Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Weekend Delivery Driver

🎯 Role Definition

A Weekend Delivery Driver is responsible for executing safe, accurate, and timely deliveries across assigned weekend routes. This role focuses on last-mile fulfillment, customer interactions at delivery locations, and maintaining vehicle and cargo integrity throughout shifts. Weekend Delivery Drivers ensure the company’s promises for on-time delivery and exceptional customer experience are met while adhering to safety, regulatory, and company procedures.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Package Handler / Warehouse Associate transitioning to delivery duties
Rideshare or Gig Delivery Driver moving into scheduled route work
Retail Stocker or Customer Service Associate with driving responsibilities

Advancement To:

Full-time Delivery Driver (including weekday/overnight routes)
Lead Driver / Route Supervisor coordinating weekend teams
Logistics Coordinator or Dispatcher managing route plans and driver scheduling

Lateral Moves:

Warehouse Lead (sorting, inventory control)
Customer Service Representative for delivery operations

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Operate assigned delivery vehicle safely and legally on weekend routes, completing scheduled stops within designated time windows while following all traffic laws and company safety policies.
Execute accurate pick-up and drop-off of parcels and freight, verifying recipient identity, obtaining required signatures, and documenting proof-of-delivery using handheld scanners or mobile apps.
Load and unload cargo efficiently and securely at the start and during the route, applying proper lifting techniques and using material-handling equipment (dollies, hand trucks) to prevent damage and injury.
Plan and follow optimized delivery routes using GPS, route-planning software, or pre-assigned manifests to maximize on-time performance and minimize mileage and fuel consumption.
Maintain consistent, professional customer interactions during doorstep deliveries and resolve routine customer inquiries or delivery exceptions with diplomacy and clear communication.
Inspect the vehicle before and after shifts for mechanical issues, safety hazards, and cargo security; report defects or maintenance needs to fleet management immediately.
Adhere to company procedures for handling fragile, hazardous, or perishable items, ensuring correct segregation, temperature control (if applicable), and compliance with labeling and documentation requirements.
Accurately process cash-on-delivery, COD, or signature-required transactions when applicable, following company cash-handling and reconciliation procedures.
Log and report delivery exceptions, returns, damaged goods, missing packages, or customer complaints in accordance with company incident-reporting protocols.
Comply with Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations and company driving policies, including hours-of-service rules, vehicle inspection logs, and required licenses and certifications.
Assist with weekend warehouse load planning and manifest verification to ensure deliveries match the day's route and volume expectations.
Operate handheld devices, mobile apps, and dashboard telematics equipment to receive assignments, capture photos, scan barcodes, and transmit delivery confirmations in real time.
Participate in safety briefings, route debriefs, and required training sessions to stay current on safety practices, customer service standards, and technology updates.
Manage time efficiently during high-volume periods, reprioritizing stops and communicating delays or route modifications to dispatch to maintain service levels.
Secure and store undeliverable packages according to company policy and coordinate timely return or redelivery instructions with the customer or dispatch center.
Support contactless delivery protocols, leaving packages in specified safe locations and documenting placement details for customer notifications and liability reduction.
Enforce loss-prevention measures by following package handling best practices, securing vehicle access, and minimizing opportunities for theft or misplacement of parcels.
Identify opportunities to improve route productivity and customer satisfaction, providing feedback to supervisors on workflow, route sequencing, or recurring delivery issues.
Facilitate cross-functional coordination with customer service, warehouse teams, and dispatch to resolve complex delivery problems and expedite urgent shipments.
Uphold a professional, customer-first appearance and demeanor representing the brand at customer premises, reporting any incidents that could impact reputation or safety.
Perform basic vehicle maintenance tasks such as checking oil, coolant, tire pressure, and fuel levels, and ensure the vehicle is clean, fueled, and inspection-ready at shift start.
Follow COVID-19 and health-safety protocols as required, using PPE, sanitizing equipment, and maintaining social distancing during interactions when necessary.

Secondary Functions

Support peak-season load planning and ad-hoc route adjustments to accommodate sudden volume increases on weekends.
Assist in training new or seasonal weekend drivers on route technology, delivery standards, and safety procedures.
Participate in inventory spot-checks and scanning audits to improve manifest accuracy and reduce shrinkage.
Provide on-demand coverage for short-notice shifts or to cover other drivers when needed to maintain service continuity.
Document and escalate recurring delivery problems or customer feedback to operations management for process improvement.
Aid in vehicle transfer and staging tasks between hub locations to ensure drivers begin shifts with correctly loaded equipment.
Help coordinate returns and reverse logistics pickups, ensuring returned items are properly labeled and routed to the right destination.
Maintain route logs and mileage reports for payroll, fuel reimbursement, and compliance auditing.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proven ability to operate light- and medium-duty delivery vehicles safely; valid state driver’s license required; CDL preferred for certain routes
Proficiency with GPS navigation, route optimization tools, and mobile delivery applications (scanning, barcode capture, proof-of-delivery systems)
Competence in safe package handling techniques, including use of hand trucks, dollies, and basic tie-down methods to secure cargo
Familiarity with DOT regulations, hours-of-service requirements, vehicle inspection checklists, and basic logbook maintenance
Experience with cash handling and point-of-delivery payment collection procedures when applicable
Ability to read and interpret delivery manifests, labels, and special handling instructions (fragile, hazardous, temperature-sensitive)
Basic vehicle maintenance knowledge: fluid checks, tire pressure, and routine pre-trip/post-trip inspections
Strong documentation skills for incident reporting, delivery exceptions, and route logs
Comfortable using handheld scanners, mobile printers, and wireless communications devices in the field
Knowledge of safety best practices for loading, unloading, and working in public and private customer locations

Soft Skills

Exceptional customer service orientation with polite, clear communication and conflict-resolution ability
Strong time management and punctuality; ability to meet tight delivery windows on weekend schedules
Reliability and dependability to commit to consistent weekend availability and shift requirements
Physical stamina and endurance to perform repeated lifting, bending, and stair navigation during shifts
Attention to detail for verifying addresses, recipient names, special instructions, and package condition
Problem-solving mindset to adapt routes when faced with traffic, weather, or access challenges
Team-player attitude with willingness to coordinate with dispatch, warehouse staff, and other drivers
Professional appearance and demeanor that reflects the company brand at customer interactions
Flexibility and adaptability to changing priorities, last-minute route changes, and busy peak weekends
Integrity and accountability in handling customer property, company assets, and confidential information

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED

Preferred Education:

Vocational training or certifications in transportation, logistics, or commercial driving
Formal safety training (OSHA, DOT compliance courses) is a plus

Relevant Fields of Study:

Logistics / Supply Chain Management
Transportation / Driver Training
Customer Service / Retail Operations

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0–3 years for entry-level weekend delivery roles; 1–5 years preferred for higher-volume or specialized routes

Preferred:

1+ years of professional delivery or courier driving experience, last-mile logistics, or similar route-based service roles
Experience with handheld delivery technology, route optimization tools, and customer-facing delivery protocols
Demonstrated clean driving record and ability to pass background checks and any required drug screening