Drive a light vehicle, such as a truck or van, with a capacity of less than 26,000 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), primarily to deliver or pick up merchandise or to deliver packages. May load and unload vehicle.
U.S. Workers
994,410
Median Salary
$44,140
10-Year Growth
+7.3%
Annual Openings
120,200
Typical entry: High school diploma or equivalent
14 of 14 tasks have some AI capability
Exposure Trend
This score reflects estimated AI technical capability for tasks in this occupation. It does not predict employment changes, and it does not account for company-specific constraints, regulation, or adoption barriers.
Obey traffic laws and follow established traffic and transportation procedures.
AI: Fully automatable - ADAS and autonomous vehicle systems are able to follow traffic laws and established procedures in most operational settings, and rule-based compliance can be reliably implemented by software.
Turn in receipts and money received from deliveries.
AI: Fully automatable - Digital capture, reconciliation, and automated handoff workflows (including mobile deposits and cash-collection services) allow AI/software to fully handle turning in receipts and recording money received.
Read maps and follow written or verbal geographic directions.
AI: Fully automatable - GPS navigation and routing AI can read maps and follow written or verbal directions fully and reliably for driving and deliveries in current systems.
Verify the contents of inventory loads against shipping papers.
AI: Fully automatable - Barcode/RFID scanning, computer vision, and inventory reconciliation software can fully verify load contents against shipping papers in most commercial contexts.
Maintain records, such as vehicle logs, records of cargo, or billing statements, in accordance with regulations.
AI: Fully automatable - Record-keeping (logs, cargo records, billing) is readily automated with telematics, OCR and software workflows that can be configured to meet regulations.
Report any mechanical problems encountered with vehicles.
AI: Fully automatable - Vehicles already generate fault codes and telematics can automatically report mechanical problems to a base or maintenance system.
Report delays, accidents, or other traffic and transportation situations to bases or other vehicles, using telephones or mobile two-way radios.
AI: Fully automatable - Automated telematics and communication systems can detect delays or incidents and send alerts to bases or other vehicles without human intervention.
Load and unload trucks, vans, or automobiles.
AI: Partial - Robotic loading/unloading is effective in structured warehouse environments, but general-purpose loading and unloading across varied vehicles and items still requires human labor in many situations.
Drive vehicles with capacities under three tons to transport materials to and from specified destinations, such as railroad stations, plants, residences, offices, or within industrial yards.
AI: Partial - Autonomous driving systems can handle some controlled routes and conditions but general-purpose light-truck delivery driving is not fully automated and widely deployable by 2025.
Inspect and maintain vehicle supplies and equipment, such as gas, oil, water, tires, lights, or brakes, to ensure that vehicles are in proper working condition.
AI: Partial - Sensors and telematics can monitor fluids, tire pressure, lights and some component health, but hands-on inspections and maintenance still require human technicians.
Present bills and receipts and collect payments for goods delivered or loaded.
AI: Partial - Digital invoicing and mobile payment systems automate most bill presentation and collection, but cash handling and complex or exception transactions often need a human.
Perform emergency repairs, such as changing tires or installing light bulbs, fuses, tire chains, or spark plugs.
AI: Partial - AI can diagnose issues and provide step-by-step guidance or remote assistance, but cannot physically perform emergency repairs like changing tires or spark plugs autonomously in the field.
Sell products from truck inventory and keep records of sales.
AI: Partial - Point-of-sale, inventory tracking and recordkeeping for truck sales can be automated, yet in-person selling, customer negotiation, and handling exceptions often still require a person.
Use and maintain the tools or equipment found on commercial vehicles, such as weighing or measuring devices.
AI: Partial - Weighing and measuring devices can be automated and self-reporting, but their maintenance and physical calibration/repair generally need human technicians.