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Driver vs local driver

The differences between drivers and local drivers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a local driver has an average salary of $48,160, which is higher than the $34,771 average annual salary of a driver.

The top three skills for a driver include math, basic math and CDL. The most important skills for a local driver are CDL, DOT, and post-trip inspections.

Driver vs local driver overview

DriverLocal Driver
Yearly salary$34,771$48,160
Hourly rate$16.72$23.15
Growth rate11%4%
Number of jobs1,017,998786,531
Job satisfaction4.33-
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 43%High School Diploma, 41%
Average age4848
Years of experience-2

What does a driver do?

Drivers are responsible for safely transporting people, packages, or goods from one destination to another. They should be familiar with the different routes that may be taken to reach the desired goal. They should be expert navigators and may use navigation apps to help them along the way. They should also be familiar with the basic mechanics of the vehicle they are using and the proper maintenance and cleaning needed to ensure that the car is running well. Drivers are expected to have excellent customer relation skills, a strong sense of direction, and superb organizations.

What does a local driver do?

A local driver is responsible for transporting people and goods and services from the distribution centers to various destinations. Local drivers operate vehicles and inspect the engine for any inconsistencies and system defects that may cause delays with the operations. They also schedule vehicle maintenance and repairs, keeping a record of receipts for the management's validation. A local driver must have excellent driving skills and a clean driving record. Additionally, a local driver should possess excellent communication skills, especially on handling customers' inquiries and concerns and escalating high-level complaints.

Driver vs local driver salary

Drivers and local drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.

DriverLocal Driver
Average salary$34,771$48,160
Salary rangeBetween $22,000 And $53,000Between $33,000 And $69,000
Highest paying CityBoston, MASeattle, WA
Highest paying stateVermontMontana
Best paying companyAir LiquideMid-South Management
Best paying industryManufacturingTransportation

Differences between driver and local driver education

There are a few differences between a driver and a local driver in terms of educational background:

DriverLocal Driver
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 43%High School Diploma, 41%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Driver vs local driver demographics

Here are the differences between drivers' and local drivers' demographics:

DriverLocal Driver
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 83.0% Female, 17.0%Male, 91.3% Female, 8.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 12.7% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 19.9% Asian, 3.5% White, 58.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 13.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 17.5% Asian, 3.6% White, 60.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between driver and local driver duties and responsibilities

Driver example responsibilities.

  • Haul asphalt, gravel, dirt, etc.
  • Maintain accurate logs and comply with all FMCSA regulations.
  • Deliver sand, rock, and asphalt across eastern NC.
  • Provide safe and timely transportation for students, utilizing CDL license and attendant endorsements.
  • Reduce carrier and customer risk by remaining proficiently knowledgeable of FMCSA rules and regulations.
  • Air brakes endorsement but willing and able to get others including tanker, HazMat, and passenger.
  • Show more

Local driver example responsibilities.

  • Experience in semi driving, logging, managing bills of lading, light maintenance, vehicle inspections.
  • Transport Hazmat air tanks per fmcsa regulations.
  • Full trailer load and LTL delivery and pick up.
  • Assist in planning to ensure loads are ready for OTR drivers.
  • Experience with; dry van, LTL, heavy haul, inter-modal and refrigerate trailers.
  • Deliver propane to residential customers and commercial
  • Show more

Driver vs local driver skills

Common driver skills
  • Math, 14%
  • Basic Math, 14%
  • CDL, 10%
  • Safety Rules, 10%
  • Cleanliness, 10%
  • Customer Orders, 7%
Common local driver skills
  • CDL, 22%
  • DOT, 13%
  • Post-Trip Inspections, 9%
  • Customer Service, 7%
  • Pallet Jack, 7%
  • Hazmat, 7%

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