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Delivery driver, contractor vs commercial driver

The differences between delivery drivers, contractor and commercial drivers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a commercial driver has an average salary of $46,852, which is higher than the $36,870 average annual salary of a delivery driver, contractor.

The top three skills for a delivery driver, contractor include customer service, depot and package delivery. The most important skills for a commercial driver are customer service, CDL, and ladders.

Delivery driver, contractor vs commercial driver overview

Delivery Driver, ContractorCommercial Driver
Yearly salary$36,870$46,852
Hourly rate$17.73$22.52
Growth rate11%4%
Number of jobs361,0451,016,123
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 34%High School Diploma, 36%
Average age4848
Years of experience-2

What does a delivery driver, contractor do?

A delivery driver/contractor is responsible for picking and delivering merchandise from warehouse and distribution centers to different destinations according to business requirements. Delivery drivers/contractors usually drive vehicles of their own, requiring them to be in charge of its regular maintenance and engine repairs. They keep an accurate record of deliveries, including receipts and customer information for reference. A delivery driver/contractor should have excellent driving skills and the ability to follow road policies at all times to prevent delays and potential road hazards.

What does a commercial driver do?

A commercial driver is responsible for transporting people, goods, and services from one place to various destinations as required. Commercial drivers must have a clean driving record to ensure the safety and security of the passengers and the merchandise's quality while on the road. They should also know how to operate a vehicle's engine, inspect system defects, and repair system malfunctions to prevent any delays in transportation and deliveries. A commercial driver must have excellent knowledge of the mechanical industry and report any problems to management.

Delivery driver, contractor vs commercial driver salary

Delivery drivers, contractor and commercial drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Delivery Driver, ContractorCommercial Driver
Average salary$36,870$46,852
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $54,000Between $35,000 And $62,000
Highest paying City-Auburn, WA
Highest paying state-Washington
Best paying company-Laramie County Community College
Best paying industry-Transportation

Differences between delivery driver, contractor and commercial driver education

There are a few differences between a delivery driver, contractor and a commercial driver in terms of educational background:

Delivery Driver, ContractorCommercial Driver
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 34%High School Diploma, 36%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Delivery driver, contractor vs commercial driver demographics

Here are the differences between delivery drivers, contractor' and commercial drivers' demographics:

Delivery Driver, ContractorCommercial Driver
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 79.0% Female, 21.0%Male, 75.8% Female, 24.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.9% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 19.2% Asian, 3.4% White, 60.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 12.5% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 23.1% Asian, 3.5% White, 55.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between delivery driver, contractor and commercial driver duties and responsibilities

Delivery driver, contractor example responsibilities.

  • Hire and manage drivers who run the routes.
  • Ensure accurate and timely pick-ups and deliveries utilizing GPS to maximize deliveries in most efficient time.
  • Obey the rules of the road while using GPS navigation to safely and effectively drive within the greater Seattle area.
  • Ensure packages conform to FedEx features of service, proper labeling is provided, and all paperwork is complete and neat.
  • Utilize time management skills to facilitate the timely delivery and pickup of residential and corporate packages during the busy holiday season.
  • Sort packages by region, deliver packages to customers, handle cash-on-delivery payments, process business pickups, utilize DIAD board technology

Commercial driver example responsibilities.

  • Haul HAZMAT with roll-off bins, tankers, flatb, dry vans and dumps.
  • Plan delivery route & schedule using maps and GPS devices.
  • Develop and maintain an efficient routing system utilizing GPS and map.
  • Operate a Volvo commercial truck and transport regional and OTR loads.
  • Train and evaluate entry-level drivers while operating as an OTR flatb driver.
  • Determine if they would benefit from coming to school and obtaining their CDL.
  • Show more

Delivery driver, contractor vs commercial driver skills

Common delivery driver, contractor skills
  • Customer Service, 47%
  • Depot, 33%
  • Package Delivery, 10%
  • GPS, 1%
  • Customer Satisfaction, 1%
  • Delivery Service, 1%
Common commercial driver skills
  • Customer Service, 19%
  • CDL, 12%
  • Ladders, 12%
  • Customer Orders, 9%
  • DOT, 8%
  • Distribution Centers, 5%

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