Post job

Delivery helper vs over the road driver

The differences between delivery helpers and over the road drivers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an over the road driver has an average salary of $62,119, which is higher than the $33,482 average annual salary of a delivery helper.

The top three skills for a delivery helper include DOT, roofing and basic math. The most important skills for an over the road driver are CDL, PET, and post-trip inspections.

Delivery helper vs over the road driver overview

Delivery HelperOver The Road Driver
Yearly salary$33,482$62,119
Hourly rate$16.10$29.86
Growth rate11%4%
Number of jobs166,571711,143
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 53%High School Diploma, 37%
Average age4848
Years of experience-2

What does a delivery helper do?

A delivery helper is someone who aids a delivery driver and rides with him in the truck, and assists him in the home deliveries. Delivery helpers are responsible for checking merchandise and packages. They also assist the driver load, unload, and move equipment as well as deliver orders for customers. Also, their duties include installing and operating GPS software to help the delivery driver in coming to their destination. They typically are in charge of completing whichever tasks the delivery driver is required to perform their services.

What does an over the road driver do?

Over the road, (OTR) drivers are the truckers driving the big semi-trailer truck that hauls all types of goods to their destinations across the states. Their journey typically begins with loading the freight onto the trailer, requiring them to lift heavy materials and load the cargo properly to avoid shifting while in transit. They often sleep in the sleeper berth at a truck stop to eat, freshen up and refuel. They are allowed to go on a 30-minute break after an eight-hour drive.

Delivery helper vs over the road driver salary

Delivery helpers and over the road drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Delivery HelperOver The Road Driver
Average salary$33,482$62,119
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $40,000Between $43,000 And $88,000
Highest paying CityKent, WACamden, NJ
Highest paying stateWashingtonNew Jersey
Best paying companyPepsiCoWalmart
Best paying industryConstructionManufacturing

Differences between delivery helper and over the road driver education

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

Delivery HelperOver The Road Driver
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 53%High School Diploma, 37%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Delivery helper vs over the road driver demographics

Here are the differences between delivery helpers' and over the road drivers' demographics:

Delivery HelperOver The Road Driver
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 91.2% Female, 8.8%Male, 88.9% Female, 11.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 12.8% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 20.9% Asian, 3.3% White, 57.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 13.7% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 3.9% White, 60.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between delivery helper and over the road driver duties and responsibilities

Delivery helper example responsibilities.

  • DOT; heavy lifting; top-rate Delivery/Install team per customer survey reports.
  • Keep track of dot logs and comply with mdot laws and regulations.
  • Help navigate to customers houses using maps, GPS, street signs etc.
  • Assist with the CDL driver to deliver every Budweiser product to each store.
  • Install various restaurant equipment such as stoves, coolers, sinks and refrigerators.
  • Assist in the delivery of beer and wine to groceries, restaurants and other customers.
  • Show more

Over the road driver example responsibilities.

  • Experience in semi driving, logging, managing bills of lading, light maintenance, vehicle inspections.
  • Work OTR reefer unit with assign trainer after CDL are obtained.
  • Comply with all FMCSA rules and regulations to maintain CDL-A status.
  • Train CDL driver responsible for OTR pick up and delivery of goods.
  • Transport domestic freight from customer to customer, and employ industry standard HAZMAT procedures.
  • Action resources is a HAZMAT company that have drivers locally and over the road.
  • Show more

Delivery helper vs over the road driver skills

Common delivery helper skills
  • DOT, 40%
  • Roofing, 24%
  • Basic Math, 8%
  • Customers Homes, 4%
  • Work Ethic, 4%
  • Safety Procedures, 4%
Common over the road driver skills
  • CDL, 34%
  • PET, 8%
  • Post-Trip Inspections, 7%
  • Hazmat, 6%
  • Customer Service, 5%
  • Federal Regulations, 4%

Browse transportation jobs