What the work involves
Handle local and regional final-mile deliveries, scheduled routes, retail replenishment, and business-to-business freight.
Complete starter guide
Build a practical final-mile operation
Handle local and regional final-mile deliveries, scheduled routes, retail replenishment, and business-to-business freight.
Often non-CDL; weight, trailer, and cargo can change the answer. Verify by vehicle rating, cargo, passengers, location, and operating model.
Common cargo or service
Parcels, supplies, retail goods, appliances, and general freight
Typical vehicle
Cargo or sprinter van
Operating models
Employee, independent contractor, route owner, or carrier
Common operating risks
- Unpaid loading or waiting time
- High stop density
- Cargo damage and claims
- Parking and access restrictions
- Deadhead and route changes
Common expenses
- Commercial auto insurance
- Fuel
- Maintenance and tires
- Cargo equipment
- Phone and route software
- Licenses and permits
Documents companies may request
- Driver license and MVR
- Vehicle registration
- Insurance certificates
- W-9 or payroll documents
- Background-check authorization
- Inspection and maintenance records
Compliance topics to research
- GVWR and interstate activity
- USDOT applicability
- Commercial auto and cargo coverage
- Driver qualification and hours of service
- Vehicle inspection and maintenance
- Cargo securement
- State and local registrations
Before accepting work
Ask questions that expose the real economics and control
01
Is pay per route, stop, mile, hour, or package?
02
Who pays tolls, parking, rescues, and redelivery?
03
Is a route guaranteed or only estimated?
04
Who controls schedule, sequence, uniform, and substitutes?
05
What insurance limits and deductibles apply?
Last reviewed: September 3, 2026
State-specific research is required.
Wiggins Logistics provides general educational information and transportation-opportunity listings. Information on this website is not legal, tax, insurance, medical, employment, or regulatory advice. Requirements vary by state, jurisdiction, vehicle, cargo, customer, contract, and operating model. Verify requirements with the appropriate agency, company, insurer, attorney, tax professional, or other qualified adviser.