How to Hire Delivery Drivers: The Practical Guide for Restaurant Owners and Operators

Let’s face it—figuring out how to hire delivery drivers who are reliable, safe, and customer-friendly can feel like herding cats. Whether you’re running a pizza joint in Peoria or a sushi spot in San Antonio, the need for dependable delivery staff is universal. But you know what? With the right approach, recruiting and retaining great drivers doesn’t have to be a headache. Here’s how to make your next hire your best one yet.

Understanding the Delivery Driver Landscape

The demand for food delivery has exploded, and so has competition for talent. If you’re struggling to recruit delivery drivers, you’re not alone. According to the American Staffing Association, millions of Americans work in staffing and delivery roles each year. The challenge? Standing out as an employer of choice.

Why Turnover is So High (and What It Costs You)

Turnover among restaurant drivers is notoriously high. In fact, industry reports show that losing a front-line employee can cost nearly $6,000 per head. That’s not just pocket change—it’s your bottom line taking a hit.

High turnover isn’t just about money, either. It disrupts operations, frustrates customers, and can even hurt your reputation. Want to dig deeper? Check out this analysis of turnover costs in restaurants.

What Makes a Great Food Delivery Person?

• Reliability: Can they show up on time, every time?
• Customer Service: Are they friendly and presentable?
• Navigation Skills: Do they know their way around (or at least use GPS well)?
• Safety: Are they careful drivers with clean records?

If you’re not sure what to look for, this guide to committed employees is a solid starting point.

Recruiting Delivery Drivers: Where and How?

The days of taping a “Drivers Wanted” sign in the window are long gone. Today, successful restaurant drivers recruiting means meeting candidates where they are—often online or on their phones.

Crafting the Perfect Job Posting

Your job ad is your first impression. Make it count! Highlight pay, perks, flexible hours, and any unique benefits (like instant pay access—more on that later). Need inspiration? See some great job posting examples tailored for hourly roles.

• Be specific about requirements (license type, vehicle, insurance).
• Mention tips or mileage reimbursement if offered.
• Call out opportunities for advancement or full-time work.
• Emphasize safety and support—drivers want to know you have their back.

If you want your ad to stand out, try these creative job posting tips.

Where to Find Candidates?

• Online Job Boards: Post on Indeed, Craigslist, and local sites. Here’s how to maximize results with Craigslist job posting tips.
• Social Media: Facebook groups are goldmines for local talent. Instagram can also help—learn how in this Instagram hiring guide.
• Your Own Website: Don’t forget to keep your careers page updated. Need help? Check out Workstream’s hiring platform.
• Referrals: Your current team knows people—offer referral bonuses!

The Interview and Screening Process: Don’t Skip the Details

Once you’ve got applicants lined up, it’s time to separate the superstars from the so-so. A little structure goes a long way here.

Smart Screening Questions

You want to know if your candidate can handle the realities of last-mile delivery—traffic jams, tricky customers, and all. Use scenario-based questions and practical tests when possible. For more on effective interviewing, see these motivational interviewing techniques.

• Ask about their driving record and experience with delivery apps.
• Present real-life scenarios: “What would you do if a customer isn’t home?”
• Gauge their familiarity with local routes or GPS tools.
• Test communication skills—they’ll represent your brand at every doorstep.

If culture fit matters (and it does!), try these cultural fit interview questions.

The Importance of Compliance and Documentation

This is where things get serious. You need to verify licenses, insurance, eligibility to work, and maintain proper wage records. For legal requirements on recordkeeping, see the U.S. Department of Labor’s guidelines. And remember—if you’re unsure about employment law or background checks, consult an attorney or HR expert. (Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.)

Smoothing Out Onboarding and Retention for Last Mile Drivers

You’ve hired your new food delivery person—now what? Onboarding is where many businesses drop the ball. A rushed process leads to confusion and early resignations. Instead, follow structured onboarding templates like these onboarding templates for new hires.

The Power of Digital Onboarding Tools

If you’re still handing out paper packets or chasing signatures by hand, it’s time for an upgrade. Digital onboarding tools (like those from Workstream) save hours per hire and help ensure compliance from day one.

• Automated reminders: No more chasing paperwork.
• Mobile-friendly forms: Let drivers complete everything on their phone.
• Scheduling integration: Assign shifts right away—see this 24-hour schedule template guide.
• Payslip access: Consider offering instant pay access; see why it matters in this article on instant pay access for hourly workers.

Tactics for Retaining Your Best Drivers

This is where most businesses struggle. Drivers leave for better pay, more flexible schedules, or just because they feel unappreciated. Want to keep them longer? Focus on:

• Fair pay and benefits: Learn how benefits impact recruitment in this DoorDash report on benefits in restaurants.
• Flexible scheduling: Schedules are the number one factor in retention—read more about it in this piece on the importance of flexible schedules for hourly workers.
• Recognition and growth: Celebrate milestones; see ideas in this guide to work anniversaries that boost morale.
• Cultural fit: Build a team that feels like family—more on that in this article about job satisfaction and organizational culture.
• Smooth communication: Use tools that keep everyone connected—see how tech helps in this story about how Gap gave employees control over schedules.

If you’re curious about industry benchmarks or want to compare wages, check out these insights on hourly wage comparisons across companies.

The Last Mile: Common Pitfalls and Final Thoughts on Hiring Last Mile Drivers

No guide would be complete without a few “watch outs.” Here’s what trips up most business owners when hiring last mile drivers:

• Poor job descriptions: Vague ads attract vague candidates; be clear and direct.
• Lack of screening: Skipping background or license checks can come back to haunt you.
• Inefficient onboarding: Rushed training leads to mistakes—use digital tools whenever possible.
• No feedback loop: If you don’t ask your drivers what’s working (and what isn’t), expect higher turnover.
• No flexibility: Rigid schedules drive away good people. Flexibility is king—don’t ignore it!

If you want a deeper dive into onboarding and training hourly workers, this resource covers the essentials: Onboarding and Training Best Practices for Hourly Employees.

The Road Ahead: Make Delivery Driver Hiring Your Competitive Edge

The world of food delivery isn’t slowing down anytime soon—and neither should your hiring game. By investing in smart recruiting strategies, leveraging digital tools like Workstream, and focusing on retention as much as recruitment, you’ll build a team of delivery drivers who represent your brand with pride (and maybe even a smile).

If you’re ready to take the next step or want expert support along the way, learn more about how Workstream can help streamline your entire process—from job posting to payroll—at their comprehensive platform overview: Workstream Hiring Automation Platform.

If you enjoyed this guide or want more insights into building a winning hourly workforce, check out these related resources:

• Restaurant hiring: What you need to know
• How Five Guys grew from 5 stores to 1,500+
• 7 Qualities of a Great General Manager
• 11 Best Free Job Posting Sites for Hourly Workers
• Hire a Delivery Boy – See Live Applicants Now!
• Hire a Personal Driver – Find Qualified Candidates Fast!
• Hire a Shuttle Bus Driver – Streamline Your Fleet Hiring
• Hire a Truck Dispatcher – Simplify Logistics Recruiting

You’ve got this—and if you need backup, Workstream is always just a click away!