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Driver trainer vs flatbed driver

The differences between driver trainers and flatbed 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 trainer and a flatbed driver. Additionally, a flatbed driver has an average salary of $57,099, which is higher than the $46,074 average annual salary of a driver trainer.

The top three skills for a driver trainer include CDL, dexterity and training programs. The most important skills for a flatbed driver are CDL, OTR, and customer service.

Driver trainer vs flatbed driver overview

Driver TrainerFlatbed Driver
Yearly salary$46,074$57,099
Hourly rate$22.15$27.45
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs844,436781,449
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 31%High School Diploma, 38%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

What does a driver trainer do?

Driver trainers are instructors who teach their clients how to drive. They are often considered experts in driving, and they are credible enough to impart their driving knowledge to clients. They teach their clients the basics of handling a car, the different actions one takes while driving, and the meaning of different street signs. They guide their clients during driving lessons and provide feedback so that their clients can improve. At times, driver trainers also handle driving tests and would rate the clients on their driving skills.

What does a flatbed driver do?

A flatbed driver is responsible for operating flatbed trucks to manage distribution and deliveries of goods and services from the warehouse to various assigned designations. Flatbed drivers assist in loading and unloading items, maintain a copy of receipt orders, process payments, and respond to the customers' inquiries and concerns. They also inspect the stability and performance of the truck's engine before and after operations and perform necessary repairs to prevent delivery delays and avoid potential road hazards.

Driver trainer vs flatbed driver salary

Driver trainers and flatbed drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Driver TrainerFlatbed Driver
Average salary$46,074$57,099
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $70,000Between $39,000 And $83,000
Highest paying CityPortland, ORChicago, IL
Highest paying stateOregonNorth Dakota
Best paying companyJ. J. Keller & AssociatesHub Group
Best paying industryTransportationTransportation

Differences between driver trainer and flatbed driver education

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

Driver TrainerFlatbed Driver
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 31%High School Diploma, 38%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Driver trainer vs flatbed driver demographics

Here are the differences between driver trainers' and flatbed drivers' demographics:

Driver TrainerFlatbed Driver
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 84.7% Female, 15.3%Male, 95.0% Female, 5.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 12.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 18.1% Asian, 3.6% White, 60.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 13.5% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 17.4% Asian, 3.5% White, 60.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between driver trainer and flatbed driver duties and responsibilities

Driver trainer example responsibilities.

  • Manage delivery locations and execute pickup and delivery routes.
  • Maintain trip logs in compliance with FMCSA regulations.
  • Follow FMCSA requirements for a commercial driver's license.
  • Use of electronic logging system (XATA) and GPS system.
  • Implement the company new hire training program for OTR dry freight drivers.
  • Train new CDL drivers in safety and delivery operations, logbook verification, and route scheduling.
  • Show more

Flatbed driver example responsibilities.

  • Route development now reduce to GPS mapping and computer logs.
  • Operate flatbed tractor/trailer unit in the pickup and delivery of metals auto parts to area recycling yards.
  • Utilize forklift to load and unload pallets and product rolls in company's yard and at delivery site.
  • Load truck from warehouse, operate forklift, organize stock pallets and unload trucks and make deliveries to multiple customers.
  • Obtain and maintain proper delivery authorization and pickup documentation.
  • Provide transportation services for major commercial shipping customers, including Walmart and Budweiser.

Driver trainer vs flatbed driver skills

Common driver trainer skills
  • CDL, 33%
  • Dexterity, 17%
  • Training Programs, 13%
  • Defensive Driving, 11%
  • Emergency Equipment, 10%
  • Customer Service, 3%
Common flatbed driver skills
  • CDL, 39%
  • OTR, 18%
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • Safety Regulations, 6%
  • TWIC, 4%
  • DOT Regulations, 4%

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