, back, and feet from repetitive lifting and walking
- Weather exposure — you deliver in rain, snow, and extreme heat
- Tight time pressure during peak seasons (150+ stops in 10 hours)
- Wear and tear on your personal vehicle if doing gig delivery
How to Get Started
For Amazon DSP: search "Amazon delivery driver" on Indeed or Amazon's hiring page. For UPS: apply at UPSjobs.com — start as a package handler to get in the door. For USPS: create a profile at USPS.com/careers and apply for City Carrier Assistant. For gig work: download DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Instacart and start within days after a background check.