Career Development

What Does a UPS Feeder Driver Do?

Learn more about what it takes to succeed as a UPS feeder driver, the skills you'll need to become one, and what you can expect on the job.

The job of a UPS feeder driver is one that requires attention to detail and an eye for safety. They are responsible for picking up and delivering packages on a daily basis, often driving large trucks through city streets or rural roads.

UPS feeder drivers must be able to multitask effectively in order to ensure the safety of their cargo and themselves. They may also need to interact with customers at some point during the day—either to take delivery of a package or to drop off a parcel.

UPS Feeder Driver Job Duties

UPS feeder drivers have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

  • Following all safety procedures established by UPS and adhering to time schedules set by supervisors to ensure timely deliveries
  • Communicating with dispatchers to arrange pickup and delivery times for packages
  • Operating a forklift or other equipment to load or unload trucks or trailers as needed
  • Performing regular maintenance on vehicles, including refueling, cleaning, and checking fluid levels
  • Planning routes to deliver packages to customers using computerized systems that track progress during delivery
  • Safely driving a delivery truck to transport packages between locations or picking up packages at one location and dropping them off at another
  • Performing other tasks as assigned, such as loading and unloading trucks and trailers with packages, cargo, and materials

UPS Feeder Driver Salary & Outlook

UPS feeder drivers are paid hourly, and their salaries can vary depending on a number of factors.

  • Median Annual Salary: $47,000 ($22.6/hour)
  • Top 10% Annual Salary: $83,500 ($40.14/hour)

The employment of UPS feeder drivers is expected to grow at an average rate over the next decade.

The continued growth of e-commerce and online retail sales should lead to increased demand for delivery services. As a result, more packages will be shipped to smaller stores and post offices that are closer to customers. In addition, the need to deliver packages quickly will continue to increase as customers expect faster delivery times.

UPS Feeder Driver Job Requirements

UPS feeder drivers typically need to have the following qualifications:

Education: Most employers require feeder drivers to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers may require a driver to have a commercial driver’s license (CDL). A CDL is a government-issued document that allows a driver to operate a commercial vehicle. To obtain a CDL, a driver must be at least 21 years old and must pass a written test and a driving test.

Training & Experience: Most companies require new drivers to complete a training program before they begin working on their own. These programs typically last between one and three weeks and teach drivers how to safely and efficiently operate a delivery truck. They also teach drivers how to navigate the company’s specific routing software and how to load and unload packages.

Certifications & Licenses: To become a feeder driver for UPS, you will need to pass a driving test to earn a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Some UPS locations offer a CDL training program.

UPS Feeder Driver Skills

UPS feeder drivers need the following skills in order to be successful:

Time management: Time management is another skill that can be useful for a UPS feeder driver. This is because they often have a set route that they need to complete within a certain amount of time. Having good time management skills can help a UPS feeder driver stay on schedule and complete their route on time.

Attention to detail: Having attention to detail means being able to notice small changes in your surroundings. As a UPS feeder driver, you may be responsible for scanning packages for damage, entering data into a computer and checking the accuracy of your deliveries. Having attention to detail can help you complete your tasks accurately and efficiently.

Customer service: Customer service is the ability to interact with customers in a friendly and helpful manner. As a UPS feeder driver, you may be the first person a customer interacts with when they call the company. Customer service skills can help you answer questions, resolve issues and provide information to customers.

Physical stamina: Driving a delivery truck can be physically demanding. UPS feeder drivers often spend long periods of time in their trucks, driving to and from different locations. It’s important to have a high level of physical stamina to ensure you can complete your daily duties.

Problem-solving: A driver’s ability to solve problems is an important skill for a UPS feeder driver. They may encounter challenges while driving, such as navigating a large truck through a small space or finding a place to park. A driver who can solve problems quickly and effectively can help ensure the safety of their fellow drivers and the public.

UPS Feeder Driver Trends

Here are three trends influencing how UPS feeder drivers work. UPS feeder drivers will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

The Growth of the eCommerce Industry

The eCommerce industry is growing rapidly, and this is having a significant impact on the shipping industry. As more and more people shop online, there is an increasing demand for UPS feeder drivers who can deliver packages quickly and efficiently.

UPS feeder drivers can take advantage of this trend by becoming experts in delivering packages to eCommerce warehouses. This will allow them to work with companies that are involved in the eCommerce industry and help them to meet their shipping needs.

More Driver-Friendly Policies

As the economy continues to improve, businesses are looking for ways to reduce costs and become more efficient. One area where they are doing this is by changing their driver-friendly policies.

This trend is likely to continue as businesses look for new ways to keep their drivers happy and productive. UPS feeder drivers can capitalize on this trend by learning how to use technology to make their jobs easier. In addition, they should also be prepared to work longer hours if needed.

Driver Shortages Will Continue

The driver shortage is expected to continue into the future, which means that UPS feeder drivers will be in high demand.

As the economy improves, businesses will need to find ways to get products to customers faster. This means that they will need to rely on UPS feeder drivers to help them do so.

UPS feeder drivers who are able to adapt to this trend will be in a better position to find employment and earn a good salary. They will also be able to develop valuable skills that can be used in other industries.

How to Become a UPS Feeder Driver

A career as a UPS feeder driver can be a great way to get your foot in the door of the transportation industry. It’s a stable job with good pay and benefits, and it offers opportunities for advancement.

To become a UPS feeder driver, you’ll need to pass a drug test and background check, have a valid driver’s license, and be able to lift 50 pounds. You’ll also need to be at least 18 years old.

Once you’re hired, you’ll go through training that will teach you how to operate a truck safely and efficiently. You’ll also learn about the company’s policies and procedures.

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