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Delivery driver, contractor vs courier delivery driver

The differences between delivery drivers, contractor and courier delivery drivers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a courier delivery driver has an average salary of $37,495, 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 courier delivery driver are fedex, excellent interpersonal, and safety policies.

Delivery driver, contractor vs courier delivery driver overview

Delivery Driver, ContractorCourier Delivery Driver
Yearly salary$36,870$37,495
Hourly rate$17.73$18.03
Growth rate11%11%
Number of jobs361,045366,558
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 34%High School Diploma, 38%
Average age4848
Years of experience--

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 courier delivery driver do?

A courier delivery driver is responsible for distributing parcels and packages from the warehouse to various recipients according to the area of designation. Courier delivery drivers verify the delivery details to ensure the efficient and timely delivery of parcels to prevent delays and possible customer complaints. They also operate the delivery vehicle, requiring them to have comprehensive knowledge of engine maintenance and repairs. A courier delivery driver must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in taking care of the parcels properly to avoid any damage upon delivery.

Delivery driver, contractor vs courier delivery driver salary

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

Delivery Driver, ContractorCourier Delivery Driver
Average salary$36,870$37,495
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $54,000Between $30,000 And $45,000
Highest paying City-San Diego, CA
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-Postmates
Best paying industry-Transportation

Differences between delivery driver, contractor and courier delivery driver education

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

Delivery Driver, ContractorCourier Delivery Driver
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 34%High School Diploma, 38%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Delivery driver, contractor vs courier delivery driver demographics

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

Delivery Driver, ContractorCourier Delivery Driver
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 79.0% Female, 21.0%Male, 76.7% Female, 23.3%
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, 12.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 20.6% Asian, 3.5% White, 58.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between delivery driver, contractor and courier delivery 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

Courier delivery driver example responsibilities.

  • Hire and manage drivers who run the routes.
  • Acquire extensive TSA training while doing this.
  • Maintain CDL and drive multiple types of vehicles.
  • Assist in cross-country load planning of LTL freight.
  • Deliver various products to customers including restaurant food and groceries.
  • Hook and unhook trailers from the tractor and converter dollies.
  • Show more

Delivery driver, contractor vs courier delivery driver skills

Common delivery driver, contractor skills
  • Customer Service, 47%
  • Depot, 33%
  • Package Delivery, 10%
  • GPS, 1%
  • Customer Satisfaction, 1%
  • Delivery Service, 1%
Common courier delivery driver skills
  • FedEx, 30%
  • Excellent Interpersonal, 18%
  • Safety Policies, 8%
  • Dependability, 8%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • CDL, 5%

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