Employment of delivery truck drivers and drivers/sales workers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2014 to 2024, slower than the average for all occupations.
Employment of light truck or delivery services drivers is projected to grow 3 percent from 2014 to 2024, slower than the average for all occupations.
Continued e-commerce growth should increase demand for package delivery services, especially for the large and regional shipping companies. More light truck and delivery drivers will be needed to fulfill the growing number of e-commerce transactions.
However, improved routing through GPS technology can make existing light truck drivers more productive, which may limit the demand for additional drivers. With improved routing, drivers can be more efficient, navigating better in traffic and spending less time idling at each stop.
Employment of driver/sales workers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2014 to 2024, about as fast as the average for all occupations. As the number of restaurants that offer delivery services continues to expand, the demand for food delivery drivers should grow. Employment of driver/sales workers in the restaurants and other eating places industry is projected to grow 10 percent from 2014 to 2024.
Job Prospects
Job opportunities for delivery truck driver and driver/sales worker are expected to be competitive. Because these drivers do not have to spend long periods away from home, these jobs tend to be more desirable than long-haul trucking jobs. Job applicants with experience and a clean driving record, or who work for the company in another occupation, should have the best job prospects.
Delivery Truck Drivers and Driver/Sales Workers
Percent change in employment, projected 2014-24
Total, all occupations
7%
Motor vehicle operators
6%
Driver/sales workers
5%
Delivery truck drivers and driver/sales workers
4%
Light truck or delivery services drivers
3%
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program