How Much Do UPS Drivers Make? (Explained!)

UPS drivers in the United States earn an average annual salary of $68,369. A driver at UPS earns a base salary along with many perks including health insurance, 401K retirement plan, and other benefits.

Key Takeaways

• A UPS driver can enjoy various facilities from the company like health insurance, 401K retirement plan, etc.
• UPS drivers in Los Angeles make $32,640 annually and the average total compensation is 52% greater than the national average
• UPS offers excellent pensions to its drivers and it ranges from $30,000-$40,000 after 25 years’ service with the company
• If you’re seeking a job at UPS, the first place to start maybe with CSI

History of UPS

We’ve all probably noticed that big brown truck driving in specific directions and making deliveries here, there, and everywhere. A lot of times you might also have seen the UPS logo in a variety of places as well, whether on branded mailboxes or even perhaps on local stores. This is because UPS operates not only across many state lines but also internationally. As mentioned before, they’re constantly moving.

UPS is more than a century old, having been incorporated in 1907 as the American Messenger Company in Seattle, Washington. By 1917 this company had become the United Parcel Service, after opening up offices in Oakland and San Francisco! At that time in history, deliveries were handled through local individuals walking or biking them around to those who needed them.

UPS is a shipping and delivery service provider that was founded in 1907 by James E. Casey. UPS started out with just thirteen employees, delivering packages to and from bicycles. Over time, the company has grown significantly – both internally and externally. In 1992, the UPS brand name was applied to the cargo operations of Wichita-based certified air carrier Western Airlines. 

The following year in 1993, UPS moved its world headquarters from Seattle to Memphis, Tennessee, which remains their headquarters today along with operating 550 facilities around the globe that employ over 320 thousand full-time personnel. Today UPS counts among its business partners such customers as Disney, Netflix, and Amazon.

UPS Driver (United Parcel Service Driver) Salary

So, how much does a UPS Driver (United Parcel Service Driver) make? UPS drivers in the United States earn an average annual salary of $68,369. Salary estimates are based on 24 reports and estimates from drivers. As one of the best distribution companies in the world, UPS has some of the highest-paying jobs that you can get. A driver at UPS earns a base salary along with many perks including health insurance, 401K retirement plan, and other benefits. Many drivers have also stated that they receive a yearly performance bonus as well. UPS drivers in Los Angeles make $32,640 annually and the average total compensation is 52% greater than the national average.

UPS Driving Job Incentives & Tips

UPS drivers, like other delivery people, can make additional money through tips on top of their regular salaries. In addition, they are given the opportunity to earn a commission for finding new customers and getting them to sign a contract with UPS. Finally, overtime is another way drivers increase their salary by doing additional work for the company that requires more time or attention than during regular working hours.

UPS Driving Job Benefits

According to the USA today, a new survey conducted by Indeed revealed that the top two reasons why people aspire to become UPS drivers were the appealing salaries they offer and their excellent benefits package. In addition to salaries of up to $39,000, many UPS drivers are able to count on early retirement through excellent pensions which range anywhere from $30,000-$40,000 after 25 years’ service with the company. In addition to these impressive pension offerings, there is a health insurance plan available (for an additional fee) that covers most of their delivery needs such as physical exams and family coverage.

UPS Driving Job Requirements

Competition is high with the UPS jobs. Most drivers who are looking to start, even though they stay on the waiting list for a couple of years or so, must start working in other positions within the company that isn’t driving-related. 

Finally, although there doesn’t seem to be any hard-and-fast rules about becoming a driver once one reaches this point, one must still undergo rigorous training and pass several tests before receiving their license and being allowed to drive a truck around.

Their eligibility requirements are as follows;

1. You must comply with UPS appearance codes and wear the provided uniform

2. If your license was ever suspended or revoked for any other reason (except above) it must have been reinstated for three years or more

3. Union membership is required after 30 days of employment

4. Must be able to read, write and speak English

5. Doubles endorsement is desirable

6. Must have, at a minimum, a CDL for one year with interstate commerce experience

7. Must be able to lift 70 pounds and be physically able to load, unload, bend and stretch

8. Must be willing to work a flexible schedule

9. You must pass a DOT physical

10. Dockworkers with CDL are required to have a HazMat endorsement, Doubles and Triples Endorsement, and Tanker endorsement

11. Must be at least 21 years of age

12. You must pass a UPS road test

13. You must possess a Class A CDL issued in the state in which you live, clear from any revocations or suspensions

14. If your license was ever suspended or revoked for illegal use of alcohol and/or drugs, it must have been reinstated for five years or more

15. You must provide a copy of your motor vehicle driver abstract issued within the last 30 days.

Because there are requirements provided by the government that may not apply to you depending on the state in which you are seeking employment, UPS provides listings of states that adhere to only federal law or that adhere to both federal and state regulation. Try to visit the UPS website to search for job listings and to see which states those listings apply to.

How Do You Get A Driver Job With UPS?

If you’re seeking a job at UPS, the first place to start maybe with CSI. Herewith CSI, one of UPS’s thousands of third-party providers, there are attractive opportunities for candidates to become drivers who can work directly with UPS. 

Getting your foot in the door at UPS can be tough, especially when they are not actively recruiting. However, don’t let that discourage you, just try something else. In fact, we could all probably use more jobs like these since they give you flexibility and variety without having to commit to a more permanent role!

As a UPS driver, you might have to work different shifts. One day you may find yourself driving during the morning, and on another day during the evening or at night. You’ll experience many different kinds of landscapes and meet lots of interesting people throughout your time as an experienced trucker. 

UPS hires for more than just local delivery drivers like anyone else does. On their website, one can find positions which include but are not limited to the following: * Delivery Drivers * Heavy Duty Drivers * Tanker Drivers Interested in finding a position within the company and searching through all possible stepping stones of UPS’ careers? Then be sure to visit their website today!

Once you click on any of the job listings on this site, UPS will automatically send you to that company’s career page. Here, you will be able to find where the jobs are posted and what the requirements are in order to apply for those jobs. They work with many third-party companies who post these positions on our website – these companies let us know what kind of talent they’re looking for, while we do all of the legwork to source that talent.

FAQs

What Are The Salary Ranges For UPS Driver? 

The pay of UPS drivers depends on various factors. It ranges from $18,860 to $134,000 with a median of $29,850 . The middle 67% of UPS drivers makes between $29,850 and $60,350 with the top 67% earning $134,000.

How Much Tax Will You Have To Pay As An UPS Driver?

As a single filer, you will have an estimated average federal tax in 2018 of 22%. After a federal tax rate of 22% has been taken out, UPS Drivers will have an estimated take-home pay of $57,389/year. Each paycheck for the 2018 year should be around $2,391.

Final Words

UPS driver jobs are challenging to say the least. For one thing, drivers have to be able to get their packages from one point to another safely. There are also drivers with disabilities who can do this job and enjoy the work, too! Because these jobs are so prized and employees at this company receive such generous pay and benefits, they’re hard to come by.

References:

https://www.indeed.com/cmp/UPS/salaries/Driver
https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/ups-driver-salary-SRCH_KO0,10.htm

Last Updated on November 4, 2022 by Magalie D.