Drive truck or other vehicle over established routes or within an established territory and sell or deliver goods, such as food products, including restaurant take-out items, or pick up or deliver items such as commercial laundry. May also take orders, collect payment, or stock merchandise at point of delivery.
SOC: 53-3031.00
Common Job Titles
Driver
Driver Salesman
Route Driver
Route Salesman
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
Hands-onOperate delivery trucks and vans over established routes following transportation safety regulations and time-sensitive delivery schedules.
Proficient
Hands-onHandle merchandise and commercial goods using dollies and pallet movers while performing loading, unloading, and delivery activities.
Proficient
MindsetEngage with customers at delivery points demonstrating service orientation while taking orders, collecting payments, and addressing customer needs.
Developing
KnowledgeOrganize delivery routes and schedules within established territories to optimize time management and customer service efficiency.
Developing
Hands-onExecute point-of-delivery merchandise stocking and inventory management using barcode scanners and handheld computers to track product movement.
Developing
KnowledgeApply sales and persuasion techniques when interacting with customers to promote products and increase sales volume.
Developing
KnowledgeEvaluate product quality and delivery compliance ensuring food safety standards and customer satisfaction at each delivery point.
Developing
KnowledgeDemonstrate route planning and navigation knowledge using route planning software and geographic knowledge to meet delivery commitments.
Developing
MindsetRespond to customer concerns and service requests exercising active listening and social perceptiveness in face-to-face interactions.
Developing
KnowledgeOperate payment processing and order documentation systems using Microsoft Office software and route accounting applications to maintain accurate transaction records.
Developing
KnowledgeMonitor vehicle condition and delivery processes identifying potential safety issues and operational problems during daily route operations.
Developing
MindsetBalance multiple customer service priorities with operational efficiency when managing competing demands across multiple delivery stops under time constraints.
Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Driver/Sales Workers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
417,420
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $21,760. 25th percentile: U.S. $29,120. 50th percentile: U.S. $37,130. 75th percentile: U.S. $47,590. 90th percentile: U.S. $59,730. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$21,760
10% of workers earn the following or more
$59,730
Workers on average earn
$39,670
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Customer and Personal Service4.2/5
Food Production3.6/5
English Language3.5/5
Transportation3.5/5
Public Safety and Security3.2/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
