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Driver vs van driver

The differences between drivers and van drivers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a van driver has an average salary of $36,254, 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 van driver are CDL, customer service, and OTR.

Driver vs van driver overview

DriverVan Driver
Yearly salary$34,771$36,254
Hourly rate$16.72$17.43
Growth rate11%4%
Number of jobs1,017,998791,293
Job satisfaction4.33-
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 43%High School Diploma, 38%
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 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.

Driver vs van driver salary

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

DriverVan Driver
Average salary$34,771$36,254
Salary rangeBetween $22,000 And $53,000Between $24,000 And $52,000
Highest paying CityBoston, MANew York, NY
Highest paying stateVermontAlaska
Best paying companyAir LiquideDVFSchool
Best paying industryManufacturingTransportation

Differences between driver and van driver education

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

DriverVan Driver
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 43%High School Diploma, 38%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Driver vs van driver demographics

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

DriverVan Driver
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 83.0% Female, 17.0%Male, 65.9% Female, 34.1%
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, 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 driver and van 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

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

Driver vs van driver skills

Common driver skills
  • Math, 14%
  • Basic Math, 14%
  • CDL, 10%
  • Safety Rules, 10%
  • Cleanliness, 10%
  • Customer Orders, 7%
Common van driver skills
  • CDL, 18%
  • Customer Service, 13%
  • OTR, 9%
  • Mechanical Problems, 9%
  • GPS, 7%
  • Vehicle Inspections, 6%

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