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Flatbed driver vs fuel truck driver

The differences between flatbed drivers and fuel truck 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 flatbed driver and a fuel truck driver. Additionally, a flatbed driver has an average salary of $57,099, which is higher than the $56,767 average annual salary of a fuel truck driver.

The top three skills for a flatbed driver include CDL, OTR and customer service. The most important skills for a fuel truck driver are CDL, hazmat, and DOT.

Flatbed driver vs fuel truck driver overview

Flatbed DriverFuel Truck Driver
Yearly salary$57,099$56,767
Hourly rate$27.45$27.29
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs781,449876,579
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 38%High School Diploma, 44%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

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.

What does a fuel truck driver do?

A Fuel Truck Driver transports fuel and other petroleum products from one place to another, ensuring safety and timeliness. Their responsibilities include measuring and calculating fuel deliveries, maintaining records, handling documentation, liaising with clients, preparing progress reports, and overseeing the loading and unloading procedures, ensuring adherence to the company's safety standards and regulations. A Fuel Truck Driver must conduct regular vehicle maintenance checks and abide by the traffic laws and regulations to maintain a safe and efficient work environment.

Flatbed driver vs fuel truck driver salary

Flatbed drivers and fuel truck drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Flatbed DriverFuel Truck Driver
Average salary$57,099$56,767
Salary rangeBetween $39,000 And $83,000Between $38,000 And $83,000
Highest paying CityChicago, IL-
Highest paying stateNorth Dakota-
Best paying companyHub Group-
Best paying industryTransportation-

Differences between flatbed driver and fuel truck driver education

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

Flatbed DriverFuel Truck Driver
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 38%High School Diploma, 44%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Flatbed driver vs fuel truck driver demographics

Here are the differences between flatbed drivers' and fuel truck drivers' demographics:

Flatbed DriverFuel Truck Driver
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 95.0% Female, 5.0%Male, 95.0% Female, 5.0%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 11.9% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 22.6% Asian, 3.3% White, 57.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between flatbed driver and fuel truck driver duties and responsibilities

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.

Fuel truck driver example responsibilities.

  • Load truck with various types of fuelDrive CDL truck to deliver fuelPrep and deliver tanks to customers
  • Deliver fuel to businesses as requested while following hazmat and tanker protocol as outlined by the D.O.T.
  • Train in backing, docking and parallel parking of tractor-trailers ensure that trailers are properly placard for hazmat load on trailer.
  • Participate in safety briefings and follow all safety protocol including wearing appropriate PPE.
  • Check all load documentation for accuracy, inspect load and receive required signatures for pickup and delivery.
  • Deliver groceries and perishables items in safe and timely manner.

Flatbed driver vs fuel truck driver skills

Common flatbed driver skills
  • CDL, 39%
  • OTR, 18%
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • Safety Regulations, 6%
  • TWIC, 4%
  • DOT Regulations, 4%
Common fuel truck driver skills
  • CDL, 31%
  • Hazmat, 15%
  • DOT, 14%
  • Math, 4%
  • Basic Math, 4%
  • Safety Rules, 4%

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