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Delivery driver vs truck driver-over-the-road

The differences between delivery drivers and truck driver-over the roads can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a truck driver-over-the-road has an average salary of $69,158, which is higher than the $38,785 average annual salary of a delivery driver.

The top three skills for a delivery driver include math, basic math and CDL. The most important skills for a truck driver-over-the-road are CDL, OTR, and PET.

Delivery driver vs truck driver-over-the-road overview

Delivery DriverTruck Driver-Over-The-Road
Yearly salary$38,785$69,158
Hourly rate$18.65$33.25
Growth rate11%4%
Number of jobs1,002,317689,630
Job satisfaction35
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 45%High School Diploma, 40%
Average age4848
Years of experience-2

What does a delivery driver do?

A delivery driver's general responsibility is to ensure that the packages are being delivered to the destination safely and timely. Delivery drivers must be able to communicate well with the delivery team for the most convenient routes and assigned schedule. A delivery driver also has to check with the customer should there be any concerns regarding the items delivered to guarantee satisfaction and accurate service. Delivery drivers should also have basic knowledge of engines in case of any system malfunctions on the road.

What does a truck driver-over-the-road do?

A truck driver-over-the-road (OTR) is an individual driver who specializes in hauling items such as heavy freight, machinery, or construction materials from a home terminal to delivery points. OTR truck drivers usually spend more time on the road due to the long distances they are required to reach. To avoid vehicular breakdowns and delays, OTR drivers are required to inspect their trucks and review shipping and transport documents. They are also responsible for unloading freights and collect charges from customers.

Delivery driver vs truck driver-over-the-road salary

Delivery drivers and truck driver-over the roads have different pay scales, as shown below.

Delivery DriverTruck Driver-Over-The-Road
Average salary$38,785$69,158
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $56,000Between $50,000 And $95,000
Highest paying CityBoston, MADes Moines, WA
Highest paying stateAlaskaWashington
Best paying companyTrifecta TechnologiesWalmart
Best paying industryManufacturingManufacturing

Differences between delivery driver and truck driver-over-the-road education

There are a few differences between a delivery driver and a truck driver-over-the-road in terms of educational background:

Delivery DriverTruck Driver-Over-The-Road
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 45%High School Diploma, 40%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Delivery driver vs truck driver-over-the-road demographics

Here are the differences between delivery drivers' and truck driver-over the roads' demographics:

Delivery DriverTruck Driver-Over-The-Road
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 83.3% Female, 16.7%Male, 88.1% Female, 11.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 12.1% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 19.0% Asian, 3.5% White, 60.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 13.6% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 16.7% Asian, 3.9% White, 60.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between delivery driver and truck driver-over-the-road duties and responsibilities

Delivery driver example responsibilities.

  • Foster strong customer bonds with all clients on route by providing the best possible customer service.
  • Perform daily pre and post trip inspections on the delivery vehicle in accordance to safety and compliance standards.
  • Provide AAA roadside assistance to customers, including jump starts, lock-outs, tire changes, gasoline service.
  • Deliver groceries to clients while executing exceptional customer service.
  • Work in high pace environment often multitasking and establishing customer orders
  • Deliver drugs and assemble medical equipment upon delivery to pharmacy patients daily.
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Truck driver-over-the-road example responsibilities.

  • Experience in semi driving, logging, managing bills of lading, light maintenance, vehicle inspections.
  • Ensure on-time delivery of LTL freight.
  • Transport HazMat products using proper placards and following require routes.
  • Transport basic HAZMAT cargo and ensure trailer are correctly labele.
  • Read maps or GPS to follow written or verbal geographic directions.
  • Maintain the cleanliness of the company vehicle as required by your location.
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Delivery driver vs truck driver-over-the-road skills

Common delivery driver skills
  • Math, 12%
  • Basic Math, 11%
  • CDL, 10%
  • Customer Satisfaction, 6%
  • Customer Service, 5%
  • Excellent Interpersonal, 5%
Common truck driver-over-the-road skills
  • CDL, 34%
  • OTR, 32%
  • PET, 18%
  • Hazmat, 7%
  • Work Ethic, 2%
  • Customer Service, 2%

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