Multi drop drivers, also referred to as couriers, transport goods that require safe delivery. The goods that they carry may include retail purchases.
Do Multi-Drop Drivers need qualifications?
No formal qualifications are required to become a multi drop driver. However, a driving licence is essential. For insurance purposes, the majority of employers prefer to take on staff over the age of 21, or 25 for van drivers. Following employment, multi drop driver training is carried out on-the-job. Employees are often encouraged to study for an NVQ Level 2 in Carry and Deliver Goods or NVQ Levels 2 and 3 in Driving Goods Vehicles. It is possible to become a multi drop driver through an apprenticeship scheme.
Multi drop drivers require good navigational and customer service skills, business awareness, trustworthiness, and self-motivation. Couriers must be physically fit, able to concentrate for long periods when travelling long distances, and willing to work in all weathers.
Driver job opportunities and salaries
Multi drop drivers are contracted to work for, or employed directly by, courier service companies. Full-time, part-time and temporary vacancies are available, often being advertised in newspapers, trade publications and through recruitment agencies. Starting salaries for multi drop drivers are around £14,000 a year. Drivers working for large companies may be offered the chance to move into supervisory roles involving the coordination of courier workloads. With experience, drivers can set themselves up as self-employed couriers by running their own private businesses or investing in a courier franchise.