Local delivery drivers operate different sizes of vehicles to get products to their final destinations throughout Alberta. All individuals and businesses rely on local delivery drivers for the items they use every day.

Any type of freight—whether bulk liquids in tankers or individually packaged food items—can be transported by local delivery drivers. Sometimes referred to as “last mile delivery”, local delivery is more of a description of one aspect of a trucking career instead of a distinct sector.

Local delivery drivers report to terminals or warehouses where they pick up loaded trailers (or load their vehicles) and then proceed to drive throughout town to deliver their loads. In some areas, local drivers run specific routes from a facility (like a manufacturing plant) to a delivery point where the cargo is then transferred into other forms for long-distance shipping.

  • Seasonality

    Work is nonseasonal, but some employers will have busier periods.

  • Method of Pay

    Hourly pay for local drivers is common but drivers may also be paid by a percentage of the truck’s revenue or by the load.

Equipment and Tasks

While the daily tasks of local delivery drivers will vary significantly between companies, all work is local.

  • Equipment

    Equipment used in local delivery can range from small vans that only need a Class 5 licence to full-sized tractor-trailers with specialized equipment, like power-takeoffs for loading fluid products or boom cranes for loading flatbed trailers. Those working in general freight will most commonly see van trailers. Powered liftgates, pallet jacks, and hand trucks are common pieces of equipment that local freight drivers will use during their routines.

  • Tasks

    Drivers can expect to perform common driving-specific tasks, like city and highway driving, pre-and post-trip vehicle inspections, cargo securement, and customer service-related responsibilities. They may have paperwork or electronic devices to track their shipments, may have to unload and load their vehicles at customer sites, and may have to load and unload their vehicles at terminals or warehouses.

Lifestyle in the Industry

Local delivery work is characterized by being close to a central location. As a result, a better work/life balance is often seen in this sector; although, the work can be more physically demanding and customer service-orientated than sectors involving long-distance driving.

  • Work Shifts

    Day shifts of 10 hours or less are quite common for local delivery jobs. Some companies specifically service customers who require nighttime deliveries. In these instances, drivers will work at night. Overtime and weekend work may be required.

  • Physical Demands

    The physical nature of local delivery jobs depends on the freight being hauled. Dockworkers, not drivers, are often responsible for loading and unloading at warehouses; however, drivers often physically handle heavy items either by hand or with an assistive device like a pallet jack. Drivers frequently climb in and out of their cabs and trailers.

  • Work/Life Balance

    With local delivery, drivers are generally home at night (or during the day if they’re night shift workers).

  • Predictability

    Work and shifts are generally predictable and scheduled if a driver has a dedicated run. This varies greatly between employers.

  • On-Call

    Many positions have an on-call component, but this varies between employers.

  • Unionization

    In this sector, unionization is common but not universal.

Getting Started

Drivers have to pass standard pre-hire safety checks before being hired. While the new hire learns their position, there should be a company orientation followed by a period of mentorship with an experienced driver. Often, a new driver may work as a swamper (someone who assists a driver in loading and unloading tasks) to learn how to do the job before being able to work independently.

Local driving positions are a great entry point for commercial drivers in Alberta, and local delivery drivers may get started in many different ways. They could apply for a warehouse position (like dockworker), and then later apply to be a driver. This could include gaining Class 1 experience as an in-yard shunt driver. They may also start on smaller vehicles and work their way into larger ones as they obtain higher licence classes.

  • Mandatory
    Requirements

    The right class of licence will be needed for the vehicles being driven, which could be a Class 5 licence for drivers at companies where small delivery vans and cube trucks are in use. Drug and alcohol testing is common along with criminal record checks.

  • Preferred Skills &
    Previous Experience

    Applicants with excellent customer service skills, a positive attitude towards safety, and calmness under pressure are preferred, along with previous driving experience in the local area.

Red Flags

Drivers in this sector work alongside large equipment, like forklifts and shunt trucks. They also interact with many people, including members of the public, throughout their day. Those interested in starting a career as a driver in this sector should be on the lookout for these potential red flags (aka signs that an employer may not be operating safely):

  • Equipment and vehicles that are in poor condition.
  • Being pressured to become an owner-operator early into one’s career or any other signs of employee misclassification.
  • A lack of safety training by an employer, including transportation-specific training for the vehicles being driven and training on how to safely load and unload equipment.
  • Dangerous warehousing and freight management practices, such as not providing dangerous goods training and storing such products haphazardly.
Quick Facts:
  • Many trucking companies offer both local and long-distance opportunities.
  • Most local delivery drivers primarily drive in urban areas.
  • Local delivery drivers are generally home every night and enjoy a better work/life balance than drivers in other sectors.
  • Highway driving experience is valuable to many employers, so drivers interested in local delivery should consider looking for a position where they may be able to earn both types of experience.

More Help

Are you interested in learning more about working safely in transportation? Check out our Resources page for insights from industry experts and organizations. We’ve taken great care to present information relevant to those interested in truck and bus driving careers, those already employed in trucking or busing, and employers navigating labour challenges.

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Contact Information

If you have questions or want to learn more about the content of this website, please contact the Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA). AMTA employs experts in trucking and busing across Alberta. We would be happy to help you further.

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