Two ways to drive for DPD
Employed delivery driver
DPD employs drivers directly at its depots on a set shift pattern, driving DPD's own vans on a fixed route. You're on payroll with holiday pay and a pension, the van and fuel are the company's problem, and the trade-off is a rota you don't control. These roles are advertised on DPD's careers site and, at busier depots, on the job boards.
Owner driver franchise
The owner driver franchise is a self-employed route. You supply or lease a van that carries DPD livery, take on a dedicated route from a depot, and are paid for the stops you complete. You run it as a business: sole trader or limited company, your own accounts, your own vehicle costs. In return you get a consistent route, a known depot and the brand on the side of the van. DPD Local, the sister network, runs a similar owner driver model.
What you need
- Employed roles: a full UK driving licence, usually with six points or fewer, the right to work in the UK, and a background check. Experience in multi-drop helps but isn't always required.
- Owner driver: all of the above plus a suitable van that meets DPD's age and size requirements, business insurance including goods in transit, registration with HMRC, and enough cash flow to cover the first weeks before invoices are paid.
How the pay works
Employed drivers earn an hourly rate or salary, with overtime in peak season. Owner drivers are paid per stop or per route, so earnings track the density of the round; a tight urban route pays very differently from a rural one. Vehicle finance, fuel and insurance come out of that before it's income. If you're weighing a franchise, work through our van hire versus buying guide and the courier pay breakdown first.
How to apply
Employed roles and the owner driver programme are both advertised through DPD's careers site, depot by depot. Listings below are the DPD roles currently on Delivery Driver HQ, followed by the latest van and multi-drop work if there are few live.