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Delivery driver, contractor vs van driver

The differences between delivery drivers, contractor and van drivers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a delivery driver, contractor has an average salary of $36,870, which is higher than the $36,254 average annual salary of a van driver.

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

Delivery driver, contractor vs van driver overview

Delivery Driver, ContractorVan Driver
Yearly salary$36,870$36,254
Hourly rate$17.73$17.43
Growth rate11%4%
Number of jobs361,045791,293
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 34%High School Diploma, 38%
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 van driver do?

A van driver is responsible for operating a wide and a larger-sized vehicle than a regular car, usually used as a company shuttle to pick up and drop employees to designated areas. Van drivers should have a clean driving record, ensuring the safety and comfortability of the passengers while on the road. They should also be familiar with the location, considering alternative routes for any road complications to avoid delays. A van driver must have comprehensive knowledge of the mechanical industry, inspecting the engine's condition, and perform repairs as necessary.

Delivery driver, contractor vs van driver salary

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

Delivery Driver, ContractorVan Driver
Average salary$36,870$36,254
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $54,000Between $24,000 And $52,000
Highest paying City-New York, NY
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-DVFSchool
Best paying industry-Transportation

Differences between delivery driver, contractor and van driver education

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

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

Delivery driver, contractor vs van driver demographics

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

Delivery Driver, ContractorVan Driver
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 79.0% Female, 21.0%Male, 65.9% Female, 34.1%
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, 12.2% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 3.6% White, 61.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between delivery driver, contractor and van 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

Van driver example responsibilities.

  • Perform basic math sufficient to process axle weights at shipping docks.
  • Maintain knowledge of first-aid procedures including CPR.
  • Plot route pickup and drop off points.
  • Have taken additional training in HAZMAT and international audit procedures.
  • Specialize in teaching reading, writing, and math skills.
  • Obtain knowledge of CDL laws and statues in accordance with the D.O.T
  • Show more

Delivery driver, contractor vs van driver skills

Common delivery driver, contractor skills
  • Customer Service, 47%
  • Depot, 33%
  • Package Delivery, 10%
  • GPS, 1%
  • Customer Satisfaction, 1%
  • Delivery Service, 1%
Common van driver skills
  • CDL, 18%
  • Customer Service, 13%
  • OTR, 9%
  • Mechanical Problems, 9%
  • GPS, 7%
  • Vehicle Inspections, 6%

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