Your Guide to Multi Drop Driver Jobs in Essex: Routes, Pay and Opportunities
Essex offers excellent opportunities for multi drop delivery drivers. With its strategic position between London and the coast, strong road networks, and growing towns, the county has become a delivery hub. Whether you’re considering multi drop driver jobs in Basildon or delivery driver opportunities in Barking, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Why Essex Works for Multi Drop Delivery
Essex connects London to East Anglia and the coast, with around 1.9 million people spread across the county. The south has densely populated areas like Basildon and Southend, whilst the north includes Chelmsford and Colchester with more rural surroundings. This creates diverse route options.
Major roads including the M25, A13, and A127 provide excellent connectivity. These arterial routes form the backbone of delivery networks, allowing efficient access between Essex, London, and the wider UK.
Understanding Essex Delivery Routes
Multi drop delivery involves numerous stops throughout the day, typically 80 to 150 deliveries per shift depending on the area and carrier.
Urban Routes: Places like Basildon feature housing estates, flats, and businesses close together. Positioned between the A13 and A127, Basildon offers easy access from distribution centres. You might complete 120 to 150 deliveries in an 8-hour shift due to shorter distances between stops.
Mixed Routes: Chelmsford and Colchester combine town centre deliveries with village drops, typically 90 to 120 stops daily. The A12 provides quick access to both locations.
Coastal Routes: Areas like Southend see increased volumes during summer tourism, though online shopping maintains consistent work year-round. The A127 serves as the main route, with seasonal traffic requiring consideration.
Pay and Earnings in Essex
Pay varies based on employment type and carrier. Here are typical 2026 earnings for full-time drivers:
| Employment Type | Annual Earnings | Hourly Rate | Weekly Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employed Driver | £25,000 – £30,000 | £12 – £15 | £480 – £575 |
| Self-Employed (after expenses) | £28,000 – £35,000 | £14 – £17 | £540 – £675 |
| High Performers | £32,000 – £38,000 | £15 – £18 | £615 – £730 |
Employed positions offer stability with guaranteed hours and holiday pay. Self-employed drivers typically earn more per delivery but cover vehicle costs, insurance, and fuel themselves.
Companies use different pay structures. Some pay per parcel, others offer day rates or hourly wages. Urban routes with higher stop counts often prove more profitable due to completing more deliveries in less time.
Major Carriers in Essex
Amazon Logistics operates multiple delivery stations across Essex. Routes involve delivering Amazon parcels to Prime customers using an app that provides navigation and sequences stops efficiently. Peak seasons like Christmas bring increased volumes.
DPD works with self-employed franchise owners operating their own routes. This offers independence but requires van investment. Routes remain consistent, allowing you to learn your area well.
Evri allows drivers to choose working hours and delivery volumes, appealing to those seeking part-time work or flexible arrangements.
Requirements for Multi Drop Driving
You need a full UK driving licence. Most delivery vans require Category B, which covers vehicles up to 3,500kg. This is the standard car licence. Check what you can drive on the official driving licence categories page.
Your licence should be clean or have minimal points. Most carriers accept up to 6 penalty points, though requirements vary.
Self-employed contractors need a suitable van with capacity for 150 to 200 parcels. Employed positions usually provide vehicles.
Commercial vehicle insurance is essential. Standard car insurance doesn’t cover delivery work. Self-employed drivers arrange their own insurance, whilst employed drivers use company fleet policies.
A Typical Delivery Day
Most days start between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM. You load your van with pre-sorted parcels, then follow your route completing deliveries. Delivery apps provide navigation and instructions for each stop. You photograph proof of delivery and collect signatures when needed.
Routes typically finish between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM. You return to the depot and log undelivered parcels. Volumes peak November through January with Christmas shopping, whilst summer months are quieter.
Skills for Success
Time Management: Successful drivers balance speed with quality service. Learning which areas have difficult parking and allowing extra time prevents delays without rushing.
Customer Service: Friendly, professional interactions lead to positive reviews. Clear communication helps resolve issues like accessing secure buildings or unclear addresses.
Physical Fitness: Multi drop driving involves approximately 150 van exits and 5 to 8 miles of walking per shift. The role suits those who prefer active work. Proper lifting technique prevents injury.
Getting Started
Skilled Solutions connects drivers with opportunities across Essex, London, Kent, and West Sussex. We work with Amazon Logistics, DPD, and other carriers to match drivers with suitable routes.
Browse our current delivery driver vacancies to see available opportunities. We support you through applications and provide guidance on requirements and expectations.
Applications typically involve submitting details, providing licence information, and meeting carrier-specific requirements. Most carriers offer training covering their systems and customer service standards before you start.
New drivers often begin with smaller routes or shadow experienced drivers. Most find their rhythm within two to three weeks whilst learning efficient loading and developing area familiarity.
Our frequently asked questions about becoming a driver covers common queries about working hours, experience requirements, and part-time options.
Why Choose Skilled Solutions
Since 2018, we’ve built strong relationships with carriers across Essex and the wider region. Our focus on fairness, honesty, and equality means we support drivers throughout their journey.
We understand choosing delivery work is an important decision. Whether you want full-time employment, flexible self-employed work, or part-time opportunities, we take time to understand your situation and guide you towards suitable options.
Learn about Skilled Solutions and our approach to driver opportunities.
Your Next Step
Multi drop driver jobs in Essex offer genuine opportunities for active work with strong earning potential. Excellent roads, diverse routes, and major carrier presence make Essex ideal for delivery drivers.
Success comes from understanding requirements, choosing the right carrier and employment arrangement, and developing skills that help you deliver efficiently whilst maintaining excellent customer service.
Ready to start? Apply for multi drop driver jobs through Skilled Solutions. Our team is ready to answer questions and help you begin your delivery driving journey in Essex.
