Post job

Driver/mover vs commercial driver

The differences between driver/movers and commercial drivers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a driver/mover and a commercial driver. Additionally, a commercial driver has an average salary of $46,852, which is higher than the $32,317 average annual salary of a driver/mover.

The top three skills for a driver/mover include customer service, equipment inventory and CDL. The most important skills for a commercial driver are customer service, CDL, and ladders.

Driver/mover vs commercial driver overview

Driver/MoverCommercial Driver
Yearly salary$32,317$46,852
Hourly rate$15.54$22.52
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs929,7481,016,123
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 55%High School Diploma, 36%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

What does a driver/mover do?

A driver/mover is responsible for preparing and arranging items for delivery from the distribution center to assigned destinations. Driver/movers assist with loading and unloading merchandise using various warehouse tools and equipment. They also inspect the packaging of items, ensuring that the products are free of any defects and immediately escalate damaged items to the management. A driver/mover checks the accuracy of inventory reports to determine the correct quantity of the delivered items before and after shipment to prevent client misunderstandings and complaints.

What does a commercial driver do?

A commercial driver is responsible for transporting people, goods, and services from one place to various destinations as required. Commercial drivers must have a clean driving record to ensure the safety and security of the passengers and the merchandise's quality while on the road. They should also know how to operate a vehicle's engine, inspect system defects, and repair system malfunctions to prevent any delays in transportation and deliveries. A commercial driver must have excellent knowledge of the mechanical industry and report any problems to management.

Driver/mover vs commercial driver salary

Driver/movers and commercial drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Driver/MoverCommercial Driver
Average salary$32,317$46,852
Salary rangeBetween $23,000 And $45,000Between $35,000 And $62,000
Highest paying CityLynnwood, WAAuburn, WA
Highest paying stateWashingtonWashington
Best paying companyUniversity of WashingtonLaramie County Community College
Best paying industryEnergyTransportation

Differences between driver/mover and commercial driver education

There are a few differences between a driver/mover and a commercial driver in terms of educational background:

Driver/MoverCommercial Driver
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 55%High School Diploma, 36%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Driver/mover vs commercial driver demographics

Here are the differences between driver/movers' and commercial drivers' demographics:

Driver/MoverCommercial Driver
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 97.2% Female, 2.8%Male, 75.8% Female, 24.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 12.8% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 19.1% Asian, 3.8% White, 58.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 12.5% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 23.1% Asian, 3.5% White, 55.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between driver/mover and commercial driver duties and responsibilities

Driver/mover example responsibilities.

  • Deliver and install kitchen ware, hanging microwaves, stoves, dishwashers, etc.
  • Gas line installation/plumbing, and HVAC.
  • Maintain an organize, timely schedule for all pickup and deliveries.
  • DOT certify company box truck driver , 26' box trucks.
  • Drive straight trucks on dedicate daily truck routesDeliver & install whirlpool appliances
  • Deliver and install gas and wood burning gas stoves in customer's homes.
  • Show more

Commercial driver example responsibilities.

  • Haul HAZMAT with roll-off bins, tankers, flatb, dry vans and dumps.
  • Plan delivery route & schedule using maps and GPS devices.
  • Develop and maintain an efficient routing system utilizing GPS and map.
  • Operate a Volvo commercial truck and transport regional and OTR loads.
  • Train and evaluate entry-level drivers while operating as an OTR flatb driver.
  • Determine if they would benefit from coming to school and obtaining their CDL.
  • Show more

Driver/mover vs commercial driver skills

Common driver/mover skills
  • Customer Service, 18%
  • Equipment Inventory, 13%
  • CDL, 13%
  • Complete Paperwork, 12%
  • Truck Inspections, 10%
  • Office Furniture, 9%
Common commercial driver skills
  • Customer Service, 19%
  • CDL, 12%
  • Ladders, 12%
  • Customer Orders, 9%
  • DOT, 8%
  • Distribution Centers, 5%

Browse transportation jobs