UPS offers a highly sought-after career path in logistics and transportation. Demand for drivers remains consistently high, but the precise hiring requirements can be complex. Understanding the minimum age for each driving role, along with the required certifications and physical standards, is the first step toward securing a position. This article clarifies the age requirements and qualifications needed to become a UPS driver.
Age Requirements for Package Car Drivers
The most recognized UPS role involves operating the brown delivery vans, known internally as Package Cars. The minimum age requirement for this position is 21 years old. This restriction is mandated by federal Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations for operating commercial motor vehicles, even if the vehicle does not require a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Furthermore, the age requirement is often tied to insurance liability and state laws regarding the transport of certain goods, such as alcohol. Applicants must hold a standard, valid driver’s license issued in their state of residence. Maintaining a clean Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) is a prerequisite, demonstrating a history of safe driving.
Age Requirements for Feeder and Tractor-Trailer Drivers
Requirements for Feeder and Tractor-Trailer Drivers differ significantly from Package Car Drivers, reflecting the advanced nature of the work. Feeder Drivers operate large semi-trucks transporting packages between UPS facilities, often across state lines. The minimum age for this position is 21 years old. A mandatory Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is required to operate these heavier vehicles. Feeder positions are often filled internally through a seniority-based bidding process. External candidates usually need one to two years of verifiable commercial driving experience, distinguishing this role as a specialization requiring proven skill.
Entry-Level UPS Jobs
For applicants under 21 or those lacking prior transportation experience, UPS offers several entry-level roles that serve as an internal pathway to a driving career. The minimum age for most non-driving positions, such as Package Handlers, is 18 years old. Package Handlers work in the warehouse, sorting, loading, and unloading trailers, which provides valuable operational knowledge. Driver Helpers, who assist drivers during peak seasons, can sometimes be hired as young as 16 or 17 in certain locations, although 18 is more common. Starting in an hourly warehouse position is a common strategy, as it allows employees to build seniority, which is a major factor in successfully bidding for a driver position later on.
Mandatory Qualifications Beyond Age
UPS driving positions require several qualifications focused on safety and physical capability. Applicants must have a clean Motor Vehicle Record (MVR), meaning minimal moving violations and zero preventable accidents over the past three to five years. This standard ensures the company hires individuals with a verifiable commitment to safe road practices.
The job is physically demanding, requiring the ability to lift and maneuver packages weighing up to 70 pounds. Consequently, all driver candidates must pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination. This medical assessment includes a vision test, requiring at least 20/40 vision in each eye, and a hearing test. The DOT exam also includes checks of blood pressure, heart rate, and a urinalysis to screen for underlying health issues.
Beyond the physical exam, applicants must pass a standard criminal background check and mandatory pre-employment drug screening. Drivers are subject to random drug testing throughout their employment to maintain regulatory compliance.
Steps to Apply and Get Hired
The process of becoming a UPS driver begins with submitting an online application through the official UPS Jobs website. If the initial screening is successful, the candidate moves on to an interview phase and a subsequent road test or driving assessment to evaluate their practical skills. This assessment may include a driving evaluation in the actual delivery vehicle.
Following the road test, the candidate must successfully pass the comprehensive DOT physical examination and the drug screening. Once all requirements are met, new drivers typically enter a rigorous training program, often followed by a 30-day working period during which their performance is continuously evaluated. Due to the competitive nature of these high-paying roles, the application-to-hire process can often take several weeks or even months to finalize.