Is brown your color? UPS drivers are fixtures in every neighborhood, maneuvering their trucks through all weather conditions and delivering packages with impressive efficiency. UPS driver jobs are challenging, but they appeal to a lot of candidates for a variety of reasons – not the least of which is the generous pay and benefits that drivers earn. Because these jobs are so prized, they're hard to come by. It takes both skill and luck to land a job as a UPS driver.

Meeting UPS Requirements

UPS drivers have to be able to handle the physical demands of hauling packages and the logistical demands of driving a truck. That's why the UPS package delivery driver requirements are strict. One pleasant aspect about applying for this job is that a college degree isn't required.

Drivers must be able to lift and lower packages weighing up to 70 pounds throughout the day. If you have any physical restrictions that make lifting challenging, the job won't work for you. You should also have the physical stamina to work at a quick pace all day, as UPS is strict about efficiency, and drivers are constantly timed. You must be willing and able to work in all weather conditions. You need a valid driver's license for the state in which you live and must be able to operate a vehicle with a standard transmission.

UPS screens for safe drivers. If you had a DUI or DWI violation in the last three years or if your license was suspended or revoked in the last three years, you're not eligible for the UPS driver job. However, if you meet all the criteria, you're ready to apply.

Completing the Application Process

The first step is to find an open position for delivery drivers. The UPS jobs website has a searchable map function that allows users to see job openings in their area. Use the search functions to narrow the job postings to see just the driver positions. When you find a posting you want to apply for, create a profile with your personal information. Next, answer the screening questions. Assuming you meet the criteria, you are instructed to watch a brief video about working for UPS.

Filling out the application materials should take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes. You are asked general application questions about your education and work history, military service and criminal history. Applicants must provide information about their driving skills and histories, such as any experience driving vehicles other than passenger cars and details of past accidents and driving violations. If your application meets the criteria, you are given the option to schedule an interview.

The first interview is more of an information session than a typical interview, applicants say. If you impress management at this session, you may advance to the next stage of the interview process. Being alert, engaged and polite is important if you want to move to that next stage and possibly earn a driver job.

Climbing the Ladder: UPS Careers

UPS doesn't release any data about the percentage of applicants it hires, but many drivers say that it's rare to get one of these jobs as an outside applicant. UPS often promotes from within, so if your driver application isn't successful, consider applying for a package handler job. These workers are stationed at UPS warehouses, where they sort packages and load and unload trucks.

If your only interest is in UPS driver jobs, apply in the fall. That's when UPS typically starts hiring seasonal drivers to help with the holiday rush that happens in November and December. Becoming a seasonal driver won't necessarily earn you a spot as a permanent driver, but it's a good opportunity to get a foot in the door at UPS.