How is HR Managing Delivery Drivers?

We asked over 900 delivery drivers about their HR experiences and problems at work. Discrimination, harassment, and unsafe driving demands—from their bosses—top their complaints.

Key takeaways

• 67% of delivery drivers have had an HR complaint filed against them.
• 45% of delivery drivers said their boss has encouraged them to speed on the job. 
• 68% of delivery drivers say Amazon is the best delivery company to work for. 
• 55% of food delivery drivers say DoorDash is the best food delivery company to work for. 

Giving delivery drivers a voice

As a delivery dispatcher, do you feel as if toeing the line between giving a good customer experience and keeping your drivers happy is like walking on a tightrope?

It can be difficult to please both at the same time or focus on one over the other.

Managing delivery drivers can be difficult, but it’s so important to do it right.  After all, they’re the face of your company on the customer’s doorstep—aren’t they?

The best way to learn about workplace issues and how your company can better care for your teams is to ask the workers.

That’s why we spoke with 936 delivery drivers to explore their problems with HR, their interactions with management, and their experiences working for different companies. 

Below, find what the most common gripes are—plus tips for how you can help resolve them. 

Talking about work problems

Not all delivery drivers have access to an HR department, but those who do might contact HR for many reasons.

We asked how many drivers have the option in the first place and what types of issues they’ve raised with their HR representatives.

Most drivers we surveyed (94%) had HR resources to help them handle problems on the job. Almost all package delivery drivers (98%) had access to HR, while only 78% of other delivery drivers reported the same.

Almost 90% have also contacted their HR department because of a problem, resulting in a resolution in most cases (92%).

Some of their reasons for calling on HR stood out from the rest.

Discrimination and harassment were the two biggest complaints drivers brought to HR departments, indicating that not all drivers get equal treatment on the job.

Safety was another concern often brought up to HR. Some drivers simply felt unsafe at work (18%), while others had more specific issues.

Drivers contacted their HR departments because they had been assaulted (28%), dealt with a physical (24%) or emotional (22%) outburst or were sexually harassed (16%) while on the job.

But drivers didn’t just talk to HR about their own problems. Around two-thirds said they’ve had complaints filed against them, which usually leads to an HR conversation.

The most common issues that led to complaints against drivers included:

• Harassment (28%)
• Discrimination (27%)
• Assault (21%)

Key takeaway: Dispatchers and delivery managers must have clear customer guidelines to protect workers from the fear of discrimination or harassment. 

Trouble with the boss

We all need to have a good relationship with our boss. But it’s not always possible for delivery drivers—especially when an employer asks them to do something they think is wrong.

We asked drivers what they think of their current boss and what bosses have asked them to do when on the job.

Delivery drivers shared their experiences with bosses who asked them to take actions on the road that put them in danger.

The bosses for nearly half of the drivers we surveyed have encouraged them to drive for extended periods.

This includes driving without taking breaks, above the speed limit, and for more than 60 hours in seven days.

Perhaps it’s no surprise then that some drivers have also experienced poor working conditions.

In fact, some employers have told them to retaliate against other drivers who try to act as company whistleblowers (22%), while others have asked them to ignore hostile work environments (20%).

A few bosses haven’t put drivers in such dangerous situations, but they were still inappropriate.

Instances included asking drivers to sign broad noncompete agreements (11%) or disciplining them for complaining about work on social media (7%).

The good news for dispatchers is that despite these pressures and demands, most drivers had a good relationship with their current boss—with the majority (92%) saying they like who they work for.

Key takeaway: Although bosses pressured nearly half of the drivers into dangerous workplace situations, most said they like their current manager.

Looking for a great place to work

Given the pressure from managers and dissatisfaction with their hours, it’s not surprising that drivers might consider other opportunities.

So how many drivers have switched jobs for better conditions, and which companies do they think are the best to work for?

Many of the drivers we surveyed were more than willing to hunt for a better job if they weren’t satisfied with their current one.

Over half (62%) have changed jobs to find better routes and hours.

So which companies keep drivers the happiest?

You might find it surprising, but our research found that most drivers think Amazon is the best delivery company to work for (68%). Meanwhile, DoorDash was the favorite among food delivery drivers (55%). 

Drivers are also interested in working for new, up-and-coming delivery services: 72% said they would work for TikTok once its delivery service is up and running..

Key takeaway: Drivers said Amazon and DoorDash are the best delivery companies to work for.

Working towards a better workplace

Whether you have a large delivery team or run a small business, drivers face many challenges on the job that they shouldn’t.

Some even deal with hostile work environments, with bosses asking them to ignore problems and take chances that compromise their safety on the road.

As a dispatcher, take the time to speak with your drivers and HR department (if one exists) to help make things better for everyone involved.

You may find ways to reduce the strain on your HR department and how to help your delivery drivers feel happier and safer — so hopefully, they’ll stick around.

Methodology 

Circuit for Teams surveyed 936 delivery drivers about their experiences with management and human resources at work.

About Circuit for Teams

Circuit for Teams helps companies manage driving teams by planning routes for multiple drivers, route optimization, to save themselves and their drivers’ hours every day.

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