Although there is no set path to becoming a delivery contractor, there are some general requirements that must be met. Contractors who deliver packages must have a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), which varies depending on the country and the type of vehicle. Before you can become a delivery contractor, you may need to own your own vehicle, though this is a requirement imposed by individual companies. Each company also has its own set of rules governing accidents, criminal and drug histories, and a variety of other factors. Before a company will hire you as a contractor, you will most likely need to drive as an employee to gain experience.
If you want to work as a delivery contractor, you’ll need to meet a few requirements and have some prior work experience. The first step is to obtain a commercial driver’s license, which is required to transport cargo as an employee or as a contractor. Regulations for commercial driver’s licenses vary by country, and there are frequently different levels that indicate the types of vehicles you are qualified to operate. Even if you only want to drive a simple cargo van after becoming a delivery contractor, you’ll need a CDL. If you want to drive large semi-trailers, you’ll need to get a commercial driver’s license (CDL), which also allows you to drive smaller vehicles.
After earning your commercial driver’s license, you’ll almost certainly need to work as an employee driver for a while. You should try to get experience with the same types of trucks and routes you’ll need as a delivery contractor at this point. If you want to work as a delivery contractor, you should try to get some over-the-road (OTR) experience, and you should not settle for driving a cargo van if you want to drive a tractor trailer.
Each delivery company has its own hiring policies, so you’ll have to look into the ones you’re interested in. If you have certain criminal convictions, a long history of vehicular accidents, or you can’t pass a drug test, you’ll have a hard time finding work as a delivery contractor. If you’ve had any of these kinds of incidents on your record, you might have to wait months, if not years, before some companies will consider hiring you as a delivery contractor. Other companies may have less stringent hiring policies when it comes to things like work experience and driving records, so it’s crucial to follow up with each potential employer.