English For: Delivery Drivers
If you deliver every day, you need fast, friendly English. In my lessons, we practise the exact phrases you’ll use on the doorstep and on the road: clear addresses, delivery notes, signatures, small talk, problem solving, and polite messages — simple, natural, and professional.
Useful Phrases and Idioms (Delivery Communication)
- Arriving: “Good morning! Delivery for [name].” / “Is this number 24, Flat B?”
- Confirming details: “Could you please confirm your name?” / “Would you mind signing here?”
- Safe place / neighbour: “No answer — shall I leave it in a safe place or with a neighbour?”
- Directions: “Which entrance should I use?” / “Is there a service gate round the back?”
- Issues: “I’m afraid the box is slightly damaged — would you like to check inside?”
- Polite finish: “All done — have a great day!” / “Thanks for your time.”
Phrasal Verbs for Drivers
- Drop off: deliver to a location. “I’ve dropped off three parcels on this street.”
- Pick up: collect from a location. “I need to pick up a return from No. 12.”
- Sign for: provide a signature to confirm receipt. “This one needs to be signed for.”
- Run out of: have none left. “I’ve run out of labels — I’ll restock at the depot.”
- Hold up: delay. “Sorry I’m late — roadworks held me up.”
- Get through: pass an obstacle. “We can’t get through — the gate is locked.”
- Hand over: give something directly. “I’ll hand over the fragile item to you.”
Example Conversation (Doorstep)
Driver: Morning! Delivery for Sarah Jones.
Customer: That’s me — thanks.
Driver: Great. Could you please sign here? It’s a fragile item, so I’ll hand it over carefully.
Customer: Thanks. Could you leave the other box in the porch?
Driver: Of course. Anything else I can help with?
Customer: No, that’s perfect. Thanks very much!
Driver: All done — have a great day.
Discussion Practice
- How do you confirm a name, flat number, or company politely?
- What do you say when nobody answers the door?
- How do you explain a delay caused by traffic or road closures?
Mini Writing Tasks
- Write a quick message: “No answer — parcel left with neighbour at No. 18.”
- Write a polite note for a missed delivery with re‑delivery options.
- Write a short text to the depot explaining a damaged box.
Vocabulary You’ll Hear
| Word / Phrase | Meaning | Natural Example |
|---|---|---|
| Depot | Warehouse or local distribution centre. | “I’ll return to the depot to restock.” |
| Consignment | Group of goods shipped together. | “This consignment goes to the retail park.” |
| Fragile | Breakable; needs careful handling. | “Please handle this fragile parcel with care.” |
| Time slot | Expected delivery window. | “Your time slot is 12:00–14:00.” |
| Proof of delivery (POD) | Signature/photo confirming delivery. | “I’ll take a photo as POD.” |
| Access code | Security number to enter a building or gate. | “Do I need an access code for the car park?” |
| Returns | Items being sent back to the sender. | “I’ve got two returns to pick up on this street.” |
| Safe place | Designated secure area to leave a parcel. | “Left in safe place: behind the bins.” |
| Bulk item | Large/heavy package. | “This bulk item needs a trolley.” |
How I Teach This (and Why It Works)
In my lessons, we practise the real English you use every day: clear addresses, short polite questions, quick problem‑solving phrases, and helpful delivery notes. I’ll help you sound natural, calm and professional on the doorstep and on the phone.
If you want focused speaking practice, join my online English lessons with a native speaker. My English speaking course is designed for real delivery conversations. You can make fast progress with English lessons online from a native speaker online, wherever you are.