How to become a delivery service driver or door-to-door distributor
Official title: Delivery service drivers and door-to-door distributors
Also called: Canteen driver, Delivery driver, Expedite driver, Flyer distributor, Driver salesperson, Sample distributor, Soft drinks driver, Dry cleaning driver, Food service driver, Circular distributor, Delivery salesperson, Food delivery driver
Delivery service drivers drive automobiles, vans and light trucks to pick up and deliver various products. Door-to-door distributors deliver items to residences and businesses. They are employed by dairies, drug stores, newspaper distributors, take-out food establishments, dry cleaners, mobile caterers and many other establishments, or they may be self-employed.
Main tasks
- Operate and drive automobiles, vans and light trucks to pick up and deliver various products, such as food, newspapers, magazines, bakery and dairy products, and items such as dry cleaning
- Deliver newspapers, flyers, handbills, telephone directories and similar items to residences and businesses
- Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspection of vehicle
- Plan delivery travel schedules and service routes
- Load and unload cargo, goods or merchandise
- Provide customer service by selling products, delivering over established routes and accepting or making payments for goods
- Record information on pick-ups and deliveries, vehicle mileage and fuel costs and report any incidents or problems encountered
- May scan and sort freight or cargo for delivery
How to become one
Some secondary school is usually required. A driver's licence appropriate to the class of vehicle being driven is required. One year of safe driving experience is usually required. On-the-job training may be provided. Eligibility for bonding and transportation of dangerous goods (TGD) certification may be required for delivery and courier drivers.
Ways in
- Licence or registration: A driver's licence appropriate to the class of vehicle being driven is required.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $39,000 a year The middle half earn $32,663 to $44,850.
- About 97,900 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 111,000 are projected by 2033. (+13.4%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a delivery service driver or door-to-door distributor?
Some secondary school is usually required. A driver's licence appropriate to the class of vehicle being driven is required. One year of safe driving experience is usually required. On-the-job training may be provided. Eligibility for bonding and transportation of dangerous goods (TGD) certification may be required for delivery and courier drivers.
How much does a delivery service driver or door-to-door distributor earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $39,000 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $32,663 to $44,850.
Is a delivery service driver or door-to-door distributor a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 13% by 2033, from about 97,900 to about 111,000 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a delivery service driver or door-to-door distributor?
Usually not. Only 16% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03