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What does a distributor operator do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read

There are skills that distributor operators should have to be effective in the job. Some of the most common skills to be able to accomplish the responsibilities needed for the position include CDL (Commercial Drivers License), DoT (Damage over Time), and of course, past experience of being a distributor operator. For jobs like this, it would be better to search by industry instead of through keyword. This helps you to see a wider range of jobs related to being a distributor operator.

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Distributor operator responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real distributor operator resumes:

  • Unload chemicals from chemicals trucks while wearing proper PPE.
  • Work around asphalt pavers shoveling operating various equipment to include roller and road broom.
  • Experience directing high performing logistics teams to plan, process, and deliver accurate and time-critical complex materials orders.
  • Participate in after hours on-call rotation for customer service emergency leaks, turn on/ turn off, and SCADA system alarms.
  • Maintain OSHA forklift certification requiring completing monthly/annual testing.
  • Coordinate storage and distribution of hazardous waste following HAZMAT procedures.
  • Respond and troubleshoot process upsets and enlist assistance of additional personnel for process or plant emergencies.
  • Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.
  • Create weekly maintenance schedule for 7 EMD locomotives , 100 railcars , 3 cabooses and track maintenance.
  • Load and unload items from machines and dollies.

Distributor operator skills and personality traits

We calculated that 17% of Distributor Operators are proficient in Asphalt, CDL, and DOT. They’re also known for soft skills such as Alertness, Communication skills, and Coordination.

We break down the percentage of Distributor Operators that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Asphalt, 17%

    Calculated actual application rates of asphalt chip seal Apply asphalt chip seal

  • CDL, 16%

    Have CDL would drive swab unit to job and rig up and swab well in then turn it over to production

  • DOT, 8%

    Operate and effectively navigate PLC and comply with OSHA, FDA, LOPA, DOT, and other regulatory agencies.

  • Safety Procedures, 6%

    Operated company vehicles and equipment according safety procedures and policies.

  • Hand Tools, 5%

    Removed hardened material from machine and machine parts, using abrasives, power and hand tools and other equipment.

  • Pallets, 5%

    Operate material handling equipment (electric pallet jack), to safely move product within the warehouse.

Common skills that a distributor operator uses to do their job include "asphalt," "cdl," and "dot." You can find details on the most important distributor operator responsibilities below.

Communication skills. Many distributor operator duties rely on communication skills. "material moving machine operators signal and direct workers to load and unload material," so a distributor operator will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways distributor operator responsibilities rely on communication skills: "expedited communications on order material shortages, verified miscellaneous unit counts and inspected pallets per postal/shipping regulations. "

Coordination. distributor operators are also known for coordination, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to distributor operator responsibilities, because "material moving machine operators must have steady hands and feet to guide and control heavy machinery precisely." A distributor operator resume example shows how coordination is used in the workplace: "warehouse coordination inventory controls feed assembly line"

Mechanical skills. For certain distributor operator responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "mechanical skills." The day-to-day duties of a distributor operator rely on this skill, as "material moving machine operators make minor adjustments to their machines and perform basic maintenance on them." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what distributor operators do: "managed the assembly line and resolve mechanical issues as they arise. "

Visual ability. Another common skill required for distributor operator responsibilities is "visual ability." This skill comes up in the duties of distributor operators all the time, as "material moving machine operators must be able to see clearly where they are driving or what they are moving." An excerpt from a real distributor operator resume shows how this skill is central to what a distributor operator does: "prepare and verify receiving and/or fuel shipping documents; visually inspects fuel samples and checks api gravity and temperature. "

Most common distributor operator skills

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Compare different distributor operators

Distributor operator vs. Forklift driver

A forklift operator is responsible for managing and operating industrial trucks and machines to ensure its performance safety and stability. Forklift operators' duties include safely handling of deliveries, securely moving items to storage areas, monitoring inventories and supplies, running diagnostic tests, reporting inspected malfunctions and deficiencies, performing basic troubleshooting, and adhering to safety procedures. It is a requirement that a forklift operator must have excellent time-management skills, as well as the ability to multi-task for daily operations.

If we compare the average distributor operator annual salary with that of a forklift driver, we find that forklift drivers typically earn a $3,786 lower salary than distributor operators make annually.While their salaries may differ, the common ground between distributor operators and forklift drivers are a few of the skills required in each roleacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities. In both careers, employee duties involve skills like safety procedures, pallets, and customer orders.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a distributor operator are more likely to require skills like "asphalt," "cdl," "dot," and "bars." On the other hand, a job as a forklift driver requires skills like "electric pallet jack," "stand-up forklift," "forks," and "drive forklift." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

Forklift drivers earn the highest salaries when working in the manufacturing industry, with an average yearly salary of $38,078. On the other hand, distributor operators are paid more in the utilities industry with an average salary of $42,017.The education levels that forklift drivers earn slightly differ from distributor operators. In particular, forklift drivers are 3.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a distributor operator. Additionally, they're 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Distributor operator vs. Lift driver

A lift driver is responsible for operating warehouse machines and vehicles, especially on loading and unloading items from distribution trucks and transporting the merchandise to different parts of the warehouse. Lift drivers inspect the efficiency and reliability of the machines, ensuring its operational and optimal performance to avoid production delays. They also verify the number of products for distribution according to the order requests and shipment details. A lift driver must be highly-organized, as well as having excellent time-management skills to perform duties and meet strict production schedules.

A career as a lift driver brings a lower average salary when compared to the average annual salary of a distributor operator. In fact, lift drivers salary is $2,805 lower than the salary of distributor operators per year.A few skills overlap for distributor operators and lift drivers. Resumes from both professions show that the duties of each career rely on skills like "pallets," "customer orders," and "safety standards. "

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, distributor operator responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "asphalt," "cdl," "dot," and "safety procedures." Meanwhile, a lift driver has duties that require skills in areas such as "fork-lift," "electric pallet jack," "safety rules," and "rf scanner." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

Lift drivers may earn a lower salary than distributor operators, but lift drivers earn the most pay in the automotive industry with an average salary of $38,145. On the other hand, distributor operators receive higher pay in the utilities industry, where they earn an average salary of $42,017.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Lift drivers tend to reach similar levels of education than distributor operators. In fact, they're 3.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Distributor operator vs. Machine operator/forklift operator

A machine operator/forklift operator is responsible for operating industrial trucks to move merchandise around the warehouse facilities and other assigned areas. Machine operators/forklift operators also assist with inventory tasks by scanning orders and ensuring the correct merchandise for shipment. They manage the stability of the vehicles, ensuring its efficiency and optimization during operations, performing engine repairs for any inconsistencies to avoid delays on deliveries. A machine operator/forklift operator should strictly follow the safety protocols of the business, as well as have knowledge of the mechanical industry.

On average scale, machine operator/forklift operators bring in lower salaries than distributor operators. In fact, they earn a $4,810 lower salary per year.By looking over several distributor operators and machine operator/forklift operators resumes, we found that both roles require similar skills in their day-to-day duties, such as "safety procedures," "customer orders," and "safety standards." But beyond that, the careers look very different.

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from distributor operator resumes include skills like "asphalt," "cdl," "dot," and "bars," whereas a machine operator/forklift operator is more likely to list skills in "drive forklift," "machine operation," "cnc," and "electric pallet jack. "

Machine operator/forklift operators earn the best pay in the automotive industry, where they command an average salary of $36,711. Distributor operators earn the highest pay from the utilities industry, with an average salary of $42,017.When it comes to education, machine operator/forklift operators tend to earn similar degree levels compared to distributor operators. In fact, they're 3.3% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Distributor operator vs. Driver/warehouse worker

A driver/warehouse worker is responsible for transporting goods and services from the warehouse or distribution center to specific destinations based on the delivery details. Driver/warehouse workers assist in loading and unloading items from delivery trucks, storing merchandise to the appropriate warehouse areas, operating various warehouse tools and equipment, and inspecting the delivery vehicle for any engine defects that might cause delays. They also check the inventory report to ensure the correct quantity of items and escalate customers' complaints to the warehouse management for immediate resolution, such as product replacement or issuing refunds.

Driver/warehouse workers average a lower salary than the annual salary of distributor operators. The difference is about $2,064 per year.While both distributor operators and driver/warehouse workers complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like cdl, customer orders, and rf, the two careers vary in some skills.Each job also requires different skills to carry out their responsibilities. A distributor operator uses "asphalt," "dot," "safety procedures," and "bars." Driver/warehouse workers are more likely to have duties that require skills in "customer service," "delivery truck," "electric pallet jack," and "safety regulations. "In general, driver/warehouse workers earn the most working in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $35,536. The highest-paying industry for a distributor operator is the utilities industry.driver/warehouse workers reach similar levels of education compared to distributor operators, in general. The difference is that they're 3.0% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of distributor operator

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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