Delivery driving as a career for veterans

Leaving the military and finding civilian work can feel like starting over. Delivery driving is one option worth a look: it values reliability, safe operation of a vehicle and working independently as part of a larger team. Level Logistics, LLC is a veteran-owned Amazon Delivery Service Partner (DSP) in Toledo, Ohio, and we are hiring drivers. This article explains what delivery driving involves, which skills you may already have, and, importantly, the free federal and Ohio resources that exist to help veterans with any job search, whether or not you apply with us.

What the job looks like

A DSP is an independently owned delivery company. Amazon describes DSPs as independent businesses that hire and manage their own employees, and it states that each DSP is independently responsible for its own hiring and pay. A delivery associate drives an assigned route and delivers packages, using the Amazon Delivery app. For a fuller picture, see what an Amazon DSP delivery driver actually does. At Level Logistics, starting pay is $21.50 an hour, drivers use Amazon cargo vans and electric delivery vans, and there are full-time and seasonal positions. Ask us about schedules when you apply.

Skills many veterans bring

Everyone's service is different, so treat this as a prompt for your own resume rather than a promise about any one job. Qualities that tend to be useful in delivery work include:

• Following a plan. Routes are set in advance, and the work rewards people who can stick to a plan and adapt when conditions change.
• Safety discipline. Driving, lifting and working in bad weather all depend on careful habits.
• Working independently. Much of the shift is spent on your own.
• Reliability and punctuality. Showing up and finishing the route matters.
• Teamwork and communication. A delivery company depends on everyone doing their part.

Ohio's tools can help you put military experience into civilian terms, as the next section explains.

Ohio resources for veterans looking for work

OhioMeansJobs

The state's OhioMeansJobs Military Service Career Center lists several tools for veterans. These include a Military Skills Translator, described as a way to "map your military skills to help build your resume and search for a new career," and a Military Occupation Search that shows how your MOS code or title translates to careers in Ohio. Veterans can also complete a questionnaire and email it to ohiovetsfirst@jfs.ohio.gov or request one-on-one assistance. The page says OhioMeansJobs Centers are located in every region of Ohio. In Lucas County, the center is at 3737 W. Sylvania Ave., Toledo, Ohio 43623, phone (419) 213-5627 (213-JOBS), according to the county's website.

The same page also lists other programs, including the Transition Assistance Program, the VA Veteran Readiness and Employment program (which requires a VA service-connected disability rating), ApprenticeOhio and My Next Move for Veterans.

Ohio Department of Veterans Services

The Ohio Department of Veterans Services (DVS) can be reached at (614) 644-0898 or contactus@dvs.ohio.gov, and its resources page points veterans to Ohio's veterans workforce services.

Lucas County Veterans Service Commission

The Lucas County Veterans' Service Commission is at 1301 Monroe St., Suite 180, Toledo, OH 43604, phone (419) 213-6090, per the county website. Call to ask what it offers.

Federal resources

Department of Labor

The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) is a cooperative effort among federal agencies. The Department of Labor's part provides information, tools and training to help transitioning service members and their spouses find work. It includes workshops on job search fundamentals, resumes, networking, interviewing and negotiation, plus one-on-one career support through the Employment Navigator and Partnership Program. Transitioning service members should contact their installation TAP office to register.

The Department of Labor also explains that, under the Jobs for Veterans Act and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, veterans and eligible spouses get priority of service in qualified job training programs funded by the department. In plain terms, that means they are to be considered first for services in those programs. Priority of service applies to those federally funded programs, not to private employers' hiring.

Department of Veterans Affairs

The VA says its Personalized Career Planning and Guidance program offers free educational and career counseling, resume support and help finding a training program or job. Vocational rehabilitation is for veterans whose service-connected disability limits their ability to work. The VA benefits hotline is 800-827-1000. Eligibility rules are the VA's to explain, so confirm yours with them directly.

Veterans in the Toledo area

You are not alone here. The U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey estimates (2020 to 2024) count 12,245 veterans in the city of Toledo and 19,437 in Lucas County. For more on the area, see delivery driver jobs in Toledo and Lucas County.

Practical steps before you apply

1. Use the OhioMeansJobs Military Skills Translator to describe your experience in plain terms.
2. Check the license basics in our guide to delivery driver requirements in Ohio. Federal rules tie a CDL to vehicle weight (26,001 pounds GVWR or more) and certain other cases, and we will tell you which vehicle a position involves.
3. Contact a veterans resource above if you want free job-search help, with or without us.
4. Think about the physical demands, including winter work.

Level Logistics is proud to be veteran-owned. If delivery driving sounds like a fit, Apply with Level Logistics.