UPS Seasonal Driver Jobs: Pay, Personal Vehicle Rules and How to Apply (USA & Canada)
Updated October 2026 · Independent guide by Midiablog. We are not affiliated with UPS.
Every year UPS hires extra drivers to handle the holiday rush, when package volumes rise from October into January. Seasonal driver jobs are temporary, but they pay well, start quickly and can lead to a permanent job. This guide explains the two main types of seasonal driver roles, what they pay in the USA and Canada, the rules for using your own car and how to apply on UPS’s official careers site.
The two types of UPS seasonal driver jobs
1. Seasonal package delivery driver (UPS vehicle)
You drive a UPS package car (the brown truck) on a delivery route, usually full days during the peak weeks. This is the closest thing to the regular UPS driver job, and it is the role most often kept on after the season.
2. Seasonal support driver / personal vehicle driver (your own car)
You deliver packages in residential areas using your own vehicle. Usually you pick up packages from a UPS truck or facility, load them into your car and deliver them nearby. On top of the hourly wage, UPS pays a mileage reimbursement. In the USA the role is often called “seasonal support driver” (SSD); in Canada, “personal vehicle driver”.
At a glance: USA
At a glance: Canada
How much do UPS seasonal drivers make?
Pay in the USA
Under the 2023 agreement between UPS and the Teamsters, seasonal package drivers start at $23 per hour, and 2026 postings for “Seasonal Package Delivery Driver” in several states list $23 per hour or slightly more. Personal vehicle (seasonal support) driver postings have also listed $23 per hour plus mileage reimbursement of $0.70 per mile, paid weekly.
Pay in Canada
UPS Canada personal vehicle driver postings for the 2025–26 season listed around $18 CAD per hour plus mileage of about $0.59 to $0.61 per kilometre, depending on the city. Rates for the current season may differ, so check the posting for your area.
Sources: UPS job postings on UPS Careers and job boards (USA and Canada), UPS statements on the 2023 Teamsters agreement; checked October 2026. Pay changes by season and location.
Requirements
For all seasonal driver roles
- A valid driver’s license for the state or province where you live, and a good driving record.
- Ability to lift packages of up to 70 lbs (32 kg) and work outdoors in any weather.
- Availability during the peak, which can include Saturdays and holidays.
- The legal right to work in the country.
Driving a UPS vehicle usually comes with extra conditions, such as a minimum age and, in the USA, a DOT medical check. A commercial license (CDL) is not needed for regular package cars.
Personal vehicle rules
- Proof of vehicle registration (in Canada, registered in your name) and valid insurance.
- In the USA, the vehicle must weigh under 10,000 lbs, and pickup trucks need a covered, secured bed.
- No logos of other companies, bumper stickers or political or offensive markings.
When to apply
Seasonal hiring usually starts in early fall and continues into November, while package volumes stay high from October into January. The earlier you apply, the more choice of locations and schedules you will have. Some postings note that there may be a short wait between being hired and your first day.
How to apply
- Open UPS Careers with the button for your country and search for “seasonal driver”, “seasonal support driver” or “personal vehicle driver” near your city.
- Check whether the job uses a UPS vehicle or your own, and read the pay, mileage rate and end date.
- Have your license, vehicle registration and insurance ready to upload or show.
- Complete the online application. Many seasonal roles have a fast process with little or no interview.
Watch out for fake offers: UPS seasonal drivers are UPS employees paid by the hour, not “gig” contractors. UPS never asks you to pay to apply. Apply only through the official UPS Careers site.
Can a seasonal job become permanent?
Yes. UPS presents seasonal jobs as a way into year-round work; in 2023 the company said nearly 50,000 seasonal employees had moved into permanent positions over the previous two years. Good attendance, a safe driving record and telling your supervisor you want to stay all help.
Other UPS jobs to consider
- UPS Driver Helper: no license needed; you ride with a driver and deliver packages.
- UPS Package Handler: warehouse role, often hiring extra staff for the peak.
- UPS Preloader: early-morning shift loading the delivery trucks.
- All UPS job guides
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a UPS seasonal driver make?
In the USA, seasonal package drivers start at $23 per hour under the 2023 Teamsters agreement, and personal vehicle drivers have been offered $23 per hour plus $0.70 per mile. In Canada, recent personal vehicle driver postings listed around $18 CAD per hour plus mileage.
Do I need my own car to be a UPS seasonal driver?
Only for seasonal support or personal vehicle driver roles. Seasonal package delivery drivers use a UPS vehicle. Check each posting to see which type it is.
Do I need a CDL?
No. A regular driver’s license is enough for seasonal package drivers and personal vehicle drivers. A commercial license is only needed for tractor-trailer roles.
How long does UPS seasonal work last?
Usually through the holiday peak, which runs roughly from October into January. Canadian postings often give an end date in January.
Can a seasonal UPS driver job become permanent?
It can. UPS says many seasonal employees move into permanent roles each year. Attendance, safety and letting your supervisor know you want to stay all help.
Tips for Applying
Apply early in the fall and have your license, registration and insurance ready before you start the application. If you will use your own car, work out your real costs (fuel, wear, insurance) against the mileage rate in the posting.
During the season, safe driving and showing up every day count more than speed. If you would like to stay after the peak, say so to your supervisor before the season ends.
Midiablog is an independent career information site. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by or hiring on behalf of UPS. Pay, mileage rates, requirements and openings change each season; always confirm details in the official job posting before applying.
