Newspaper Delivery Jobs: Everything You Need to Know
Newspapers are often regarded as a thing of the past. Nowadays, most people have access to thousands of digests and news websites to keep themselves updated on recent events.
However, contrary to what some statistics might have you believe, printed newspapers are still in demand — both by businesses and individuals. That said, the world still needs somebody to deliver them, which is great news for those looking for newspaper delivery jobs.
A paper route will be a sufficient first job for anyone to gain valuable experience to add to your CV. It could also be great for students, freelancers, or people looking for a part-time gig that won’t interfere with their day jobs.
Read on to find out what this job entails and everything else you need to know about the art of delivering newspapers.
Newspaper Delivery Jobs Near Me
Finding job openings for a newspaper delivery driver near you is not hard at all. There are over 100,000 paperboys and a myriad of online job posts available in the US alone.
Platforms like Linkedin, Indeed, and Glassdoor are all excellent sources to find where to apply for a paper route. Start by browsing around one of those websites and applying for jobs you qualify for.
1. How to Deliver Newspapers
(Service Club Delivery)
Your job as a newspaper delivery driver is rather apparent—bring newspapers to customers. Your shift will likely start early in the morning or late at night, and you will have to be ready to work in severe weather conditions as well.
You may also be required to help with basic administration and pick up shipments on your own from a depot before your shift starts. Delivering newspapers is usually done by car, as you’ll have a lot of newspapers to carry around. However, some newspaper delivery companies may allow bikes.
Depending on the company, you may be required to work only on weekends, twice a week, or every day of the week.
You will have to adhere to a strict schedule, uncomfortable working conditions, and overnight shifts. You’ll also most likely work longer hours during the weekends. However, you won’t work during the day, so you’ll have more time for other things—a day job, studying, socializing, or starting a new hobby.
2. How to Become a Paperboy
(Service Club Delivery)
The most common requirements to become a paperboy are a reliable vehicle and a valid driver’s license.
You will rarely need anything bigger than the average car, so as long as yours is spacious enough to carry around a stack of newspapers and won’t easily break down, it will do.
Experience as a delivery driver is seldom necessary, but it’s highly appreciated. Also, a basic resume is often enough.
A newspaper delivery job always requires a clean driving record, and bear in mind that you might need special paperwork (e.g., a commercial license) for specific vehicles, like delivery vans.
Another essential requirement, since you will have to carry around heavy bundles of paper by hand a lot, is good physical health. Basic accounting skills and solid communication skills are also necessary since you’ll be collecting payments as well.
Local newspaper delivery jobs also require you to work before the sun comes up or even during bad weather, so being a confident driver is essential.
You will most likely have to stick to a tight schedule while on duty, so time management is crucial if you want to become a newspaper delivery driver.
3. How Much Does a Newspaper Delivery Person Make?
(Indeed, Career Trend)
Your salary as a paperboy depends on a couple of factors, but the average amount you can get each week is $394 without tips. On top of the base salary, you also get other benefits like vehicle maintenance and meal vouchers.
That said, your salary depends on variables, such as your location, the size of the area you will operate in, and any extra tasks like picking up newspaper bundles from a far-off warehouse or keeping track of payments and inventories on your own.
Although the overall monthly payment is lower than the US average, the hourly rate more or less stays in line with the national average.
4. How to Get a Newspaper Delivery Job
(Service Club Delivery)
The process of becoming a paperboy is no different from any other occupation. You will have to prepare an eye-catching resume, research some basic information about the position, apply, and wait.
As this is a popular first-time job, your competition will mainly consist of people with little to no experience. You can stand out from the crowd by preparing an attractive resume. Include all soft skills related to delivering newspapers and any past occupation or educational qualifications.
To look for vacancies, you can go online, search for “newspaper route delivery jobs near me,” and click on the first couple of search results. In the United States, there are a lot of job opportunities in every major city.
Most delivery jobs require applicants to be at least 18 years old. In fact, according to Tom Vanderbilt’s blog, How We Drive, only 13.2% of paperboys are teens. Meanwhile, in 1990, that percentage was up to 70%.
The shrinking market for printed newspapers forced shipping companies to widen their range, making hiring people with a driver’s license necessary.
5. What Are the Best Newspaper Delivery Companies?
(SimplyHired)
There aren’t many well-known brands, but some popular labels, like The Washington Post or Paramount Pictures, are involved in the industry and are currently hiring paper carriers.
Other local agencies, such as Hilton Garden Inn and Mitchell’s NY, also offer newspaper delivery services to homes, offices, and other enterprises around their areas.
Using job boards like SimplyHired or Glassdoor will allow you to discover a host of local franchises that look for newspaper carriers.
Conclusion
Although it isn’t as in demand as it was in the past, paperboy jobs are still a great way of gaining valuable work experience while earning a fair wage.
It’s easy to think that delivering newspapers is an easy and dull task, but there is a lot more to it than just knowing where to drop off your bundles of newspapers. Accounting, customer service, problem-solving, and solid driving skills are necessary parts of the trade. So, make sure to let the recruiter know you can do all those things when you apply for the job.
To some, traditional newspapers may be obsolete. However, tens of thousands of newspaper deliverer jobs are still available to meet the needs of consumers who will not give up the joy of reading a new gazette delivered every morning to their doorstep.
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