How To Become A UPS Driver
Do you have driving skills? Are you physically and mentally fit to handle delivering packages of all sizes and weight throughout and across the country? Then you might want to become a UPS driver for a living.
The United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS) is a package and freight delivery company. They are one of the top package delivery companies across the globe and deliver over 150 million packages everyday across 220 countries in the entire world. As the company has become popular, a lot of people have desired to be a part of it.
Since the main aim of UPS is to deliver packages to its recipient without any damage to the items, they hire dependable drivers who can maneuver delivery trucks and vans within an area or across the country. If you are interested to be one, here are some of the things you might need to know in order to start your journey towards becoming a UPS driver.
How to become a UPS driver
- Education and Qualifications
To become a UPS driver, you must comply with several basic requirements. One good thing about this career is that it doesn’t require you to complete a degree. Here is a list of the following requirements:
- The only educational requirement required for an aspiring UPS driver is to complete a high school diploma or its equivalent, a GED.
- You must be able to read and write in English.
- You must not have any criminal record or felonies.
- The UPS requires drivers to have a tidy appearance. If hired, you must avoid letting your beard or mustache become long, must maintain a well-shaved face and a clean haircut that is kept above the collars. You must not have any visible body tattoos or piercing.
- Most driver positions may require you to be at least 21 years of age, but this requirement depends on the driving position you want to apply for.
- You must also be knowledgeable in driving manual transmission vehicles.
- A valid Driver’s License and a clean driving record are also important.
- Depending on the type of driver position you are applying, you may also be required for additional requirements such as:
a. An “A” or “B” commercial license.
b. DOT certifications such as Hazmat, Doubles and etc.
- Type of UPS Truck Driver you prefer to be
The UPS does not only employ drivers for a single driver position. Each type of driver will somewhat vary from one to another. You can choose different types of driver positions according to the vehicle-type you will be driving, the route, whether it’s a long distance delivery or shorter, the time-span and schedule of work.
- Package Operation Tractor-Trailer Driver
This type of driver typically works during an overnight shift. They take packages from nearby offices to be given out for the daily delivery. They work during weekends for 8 to 9 hours per shift.
- Package Delivery Driver
This type of driver delivers packages to customers. Working on weekdays with an 8 to 9 hour shift.
- Freight Road Truck Driver
Freight road truck drivers require driving larger trucks. The ability to maneuver larger trucks is definitely a requirement. Drivers in this job position distribute and pick up cargo for long distances. Their route usually takes them to two or more locations but the distances are usually shorter and limited to be finished within a 9-hour shift.
- Freight In-City Truck Driver
Their task is similar to the road truck drivers. The difference is that in-city truck drivers deliver cargo across cities only.
- Freight Truckload Dedicated Driver
These drivers handle and deliver cargo to longer distances, like delivering across states. These deliveries usually take around 5 to 10 days.
- Freight Truckload Domestic Driver
This type of driver is responsible of doing the longest distance freight and package deliveries. This usually takes 2 to 3 weeks to drop-off freights or packages to its recipients.
- Take and Pass the DOT physical and drug tests as well as the UPS road test
- Because the job is physically demanding, you must also be able to pass a physical and drug test from the Department of Transportation (DOT). The physical test will assess whether you are physically fit and capable of driving in long hours and able in lifting weights up to 70 lbs or more.
- The UPS will also require a road test for aspiring drivers.
- They also require you to pass a written exam to test your knowledge about the UPS and the federal safety rules and regulations.
- Start Applying For A Job
After accomplishing the prerequisites for aspiring UPS drivers, you can then start applying for the position. Initially, you will not be immediately hired as a driver.
- You may search through the UPS website online. They have a specific page for job positions available in your city where you can apply online.
- You can also go directly to a UPS office nearby and apply personally.
- After applying, you will likely be called for a job interview. Since the job is in-demand and the number of applicants is also numerous it is best that you wear neat and appropriate clothes. You will also need to bring your requirements, ID pictures and documents for qualification.
- Initially, you will not be hired as a driver; once you are employed you will be offered an entry-level position such as part-time freight handlers. After gaining enough experience, you will then be promoted to a full-time job. Then eventually be promoted for a UPS driver position.
- Complete A UPS Training Course
- The UPS Service Training course is a 6 days course that will educate you on how to control and drive a UPS delivery truck. This course will also teach you on how to use the electronic Delivery Information Acquisition Device (DIAD). This device is used by UPS drivers, which records all their deliveries and arranges driver’s routes, and is GPS-enabled.
- Complete a 3-month Probationary Period
- After completing the 6-day training course, you will then be promoted as a UPS driver. But you must first complete and pass the 90 days probationary period.
- It is important that you preserve a good driving record within this period for you to pass and be promoted to a full-time UPS driver.
Becoming a UPS driver is a physically and mentally demanding job. You must be able to endure traveling to short and long distances, must be aware of traffic rules and regulations and most importantly, endure the stress of carrying heavy packages and ensuring the safety of each item being delivered. It may be a tiring job, but it’s a rewarding job as well.
Related posts:
- How Long Does It Take To Become A Taxi Driver?
- How Much Does A Taxi Driver Make?
- What Does A Taxi Driver Do?
- What Are The Requirements To Become A Taxi Driver?
- How To Become A Taxi Driver
