[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Careers in Last Mile Delivery” button_one_text=”SEND PARCEL” button_one_url=”https:\/\/recordexpress.com\/get-a-quote\/” background_overlay_color=”rgba(10,0,0,0.5)” content_max_width=”69%” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”||||||||” title_font_size=”48px” background_enable_color=”off” background_image=”https:\/\/recordexpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/dreamstime_m_8676812.jpg” min_height_last_edited=”off|phone” height=”500px” height_tablet=”” height_phone=”” height_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”140px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”100px||||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” title_font_size_tablet=”” title_font_size_phone=”36px” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|300|||||||” text_font_size=”15px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Home<\/a> \/ Last Mile<\/a> \/ Careers in Last Mile Delivery<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”2187.1px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/recordexpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/arriere-camionette-2021-04-23-red-0204-scaled-1.jpeg” title_text=”arri\u00e8re-camionette-2021-04-23-red-0204-scaled” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|300|||||||” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n TL;DR:<\/strong> Last-mile delivery offers a range of B2B logistics career opportunities \u2013 from courier drivers and dispatch coordinators to route planners \u2013 in a sector that employs over 116,000 people in Belgium warehouselogistiek.eu<\/a>. These roles typically require a valid driving licence (at least category B for vans) and strong soft skills like punctuality, customer focus, and stress resistance leforem.be<\/a>. However, the industry faces talent shortages, evolving contract models, and demanding working conditions, prompting new policies and innovation. Looking ahead, digital tools, route optimization software, and electric vehicles (EVs) are reshaping skill requirements. Both Belgian law and EU directives are improving labour standards \u2013 from working time limits to gig-worker protections \u2013 making last-mile logistics more sustainable as a long-term B2B career path.<\/p>\n Last-mile B2B logistics relies on couriers on the road and coordinators behind the scenes. In business-to-business (B2B) delivery operations, the primary role is the delivery driver (courier) who transports packages from local depots to business clients\u2019 locations.<\/p>\n These drivers handle multiple drop-offs per route and often operate vans or light trucks. Dispatchers or delivery coordinators work in the background to assign deliveries, monitor drivers, and adjust routes as needed for efficiency multiplymii.com<\/a>. They use scheduling software and real-time data to ensure each package reaches the right place on time.<\/p>\n Logistics planners (or route planners) design daily delivery sequences, taking into account traffic, client time windows, and vehicle capacity. In smaller courier firms, one person may fulfill both dispatcher and planner duties. There are also supporting roles: warehouse and sorting staff prepare goods for last-mile runs, and operations managers oversee service quality.<\/p>\n All these roles must collaborate closely \u2013 a dispatcher communicates with drivers about any client changes, and drivers provide feedback on route issues. In a B2B context, couriers often interact directly with client staff upon delivery, so they effectively serve as the \u201cface\u201d of the logistics provider during that last mile.<\/p>\n Most last-mile delivery jobs require a standard driving licence and a mix of hard and soft skills. For courier drivers in Belgium, a valid Category B driver\u2019s licence (for light commercial vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes) is typically mandatory leforem.be<\/a>. If driving heavier trucks for deliveries (common in some B2B scenarios, like pallet freight), a Category C licence plus a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) is required under EU rules leforem.be<\/a>.<\/p>\n Beyond licences, formal education is not usually a barrier \u2013 many driver positions do not require specific degrees, though experience in driving or logistics is often preferred by employers (eight in ten job postings sought some experience) leforem.be<\/a> leforem.be<\/a>. For dispatchers and planners, a background or training in logistics management can be advantageous, as well as proficiency in IT tools (spreadsheets, routing software) and local geography.<\/p>\n Crucially, soft skills distinguish top candidates in last-mile roles leforem.be<\/a>. Employers value reliability and time management \u2013 a courier must be punctual and meet delivery schedules. Customer-oriented communication is key since drivers often interact with clients at delivery points. Other prized traits include anticipation and problem-solving (to adapt to traffic or scheduling issues) and being safety-conscious (adhering to road rules and handling goods carefully) ec.europa.eu<\/a> leforem.be<\/a>. The work is physically active, so fitness and stamina help drivers lift packages and handle long routes.<\/p>\n Lastly, with technology integration, digital literacy is increasingly important \u2013 modern couriers use smartphone apps, GPS navigation, and electronic proof-of-delivery systems daily.<\/p>\n Last-mile delivery professionals face workforce shortages, precarious contracts, and demanding work conditions. One major challenge is the shortage of drivers and logistics staff, as the transport sector struggles to attract new talent. In Europe, over 230,000 driver positions were unfilled in 2023, and Belgium\u2019s own haulage industry reports a shortfall of thousands of drivers warehouselogistiek.eu<\/a>. The occupation is aging (nearly 57% of Belgian truck drivers are over 45 years old) warehouselogistiek.eu<\/a>, signaling a demographic gap.<\/p>\n This high demand for couriers means plenty of job openings, but also pressure on existing staff \u2013 overtime and fatigue can be common during peak periods. Another challenge is the prevalence of temporary and freelance contracts. In Belgium, more than 70% of delivery driver job ads are filled via interim (temp agency) arrangements \u2013 often short-term contracts with the possibility of a permanent hire later leforem.be<\/a>.<\/p>\n This model can create uncertainty for workers regarding income stability and benefits. Additionally, the last-mile sector often relies on subcontracting chains: large courier firms contract smaller delivery companies or self-employed drivers. This can dilute accountability and has, at times, led to exploitative practices by a few operators pwclegal.be<\/a>. Working conditions are a focal issue \u2013 the job involves early mornings, traffic congestion, and handling heavy parcels under tight schedules. Couriers may work long days; regulators have intervened to cap excessive hours and ensure fair pay.<\/p>\n For example, Belgium\u2019s new law on parcel delivery mandates maximum delivery driving times (generally 9\u201310 hours per day, 56 hours per week) to combat overwork pwclegal.be<\/a>. It also enforces a minimum hourly compensation for both employees and independent couriers (around \u20ac32\u201334 per hour) to prevent underpayment pwclegal.be<\/a> belparcel.fgov.be<\/a>. Lastly, urban delivery challenges \u2013 like navigating low-emission zones, parking scarcity in cities, and handling returns \u2013 add to the daily complexity, requiring resilience from last-mile teams and thoughtful route planning.<\/p>\n Digital savvy and eco-driving skills are becoming essential in last-mile delivery. As the industry modernizes, couriers and planners must increasingly leverage technology to work efficiently. Route optimization software and AI-driven dispatch systems are now common in last-mile operations (e.g. dynamic navigation apps that re-sequence stops to avoid traffic). This means delivery staff need to be comfortable with smartphones, onboard telematics, and evolving IT platforms.<\/p>\n In surveys, last-mile workers themselves rank \u201cnew technologies applied to urban logistics\u201d as one of their top training priorities ec.europa.eu<\/a>. The ability to quickly learn proprietary apps or handheld devices for scanning packages and obtaining e-signatures is now a core skill. Future delivery drivers will also need to adapt to the electrification of fleets. With companies deploying electric vans, cargo bikes, and other low-emission vehicles, drivers should learn the nuances of operating these: for instance, efficient battery management, locating charging stations, and safe handling of quiet EVs.<\/p>\n Eco-driving techniques (smooth acceleration, energy recuperation) will improve with training, helping to extend vehicle range and reduce carbon footprint ec.europa.eu<\/a>. In addition, there\u2019s a push for sustainability and congestion reduction in cities \u2013 couriers might work with parcel lockers, drones, or micro-distribution hubs, which requires openness to new delivery methods. Data literacy could become valuable even for drivers: understanding performance metrics (like delivery time KPIs or fuel usage reports) enables proactive improvements. Soft skills remain relevant in the future too \u2013 automation won\u2019t replace customer interaction at the doorstep, so communication and problem-solving stay important.<\/p>\n However, the overarching trend is that last-mile careers are shifting from purely manual jobs to tech-augmented roles. Continuous learning is key; logistics staff who upskill in areas like digital map tools, fleet management systems, or even basic analytics will be better positioned as the sector evolves ec.europa.eu<\/a>.<\/p>\n New labour policies in Belgium and the EU are raising standards for last-mile delivery jobs. In Belgium, the government has responded to concerns over courier working conditions by enacting the \u201cParcel Delivery Act\u201d of 2023 pwclegal.be<\/a>. This law introduces protections for anyone delivering parcels under 31.5 kg in the last mile \u2013 covering both traditional employees and self-employed couriers. Notably, it sets clear limits on working time: a courier cannot be scheduled for more than 9 hours per day (10 hours twice a week) or 56 hours in a week, with an absolute two-week max of 90 hours pwclegal.be<\/a>.<\/p>\n This mirrors EU driving-time regulations and aims to prevent fatigue. The law also mandates a minimum remuneration for delivery work (initially around \u20ac32.77 per hour, now indexed slightly higher) to combat wage dumping pwclegal.be<\/a> belparcel.fgov.be<\/a>. Companies offering last-mile services must register with authorities and report their subcontractors and workforce details, increasing transparency pwclegal.be<\/a> pwclegal.be<\/a>. Larger courier firms are held jointly responsible if their subcontractors violate labour rules, creating a chain of accountability pwclegal.be<\/a>. These measures came after high-profile cases of fraud in subcontracting were exposed, and they reflect a regulatory push to professionalize the sector. At the EU level, broader directives are shaping last-mile careers, especially regarding gig economy platforms.<\/p>\n The EU is finalizing a Platform Work Directive intended to ensure that delivery riders and drivers for apps like Deliveroo or Uber Eats are not misclassified as \u201cself-employed\u201d if the platform controls their work europarl.europa.eu<\/a>. Under this upcoming law, if a platform exerts authority (setting schedules, pricing, etc.), the default assumption will be that the courier is an employee with full labour rights, unless the company can prove otherwise europarl.europa.eu<\/a>. This could grant many gig couriers rights to minimum wage, social security, and collective bargaining that come with employee status.<\/p>\n Additionally, EU-level road transport regulations (the Mobility Package) already require fair treatment for drivers in cross-border delivery and set universal rules on rest periods. While those rules mainly target freight truck drivers, they signal a continent-wide commitment to safer logistics work. Belgium\u2019s policies often go hand-in-hand with EU initiatives: for example, Belgium\u2019s new law did not directly change whether a courier is an employee or contractor (that classification debate is ongoing in courts) pwclegal.be<\/a> pwclegal.be<\/a>, but it ensures basic protections for all couriers regardless of status pwclegal.be<\/a>. In sum, labour policy is catching up to the fast growth of e-commerce logistics \u2013 both Belgian and EU authorities are implementing stricter standards so that last-mile delivery jobs are safer, fairly paid, and sustainable as a career.<\/p>\n By investing in skills, compliance, and worker satisfaction, both candidates and companies can thrive in last-mile delivery. Jobseekers should highlight reliability, flexibility, and familiarity with technology when pursuing courier or dispatcher positions. It\u2019s wise to obtain any needed licences or certifications in advance \u2013 for example, if aiming to drive larger delivery trucks, acquiring the Category C licence and CPC qualification will set you apart.<\/p>\n Gaining experience with navigation apps or even volunteering for delivery tasks (like community delivery drives) can demonstrate relevant skills. Candidates can also leverage the current high demand for drivers warehouselogistiek.eu<\/a>: truck and van drivers are officially designated shortage occupations in Belgium, so motivated newcomers have a good chance of being hired and potentially accessing government-funded training.<\/p>\n Checking regional employment services for programs is worthwhile; for instance, Flanders and Wallonia offer individual apprenticeship (IBO) schemes where companies train unemployed people on the job with public co-funding cedefop.europa.eu<\/a> cedefop.europa.eu<\/a>. This means a newbie courier could be hired and trained with financial support to the employer, so don\u2019t hesitate to apply even if you lack experience \u2013 emphasize your work ethic and willingness to learn.<\/p>\n A1: For most courier jobs a Category B car licence is sufficient \u2013 this lets you drive standard delivery vans leforem.be<\/a>. You typically do not need a truck (Category C) licence unless the job involves vehicles above 3.5 tonnes. However, some employers may require a clean driving record and certain permits depending on the deliveries (e.g. an ADR certificate if handling hazardous materials). It\u2019s best to read the job description: if only a B licence is listed, no extra commercial driving licence is needed.<\/p>\n A2: Most last-mile drivers work full-time shifts that can range around 8\u201310 hours a day, often starting in the morning to load and then deliver by afternoon. Belgian law now caps parcel delivery time at 9 hours per day (extendable to 10 hours twice a week) and 56 hours per week pwclegal.be<\/a>. In practice, routes are planned to fit within these limits for safety. During peak periods (e.g. holidays), overtime may occur but must still respect legal maximums. Many delivery jobs are daytime work, though early starts (6\u20137 AM) are common and occasional weekend or evening work might be required in busy seasons.<\/p>\n A3: Both models exist. Many B2B courier drivers in Belgium are employees on payroll (either directly hired or via interim agencies with the chance of a permanent contract) leforem.be<\/a>. These drivers have set wages under a labour agreement. On the other hand, some couriers work as self-employed contractors, especially those doing ad-hoc or platform-based deliveries.\u00a0<\/p>\n A4: Yes, there are part-time and student opportunities, though full-time positions are more common. Over 90% of courier job postings in Wallonia were for full-time roles leforem.be<\/a>, but around 7\u20138% were part-time, and a small share (a few percent) were flexi-jobs or student jobs leforem.be<\/a>. Many delivery companies need extra hands during peak times and offer evening or weekend shifts ideal for students or those seeking secondary income.\u00a0<\/p>\n A5: Absolutely. Logistics employers are actively seeking drivers and other last-mile staff \u2013 it\u2019s considered a \u201cbottleneck\u201d occupation (shortage job) in Belgium warehouselogistiek.eu<\/a>. E-commerce growth and customer expectations have fueled hiring, and many companies report difficulty filling delivery driver vacancies.\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nCareers in Last Mile Delivery<\/h1>\n
What are the key roles in last-mile delivery for B2B operations?<\/h2>\n
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What qualifications, licenses and skills are needed for last-mile delivery jobs?<\/h2>\n
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What challenges affect careers in last-mile delivery?<\/h2>\n
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What future skills will last-mile delivery professionals need to develop?<\/h2>\n
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How do Belgian and EU labour policies impact last-mile delivery workers?<\/h2>\n
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How can jobseekers and employers succeed in the last-mile delivery sector?<\/h2>\n
For Jobseekers \u2013 Get Proper Licensing:<\/h2>\n
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For Employers \u2013 Invest in Retention:<\/h2>\n
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FAQ: Last-Mile Delivery Careers<\/h2>\n
Q1: Do I need a special licence to be a last-mile delivery driver in Belgium?<\/h3>\n
Q2: What are the typical working hours for a last-mile delivery driver?<\/h3>\n
Q3: Are last-mile delivery drivers employed as staff or as freelancers?<\/h3>\n
Q4: Can I do last-mile delivery as a part-time or student job?<\/h3>\n
Q5: Are last-mile delivery jobs in high demand in Belgium?<\/h3>\n
Sources<\/h2>\n
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