8+ Best Package Delivery Jobs For Flexible & Fun Gig Work

Over the past few years, there has been a massive boom in the e-commerce and online shopping industry. More people are choosing to pick out items online from the comfort of their homes and have them delivered right to their doorstep.

Not only has this changed the way consumers find and use products, but it has also created countless job opportunities.

Gig workers can sign up as package delivery personnel to make a little extra pocket money. In fact, these individuals have become an integral part of the global logistics sector.

So, if this venture sounds interesting, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about hauling cargo as a side hustle. We’ll also cover some of the top package delivery jobs in the gig economy.

Package Delivery Jobs Overview

1. Amazon Delivery Service Partner

If you’re looking for a lucrative side hustle, you can try delivering packages for Amazon. As you can imagine, the e-commerce giant is always on the lookout for agents to ship its products worldwide. That’s why it offers the Amazon Delivery Service Partner (DPS) program.

As a DPS driver, you’ll deliver packages in a timely and efficient manner. Plus, you’ll have to represent Amazon within your local communities.

Besides that, DPS drivers have to sort packages, optimize delivery routes, and deliver items to clients’ doorsteps.

While this job can be a little physically demanding, it offers quite a few advantages. For starters, you’ll get to choose your own working hours.

This makes the job ideal as a side hustle. Other than that, Amazon offers competitive pay.

The retail giant compensates its agents handsomely for delivering products on time. In fact, a DPS driver is arguably one of the best-paid positions on our list.

2. UPS Delivery Driver

Most of us are familiar with the United Parcel Service (UPS). It’s one of the most notable multinational shipping, receiving, and supply chain management companies.

Originally, the business specialized in telegraphs, but now it transports all sorts of packages around the globe. Luckily, that means UPS has plenty of delivery driver positions up for grabs.

As a UPS driver, you’ll have two main responsibilities. For starters, you must ensure that all the packages in your possession are safe and secure.

Aside from that, you need to follow established delivery routes to transport items in a punctual fashion.

Yet, that’s not the only position the shipping company offers. You can also apply to become a UPS personal vehicle driver.

Other than that, if you’re willing to work through the holidays and special events, you can sign up to help a UPS driver.

At first glance, you may think that the UPS gig is like any other job, but that’s not the case. That’s because the company provides a few distinct advantages.

First up, UPS offers comprehensive employment benefits to its workers. Besides that, you get job stability.

So, if you’re looking for a long-term career in the package delivery industry, UPS may be your best option.

3. FedEx Courier

FedEx is another multinational company that offers delivery services between warehouses, plants, corporations, and members of the public.

All you need to sign up to become a FedEx courier is a valid driver’s license. Plus, you need a minimum of one year of driving experience in a professional setting, and a clean driving record. On top of that, you must be at least 21 years old to apply.

As a FedEx courier, you’ll have to pick up and deliver packages all over your area. Plus, since you meet clients face-to-face, you’ll have to provide exceptional customer support.

This will help maintain the company’s reputation and reliability.

What sets FedEx apart is the supportive work environment. You get to be a part of a community that ensures all its members are safe and well taken care of.

Aside from that, there are plenty of opportunities for advancement. FedEx offers drivers various training programs to help them progress career-wise.

Lastly, with FedEx, you won’t need your own car. The company will provide you with a truck to make all deliveries.

4. DHL Delivery Agent

We can’t talk about delivery jobs without mentioning DHL. It’s a German logistics company founded in the US.

The company provides courier services, package delivery, and express mail. On average, DHL transports about 1.8 million parcels a year.

That means it offers many opportunities for you to join the package delivery industry.

As a DHL delivery agent, your role revolves around transporting items, but that’s not all. You’ll also have to follow up on customer queries and attend to various other client needs.

Besides that, One of the main advantages of DHL is that it has an incredible international presence. The company’s extensive reach and reputation can open the doors for global career opportunities.

After working for the delivery business for a couple of years, you’ll have the chance to branch out and explore work abroad.

So, if the idea of an international career sounds appealing to you, DHL is the perfect launching pad.

5. USPS Mail Carrier

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is a governmental organization that specializes in mail and package delivery in the US. Because of that, people who work for the company are public servants.

As a USPS mail carrier, you serve as a link between the postal service and the general public. Besides that, you’ll have to sort packages, distribute letters, and even sell stamps and other products.

On top of that, some carriers will have to operate a few different postal equipment to ensure packages arrive at their destination promptly and safely.

Although, to get the USPS position, you need to meet several requirements. These include passing a few assessments and screenings. Plus, you should have a safe, clean driving record.

While the requirements for the job are a bit strict, you get plenty of benefits if you land the position. That’s because USPS offers federal employee benefits.

This means workers get health insurance and a retirement plan.

6. Local Courier Services

Aside from all the international companies and massive organizations, there are plenty of delivery job opportunities on the market.

For instance, you can opt for a position with a local courier service like Uber Connect. This business relies on the popular ride-sharing app.

The service specializes in transporting packages to and from a specific area or community.

As a local courier, you’ll have a wide variety of responsibilities. For starters, delivery professionals will need to pick up parcels and drop them off at designated locations.

Besides that, you have to build connections with businesses and residents in your vicinity.

From the outside, it may seem like working for a smaller company can be a little limiting. Yet, the job will offer you countless other benefits.

A great example of that is working in a community-focused environment. This will give you a chance to build a network of connections and improve your local area.

Plus, a local courier typically won’t have as many parcels to deliver per day as other international delivery personnel. So, your schedule should be more relaxed.

7. Independent Contractor for Food Delivery Apps

Over the past few years, there has been a significant increase in food delivery sales. That’s because more people are choosing to order in rather than going out to a restaurant.

Luckily, this opens up the door for countless individuals to join the food delivery industry as independent contractors.

These workers have one responsibility. All they have to do is pick up orders from dining establishments and deliver them to the client’s doorstep.

Not only is this job simple, but it offers many other advantages. For example, as an independent contractor, you can maintain a flexible delivery schedule. You’ll get to choose your working hours, which makes this the perfect side hustle for anyone who wants to work other delivery jobs.

Plus, this will help you get to know the restaurants and cafes in your area.

Thankfully, there are quite a few businesses looking for independent contractors to deliver food. Right off the bat, one of the most well-liked options is Uber Eats.

Other than that, you can work for organizations like DoorDash, Postmates, and Grubhub.

8. Grocery Delivery Services

In today’s world, many of us lead busy lives with little to no free time. That means people don’t have the time to visit grocery stores to stock up on supplies.

For that reason, there’s been a major increase in grocery delivery services. These are businesses that connect individuals with supermarkets in their vicinity.

As a driver, your main role is to pick up orders from fulfillment centers and deliver them to your clients. Aside from that, you may have to shop for your customers.

Although, this will depend on the organization you work for.

Speaking of grocery delivery companies, there are several options on the market. This includes businesses like Instacart and Shipt. 

Other than that, drivers have to provide exceptional customer service. That’s because they represent the company they work for every time they deal with a client.

What Makes a Great Package Delivery Job?

There are a few factors that can influence your decision when it comes to choosing a great package delivery job.

First up, the pay rate will play a major role. You have to ensure that the position you’re applying for can supply adequate compensation to provide you with financial stability.

Other than that, job security is another factor you should consider. An excellent package delivery job will offer drivers a sense of stability.

That way, you won’t have to worry about sudden employment changes. So, if job security is important to you, your best bet is USPS or UPS.

Moving on, it’s a good idea to take a look at the benefits the position provides. Ensure that the position will cover aspects like health insurance and a retirement plan.

Besides that, the package delivery job should match your scheduling preferences. That’s why most drivers will look for jobs with flexible hours.

Finally, it’s best practice to examine the company culture before you sign a contract. That way, you can ensure that it aligns with your personal values.

Not only will that make interacting with your co-workers easier, but it should also boost job satisfaction.

How to Choose the Right Delivery Job For You

With hundreds of package delivery jobs on the market, it can be a bit tricky to choose one position. Fortunately, there are a few tips you can try to make the process easier.

Typically, it’s best practice to start with a self-assessment. Examine your skills and preferences in relation to the jobs you’re applying for.

So, ask yourself a few simple questions to help you outline what you’re after. Are you looking for a specific compensation package, or is job security more important?

Once that’s out of the way, it’s time for a little market research. Investigate the companies around you and compare their offers to ensure you land the best one.

Lastly, don’t forget to reach out to other drivers working as package delivery agents. They should be able to give you a more in-depth look at what the job entails.

Wrapping Up

Thanks to our increasingly remote lifestyles, there are countless package delivery jobs on the market. From high-value parcel transportation to grocery delivery services, the options are endless.

On top of that, there are quite a few companies that are always on the lookout for new couriers. Some of the most notable names include Amazon, UPS, FedEx, DHL, and USPS.

Other than that, you can opt for more local positions. In that case, you’ll want to sign up with businesses like Uber Connect, Uber Eats, or Instacart.

What are you waiting for? Start exploring these companies and see which one is the best fit for you.