Top 10 Driving Job Titles: What Makes a Good Candidate?
This article is part of a larger series on Hiring.
Driving is the ninth most popular job category in the United States, according to Indeed Job Trends, with a total of 146,616 job postings on the site. In this post, we break down the most popular driving job titles to help you select the appropriate title based on the vehicle, route, and responsibility. If you’re a small logistics or transportation company, this list will also help you anticipate demand for different types of driving jobs.
Where We Got This Data: Indeed, the largest online job board in the US, ranks job categories based on the number of job postings published on their site. They then tally the number of clicks for job postings in each category during the current month to come up with the 10 most popular job titles in each category.
10 Most Popular Driving Job Titles
1. Truck Driver (5.22 million monthly clicks)
What they do
Truck driver is a general term used to describe someone operating trucks to deliver merchandise to a customer or business. While making deliveries is the primary job of truck drivers, they may also help in loading and unloading goods. After delivering cargo, they ask for the recipient’s signature and if applicable, process payments while providing excellent customer service.
Characteristics of an ideal candidate
The ideal candidate must possess a commercial driving license and must have a basic knowledge and understanding of traffic laws and safety standards. In addition, the driver must be able to follow written and oral instructions and keep vehicles clean, well-maintained, and safe. Strong customer service skills are also required.
2. Delivery Driver (4.37 million monthly clicks)
What they do
Delivery driver and truck driver are titles often used interchangeably as both perform the same functions. Just like truck drivers, delivery drivers operate a vehicle to ensure timely delivery of goods to the customer. They also load and unload cargo and provide a high level of customer service to clients.
Characteristics of an ideal candidate
Delivery drivers must possess an active commercial driver’s license and must be able to follow oral and written instructions. They must have strong customer service skills and must stay courteous and professional when dealing with customers. Also, delivery drivers must be able to maintain vehicles, and if there will be delivery delays or problems, they must report those issues as soon as identified.
3. Driver (3.59 million monthly clicks)
What they do
Driver is a non-specific job title that describes someone who operates vehicles to transport people or cargo. The person may drive cars, trucks, buses, or construction equipment. It may even include jobs like Uber drivers.
Drivers, simply put, move people and objects around in cars. They operate vehicles from cars and small trucks to buses and tractor trailers. Drivers have to know the highways and roads, observe traffic laws, and be able to stay focused on the road whether you are delivering a wedding cake or transporting 100 unruly teenagers to Space Camp.
Characteristics of an ideal candidate
The candidate must possess a valid driver’s license and must demonstrate the ability to be punctual and dependable. In addition, the candidate should have the ability to follow safety rules and company policies in terms of operation and maintenance. Also, the driver should be able to log reports and professionally communicate with customers and colleagues.
4. Route Driver (1.14 million monthly clicks)
What they do
As indicated in the job title, route drivers follow a predetermined route to complete their tasks. An example is a company shuttle driver who picks up employees at a certain location and drives them to the office on a daily basis. Route drivers may operate a company or personal vehicle.
Characteristics of an ideal candidate
The candidate must possess a valid driver’s license and must be able to adhere to state and federal regulatory requirements and guidelines. Also, the person must be able to handle physical workload and read maps (made much easier with Google Maps).
5. Rural Carrier Associate (RCA) (725,097 monthly clicks)
What they do
RCAs are in charge of delivering of US postal mail to rural areas providing relief capacity to substitute regular carriers who take scheduled days off. They sort and bundle incoming mail and drive the assigned vehicle to various destinations. Before handing over mail, RCAs verify the address and identity of the recipient. Once confirmed, they ask for signatures before leaving the premises.
Characteristics of an ideal candidate
On top of having appropriate driver’s license, the candidate must have strong communication and reading skills to ensure that mails are delivered to the right address. Also, the RCA must be able to demonstrate that mails are delivered in an efficient and timely manner.
6. Local Driver (695,867 monthly clicks)
What they do
The job title refers to someone who operates a vehicle to transport merchandise or people locally.
Characteristics of an ideal candidate
In addition to having an appropriate driver’s license, the candidate must be familiar with local routes. The driver must also demonstrate strong driving and knowledge of traffic laws. Lastly, the ideal candidate should be able to maintain the cleanliness and condition of the vehicle.
7. Bus Driver (620,735 monthly clicks)
What they do
As the title implies, bus drivers operate buses to transport people from one point to another. Examples are school bus drivers and public transportation bus drivers.
Characteristics of an ideal candidate
Bus drivers must possess an active and specialized license to drive a bus. In addition, they must be physically fit and must have no vision impairment. Lastly, bus drivers must be willing to undergo drug tests and background checks.
8. Courier (498,479 monthly clicks)
What they do
Couriers handle and transport sensitive documents such as contracts or blueprints. They usually travel short distances and make multiple deliveries throughout the day. Couriers ask for the recipient’s signature to validate that the item has been delivered.
Characteristics of an ideal candidate
Couriers must be able to adhere to all safety and security policies. On top of that, they must take proper care of packages and ensure timely delivery to the correct address and recipient. Couriers must also possess solid customer service and communication skills.
9. Shuttle Driver (448,068 monthly clicks)
What they do
Shuttle drivers operate an assigned vehicle and follow a fixed route to pick up and drop off passengers. They stay in contact with the dispatcher while driving and politely respond to any passenger question or complaint. Shuttle drivers also assist in loading and unloading cargo.
Characteristics of an ideal candidate
In addition to having a driver’s license, shuttle drivers must maintain a professional appearance and must be able to read maps and quickly gain familiarity with their route. They must also have strong customer service skills to address passenger concerns or issues. Moreover, shuttle drivers must be able to handle physical workload.
10. Owner-Operators (371,670 monthly clicks)
What they do
As the title implies, owner-operators are people who own vehicles like trucks and cars and work with logistics or transport companies. They manage their fleet and drive their own vehicles. Just like other drivers, they pick up and deliver merchandise over long distances while adhering to safety regulations.
Characteristics of an ideal candidate
The ideal candidate must have business ownership experience or experience in managing vehicles. They must obtain appropriate permits and licenses for their business. Owners-operators must also be able to maintain the cleanliness and condition of their vehicles.
Bottom Line: Most Popular Driving Job Titles
Entry-level and owner positions are popular among job seekers looking for driving work. To attract those workers you need to advertise your job using a job title that gets their attention. What are your thoughts about the most popular driving job titles? Feel free to write your comments below.
