A career as a driver for United Parcel Service (UPS) is a stable, high-demand opportunity. The consistent need for qualified personnel ensures excellent job security for the driving workforce. This role provides a pathway to a long-term profession, supported by strong compensation and comprehensive benefits. Securing one of these positions is structured and requires careful attention to specific requirements and training stages.
Defining the Primary Driver Roles
UPS employs two distinct types of drivers, each with different responsibilities and licensing requirements. The most common position is the Package Car Driver (PCD), who operates the familiar brown delivery vans for local pickup and delivery routes. PCDs generally require a standard driver’s license and are responsible for customer interactions and navigating residential and business areas during daytime shifts.
The other role is the Feeder Driver, who operates tractor-trailers, transporting large volumes of freight between hubs and sorting facilities, often covering long distances. Feeder Drivers must possess a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class A, which involves more extensive training and testing. These routes frequently involve overnight or irregular hours because they move packages between major processing centers.
Full-time PCD positions are highly coveted and are typically filled internally through a seniority-based system. Many successful applicants begin their UPS career as a part-time Package Handler or seasonal driver before they can bid on a permanent route. Starting part-time allows an individual to build company seniority, a significant factor in securing a full-time driving position.
Meeting the Minimum Requirements
Before initiating an application, a prospective driver must meet several fundamental prerequisites. All applicants for a driving role must be at least 21 years old, a requirement often tied to insurance purposes and the interstate handling of certain goods. A high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate is also a standard educational requirement.
Maintaining a clean driving record is a necessity for employment. Applicants must demonstrate a history free of major infractions, such as a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or a license suspension, typically for the past three years. The physical demands of the job are substantial, requiring drivers to lift packages weighing up to 70 pounds without assistance.
Feeder Driver candidates must already possess or be prepared to obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) or CDL, while Package Car Driver roles require a valid, non-commercial driver’s license. Meeting these basic requirements is the gateway to the application process.
The Application Process: Starting the Journey Online
The application process begins exclusively on the official UPS careers portal, where candidates search for local openings and filter for specific job types. Applicants should search for roles like “Package Delivery Driver” or “Package Handler” to find the appropriate entry point. The system may also require applicants to complete online assessments or watch short videos related to the job duties.
Completing the online profile requires attention to detail, especially when listing employment and driving history. A common error is a system halt or rejection due to incomplete or inconsistent work history entries. Candidates for full-time driver positions must be prepared for a multi-step process, though some part-time or seasonal roles may result in an immediate job offer.
The application remains active for a finite period, generally 60 days, after which reapplication is necessary if the position has not been filled. Applicants should monitor the portal and their email regularly for updates, as communication regarding the next steps, such as scheduling an interview or assessment, is often time-sensitive.
Success in the Interview and Background Check Stages
Following a successful online application, candidates typically progress to an interview stage, which may begin with a virtual screening before an in-person meeting. Interviewers rely on behavioral questions to assess a candidate’s commitment to company values, particularly safety, efficiency, and customer service. Preparation should focus on utilizing the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to answer questions about past work experiences.
Interview questions often explore how a candidate would handle specific scenarios, such as ensuring timely deliveries, managing a vehicle problem, or dealing with an irate customer. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their commitment to defensive driving and adherence to traffic laws, which are key concerns for the company. Demonstrating a proactive approach to efficiency, such as route planning and organization, is also highly valued.
The background check, initiated after the interview or conditional offer, is a thorough review of the applicant’s driving and criminal history. This process verifies the clean driving record requirement and checks for any disqualifying criminal convictions. The timeline for this stage can vary, but an applicant should expect the process to take several weeks before a final offer can be extended.
Preparing for the DOT Physical and Driving Test
A required step for all driving roles is passing the Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination. The medical evaluation covers several areas, including a vision test that requires at least 20/40 acuity in each eye, with or without corrective lenses. Hearing is also tested, requiring the ability to perceive a forced whisper from a distance of five feet.
The physical includes checks for blood pressure, which must be controlled and generally below 140/90, along with a urinalysis to screen for underlying medical conditions like diabetes. Once the physical is passed, the candidate receives a Medical Examiner’s Certificate, a necessary document for employment. The final hurdle is the driving test, which is administered in a company vehicle and assesses the application of company safety protocols.
For Package Car Driver candidates, the road test is a stringent evaluation of defensive driving techniques, including the “5 Seeing Habits,” which involve actively scanning the environment. The examiner looks for complete stops at all signs and intersections, as well as a demonstrated ability to check intersections by looking Left-Right-Left. Feeder Driver candidates face a more rigorous test that includes a thorough vehicle pre-trip inspection, coupling a tractor and trailer, and executing precision backing maneuvers.
Understanding the Compensation and Benefits
UPS drivers receive substantial compensation and benefits packages, among the highest in the transportation industry. Full-time Package Car Drivers, represented by the Teamsters Union, currently earn a competitive hourly wage that progresses through a guaranteed step-increase scale. The total compensation package, including wages and benefits, is projected to be around $170,000 annually for top-rate drivers by the end of the current contract.
The influence of the Teamsters Union is a significant factor in the high pay and work conditions, as the union negotiates the National Master Agreement that governs wages and benefits. Beyond the hourly pay, the comprehensive benefits package is a major draw, featuring low- or no-cost healthcare coverage and substantial contributions to a defined-benefit pension plan. Additional benefits include paid vacation, holidays, and tuition reimbursement programs.