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Get startedDelivery jobs are some of the most suitable vacancies for students and graduates. There are a ton of perks to delivery jobs that university students and graduates can benefit from. This guide can help you answer questions you might be asking yourself on the topic of delivery jobs where to find them, and what you need to know about them before you get started. Are delivery jobs the right option for you? Let’s find out.
Types of Delivery Jobs
There are several types of delivery jobs. The difference between them does not only lie in the services that they provide. Some delivery jobs may differ from others for several reasons. Familiarize yourself with the diverse types and find out which one is most suitable for you.
Food Delivery
Food delivery remains one of the most in-demand delivery jobs, as people continue to rely on convenient meal services even after the pandemic. It offers flexible work options that suit students, freelancers, and anyone seeking extra income.
DoorDash
DoorDash is one of the leading online food ordering and delivery platforms operating across the United States, Canada, Australia, and several other international markets. It connects local restaurants with customers through its easy-to-use app and website, offering flexible gig opportunities for independent contractors known as Dashers.
DoorDash’s top perks are:
DoorDash
DoorDash is one of the leading online food ordering and delivery platforms operating across the United States, Canada, Australia, and several other international markets. It connects local restaurants with customers through its easy-to-use app and website, offering flexible gig opportunities for independent contractors known as Dashers.
DoorDash’s top perks are:
- Flexibility: You can choose your own hours and deliver when it suits your schedule.
- Earnings control: you keep 100% of your tips and can track earnings in real time through the app.
- Dasher support: access to 24/7 customer support and safety resources while delivering.
If you are new to working with DoorDash, use your first few weeks, similar to a probation period, to show reliability and punctuality. Consistent performance can help you secure better delivery opportunities and stronger customer ratings over time.
Apply for delivery jobs at DoorDash
Once you join DoorDash, you’ll receive a welcome kit containing:
Apply for delivery jobs at DoorDash
Once you join DoorDash, you’ll receive a welcome kit containing:
- A delivery bag
- A red card (for select orders)
- Access to the Dasher app and safety training materials
Newspaper Delivery
Did you know that some of the most influential people of all time used to work as newspaper deliverers (also known as ‘paperboys’)? This includes Walt Disney, Martin Luther King Jr., and Tom Cruise!
One can easily assume that newspaper delivery is a dying profession, but statistics claim otherwise. A worldwide study by Two Sides in 2017 reported that consumers prefer to read printed media such as books (72%), magazines (72%) and newspapers (55%) over digital. Moreover, 65% of consumers have better apprehension of the news when provided in print rather than online. Thus, as long as people continue to prefer print, media companies that deliver newspapers won’t cease to exist any time soon.
DPG Media
DPG Media is currently the largest media group in the Netherlands. With over 6.000 people working at DPG Media, the group is also active in Belgium & Denmark. The company informs, inspires & entertains millions of Dutch households every single day.
Mediahuis
Mediahuis is one of the largest media publishing companies in Belgium, with assets in the Netherlands, Ireland, and Luxembourg. The company takes pride in its innovative and collaborative character with hardworking employees that ensure the continuous betterment of their workplace by joining forces with other brands.
The company is responsible for the distribution of newspapers all over the Netherlands. With 6,000 freelancers including deliverers and bike drivers, they distribute popular newspapers such as:
- De Telegraaf
- De Volkskrant
- AD (General Dagblad)
- Noordhollands Dagblad
- Haarlems Dagblad
- Leidsch Dagblad
- IJmuider
Courier Delivery
Courier delivery is responsible for delivering packages to one’s home. This includes post offices and other express package delivery & mail services. Below you will find the popular courier delivery services in the Netherlands.
PostNL
PostNL is a Dutch post and delivery service company with an international reach. It branches out across different countries in Europe, including:
- Belgium
- Germany
- Italy
- Luxemburg
- United Kingdom
PostNL wishes to attract motivated individuals for the job. With their online marketing and customer service, the company works constantly to develop new services that are catered to its customers.
- Mail deliverer
- Parcel deliverer
- Mail sorter
- Mail preparer
- Bicycle courier
- Truck driver
DHL
DHL is a global company with over 55,000 employees in over 220 locations. The company offers jobs for students and graduates, including on-the-job training, internships, and graduate programs. Moreover, you find courier positions as a part of which you don’t need to own a car -the vehicle will be provided by the company.
Contract Types
Delivery jobs have two contract types: freelancer and employee. Which contract type is better depends solely on the kind of worker you are, your flexibility, and your requirements. Learn about the two types and decide which one suits you best.
Freelancer
A freelance deliverer has no permanent employment contract. Freelancing does not have a fixed salary; you get paid per order. Freelancers also have the opportunity to earn tips from customers, which can significantly boost their income. Moreover, you can make more money by delivering in busier areas, during the evenings, and on the weekends. Even in roles like freelance delivery or photography, using an official contract helps clarify expectations and avoids disputes over payments or services.
Having access to clear and comprehensive employment contract templates ensures that both freelancers and employees understand their rights and obligations, making the onboarding process smoother and more transparent.
Employee
An employee is bound to a contract by an employer. This does not necessarily mean that the job is more restraining. Whereas in freelance, you get paid per job, as an employee, you receive a wage or salary. Thuisbezorgd, for example, offers an hourly salary, where you still get paid during waiting time. Moreover, even as an employee at Thuisbezorgd, you still get to decide when to work. Most importantly, one of the greatest benefits as an employee is having health insurance instead of having to take care of your own finances (which potentially include VAT tax declarations).
Benefits
Delivery jobs come with plenty of perks which you might not know about. If you're not convinced about applying for them yet, take a look at what a simple side-job such as this one can offer.
Extra Salary
As a student or graduate, you can benefit a lot from working in delivery as a side job. You can earn money fast with the more deliveries that make. Moreover, you get to earn extra from customer tips. The average salary in the Netherlands ranges from €6.80 - €10 per hour depending on your age. In most cases, drivers get to keep 100% of the tips.
Exercise
Certain delivery jobs allow you to combine work and exercise and thus save you valuable time. Bike driver deliverers do in fact, go an extra mile, by carrying out their delivery responsibility and at the same time, do some cardio. In addition, outdoor exercise is more motivating and mentally rewarding. Alternatively, you can choose to deliver using an e-bike or scooter to reduce physical strain while still enjoying the flexibility of outdoor work.
Experience
A new job promises a new kind of experience. Delivery jobs do not differ. A lot of companies rely on developing a good working environment, where teamwork and communication are key. Working as a delivery driver often gives you the opportunity to connect with colleagues who share similar schedules and interests, creating a friendly and supportive network throughout your shifts.
However, your probation period is crucial here. It is your chance to show initiative and a strong work ethic, ensuring that you leave a great impression and set the foundation for long-term growth within the company. A successful probation period can open doors for further opportunities and responsibilities.
Hopefully, if there’s one thing you’ve taken away from this guide is that deciding to work part-time is not something to be done on a whim. It should be inscribed in your general reflection of what you want your student experience to be like, regardless of financial incentives and requirements. Last and certainly not least, once you’ve got your salary, learn how to budget. Part-time jobs help you discover and create the professional toolkit you’ll be needing tomorrow. Kickstart those decisions by adopting them early!
Equipment
Certain companies will provide their employees with equipment. For instance, Mediahuis offers free bike bags and rain gear to its riders. Meanwhile, many delivery companies provide riders with essential gear such as insulated delivery bags, phone holders, protective clothing, and helmets, along with discounts at bike stores and partner restaurants to support their work efficiently.
Non-native friendly
For most international students and graduates, landing a job in a foreign country where they don’t speak the language can be difficult. However, lots of delivery jobs are non-native speaker friendly and only require that you know how to communicate in English.
CV / Resume
A lot of part-time jobs help develop new skills with which you can enrich your CV. Such skills include speed and adaptability, memory, commitment, and responsibility. Speed and adaptability are key factors to excelling at any future workplace. Not only do you learn the job fast, you also perform tasks quickly and maximize your productivity. Whereas several jobs can help you improve such skills, not all of them require minimum to zero experience the same way as delivery jobs do.
Flexible hours
Flexible work schedules are the backbone of food delivery services. Companies like DoorDash prioritize flexibility, allowing their delivery drivers to set their own hours and work when it suits them best. However, newspaper delivery is no less of a flexible job. By getting an early morning start, most employees finish delivery as early as 8:00 AM. Thus, ideally for students and graduates, they are given the opportunity to enjoy the rest of the day off, either by relaxing, taking up a hobby or focusing on their studies. Alternatively, newspaper delivery can also be done in the afternoon. Mediahuis offers delivery jobs from 15.00 to 18.00.
Requirements
Delivery jobs do not have a lot of requirements. It is quite one of the reasons why they are most suitable for students and graduates. Read below and find out how!
No Experience Necessary
Delivery is one of the jobs that students don’t need any experience for — no wonder it is one of the most suitable student side jobs on the market. Keep in mind, however, that if you are a car or scooter driver, a license is, of course, mandatory.
Equipment
As a driver, in many cases, you are required to have your own functional bicycle or scooter. Some companies provide equipment to help you get started; for instance, certain delivery platforms offer riders access to bikes or scooters as part of their onboarding. Additionally, DHL will also provide you with a car. Depending on the company, make sure you know what it is required from you. Moreover, as a rider you must own a smartphone with enough data. You will need to use maps to get to your destination. Additionally, some companies offer support via a mobile app. Hence, you will be able to message them for any assistance that you need, as long as you own a smartphone with data.
Age Restrictions
In some companies, such as DHL, you must be 18 and older in order to be eligible for a delivery role This, of course, does not prevent most students and graduates from applying. Other delivery services such as Bezorgdekrant offer jobs to students who are just over 15 years old.
Where to Apply
College Life Work is a career platform that provides students and graduates access to flexible jobs. Learn more about available delivery roles on the company-specific career pages:
- DPG Media (EN)
- Mediahuis (EN)
- DoorDash.com (EN)