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Class b driver vs local driver

The differences between class b drivers and local drivers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a class b driver and a local driver. Additionally, a local driver has an average salary of $48,160, which is higher than the $44,233 average annual salary of a class b driver.

The top three skills for a class b driver include CDL, DOT and customer service. The most important skills for a local driver are CDL, DOT, and post-trip inspections.

Class b driver vs local driver overview

Class B DriverLocal Driver
Yearly salary$44,233$48,160
Hourly rate$21.27$23.15
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs703,020786,531
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 46%High School Diploma, 41%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

What does a class b driver do?

A Class B driver is responsible for operating vehicles with weight requirements, usually used for commercial and industrial purposes. Class B drivers are typically employed as a school bus driver, delivery truck driver, public transit driver, ensuring that they meet a clean driving record. They should also have excellent knowledge of the mechanical industry, especially on inspecting the vehicle's engine condition and set maintenance repairs as necessary. A Class B driver must adhere to the safe road regulations at all times to prevent accidents and avoid delays in operation.

What does a local driver do?

A local driver is responsible for transporting people and goods and services from the distribution centers to various destinations. Local drivers operate vehicles and inspect the engine for any inconsistencies and system defects that may cause delays with the operations. They also schedule vehicle maintenance and repairs, keeping a record of receipts for the management's validation. A local driver must have excellent driving skills and a clean driving record. Additionally, a local driver should possess excellent communication skills, especially on handling customers' inquiries and concerns and escalating high-level complaints.

Class b driver vs local driver salary

Class b drivers and local drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Class B DriverLocal Driver
Average salary$44,233$48,160
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $55,000Between $33,000 And $69,000
Highest paying CityKent, WASeattle, WA
Highest paying stateWashingtonMontana
Best paying companyIlitch HoldingsMid-South Management
Best paying industryConstructionTransportation

Differences between class b driver and local driver education

There are a few differences between a class b driver and a local driver in terms of educational background:

Class B DriverLocal Driver
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 46%High School Diploma, 41%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Class b driver vs local driver demographics

Here are the differences between class b drivers' and local drivers' demographics:

Class B DriverLocal Driver
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 90.1% Female, 9.9%Male, 91.3% Female, 8.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 12.1% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 18.4% Asian, 3.8% White, 60.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 13.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 17.5% Asian, 3.6% White, 60.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between class b driver and local driver duties and responsibilities

Class b driver example responsibilities.

  • Maintain dot log books daily.
  • Used a RF scanner to maintain inventory.
  • Use of tow motors and RF scanners also.
  • Follow all rules and regulations while safely transporting HazMat cargo.
  • Follow all organizational and OSHA rules and guidelines regarding handling of hazardous waste materials.
  • Operate propane sit-down, electric stand-up, and special Hazmat forklifts to load and unload inventory.
  • Show more

Local driver example responsibilities.

  • Experience in semi driving, logging, managing bills of lading, light maintenance, vehicle inspections.
  • Transport Hazmat air tanks per fmcsa regulations.
  • Full trailer load and LTL delivery and pick up.
  • Assist in planning to ensure loads are ready for OTR drivers.
  • Experience with; dry van, LTL, heavy haul, inter-modal and refrigerate trailers.
  • Deliver propane to residential customers and commercial
  • Show more

Class b driver vs local driver skills

Common class b driver skills
  • CDL, 30%
  • DOT, 13%
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • Customer Locations, 5%
  • Straight Truck, 5%
  • Post-Trip Inspections, 4%
Common local driver skills
  • CDL, 22%
  • DOT, 13%
  • Post-Trip Inspections, 9%
  • Customer Service, 7%
  • Pallet Jack, 7%
  • Hazmat, 7%

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