What Is a Long Distance Van Driver and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

A long distance van driver operates a passenger service or maintains a courier route, delivering packages, parcels, or other important materials. Your duties as a long distance van driver include pick up and delivery, maintaining your vehicle, and promoting yourself if you are a freelancer. Among your responsibilities, you must check in with your dispatcher and contact customers to ensure that you have processed all transport orders and double check on deadlines or special needs for the delivery.

To become a long distance van driver, you need to have several qualifications, including a driver’s license, insurance, and excellent driving and customer service skills. Depending on the type of vehicle, you may need a specialized license. Some long distance van drivers operate their own vehicles, while others operate company vehicles. If you are an owner-operator, you typically need to service the vehicle yourself and log miles. Some employers may require a background check or a drug test before starting work.