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What does a Loader/Driver do?

Updated January 8, 2025
6 min read
What does a Loader/Driver do
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Loader/driver responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real loader/driver resumes:

  • DOT certify to drive trucks.
  • Operate automated and semi-automate hoisting devices that raise refuse bins and empty contents.
  • Deliver and run all parts of the DFW Metroplex, and love the work
  • Maintain a neat and clean work area, follow OSHA standards for safe material handling.
  • Deliver auto supplies Unload/loading supplies upon delivery used GPS
  • Conduct deliveries of medical equipment throughout Florida, collect payments, and ensure proper cleanliness of medical equipment
  • Return to shop, perform post trip inspection, turn in all company tools require for the job.

Loader/driver skills and personality traits

We calculated that 28% of Loader/Drivers are proficient in CDL, Safety Equipment, and Post-Trip Inspections. They’re also known for soft skills such as Alertness, Communication skills, and Mechanical skills.

We break down the percentage of Loader/Drivers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • CDL, 28%

    Position required CDL Class A License.

  • Safety Equipment, 11%

    Use and care of personal safety equipment.

  • Post-Trip Inspections, 9%

    Performed pre-trip/post-trip inspections of assigned vehicle and documenting on driver vehicle inspectionreport.

  • DOT, 9%

    Followed DOT requirements and basic operating skills for delivery equipment.

  • OSHA, 5%

    Stayed in compliance with TCEQ, OSHA, EPA, and company rules and regulations.

  • Safety Policies, 4%

    Adhered to company strict safety policies.

"cdl," "safety equipment," and "post-trip inspections" are among the most common skills that loader/drivers use at work. You can find even more loader/driver responsibilities below, including:

Communication skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling loader/driver duties is communication skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "material moving machine operators signal and direct workers to load and unload material." According to a loader/driver resume, here's how loader/drivers can utilize communication skills in their job responsibilities: "experience in driving and communication, capable of dealing with various hazmat associated. "

Mechanical skills. loader/drivers are also known for mechanical skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to loader/driver responsibilities, because "material moving machine operators make minor adjustments to their machines and perform basic maintenance on them." A loader/driver resume example shows how mechanical skills is used in the workplace: "inspect vehicles for mechanical items and safety issues and perform preventative maintenance. "

Visual ability. For certain loader/driver responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "visual ability." The day-to-day duties of a loader/driver rely on this skill, as "material moving machine operators must be able to see clearly where they are driving or what they are moving." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what loader/drivers do: "transport of mobile center to locations, transport-vehicle maintenance, mobile center operation, customer service, & audio/visual equipment troubleshooting. "

All loader/driver skills

The three companies that hire the most loader/drivers are:

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Compare different loader/drivers

Loader/driver vs. Warehouse machine operator

Warehouse machine operators perform various tasks for their employers. These include setting up, operating, monitoring, and troubleshooting machinery, inspecting parts for specifications and any potential damage, and reading and interpreting diagrams and blueprints to position and secure the machines. They are expected to communicate with other team members and provide support for continuous production. Most employers are looking to hire someone with knowledge of production and safety procedures, previous experience as a machine operator, and analytical skills.

If we compare the average loader/driver annual salary with that of a warehouse machine operator, we find that warehouse machine operators typically earn a $5,650 lower salary than loader/drivers make annually.While the two careers have a salary gap, they share some of the same responsibilities. Employees in both loader/driver and warehouse machine operator positions are skilled in safety standards, delivery truck, and hand trucks.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a loader/driver are more likely to require skills like "cdl," "safety equipment," "post-trip inspections," and "dot." On the other hand, a job as a warehouse machine operator requires skills like "basic math," "electric pallet jack," "shipping receiving," and "load trucks." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

Warehouse machine operators tend to make the most money working in the manufacturing industry, where they earn an average salary of $36,642. In contrast, loader/drivers make the biggest average salary, $44,581, in the utilities industry.The education levels that warehouse machine operators earn slightly differ from loader/drivers. In particular, warehouse machine operators are 0.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a loader/driver. Additionally, they're 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Loader/driver vs. Forklift operator

Forklift operators are skilled workers responsible for operating heavy equipment machines called forklifts. They are in charge of operating forklifts, a type of industrial or heavy equipment truck/machine that moves materials from one place to another through prongs protruding from the machine. Forklift operators are responsible for loading and unloading cargo, operating the machine to ensure that the cargo reaches its destination, and complying with safety protocols. They are also in-charge of maintenance work on the machine and reporting any challenges or issues that may be encountered. Forklift operators must be physically fit and alert at all times.

A career as a forklift operator brings a lower average salary when compared to the average annual salary of a loader/driver. In fact, forklift operators salary is $5,233 lower than the salary of loader/drivers per year.Only some things about these jobs are the same. Take their skills, for example. Loader/drivers and forklift operators both require similar skills like "osha," "safety standards," and "delivery truck" to carry out their responsibilities.

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, loader/driver responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "cdl," "safety equipment," "post-trip inspections," and "dot." Meanwhile, a forklift operator has duties that require skills in areas such as "pallets," "basic math," "electric pallet jack," and "safety procedures." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

On average, forklift operators earn a lower salary than loader/drivers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, forklift operators earn the most pay in the automotive industry with an average salary of $37,519. Whereas loader/drivers have higher pay in the utilities industry, with an average salary of $44,581.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Forklift operators tend to reach similar levels of education than loader/drivers. In fact, they're 0.8% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Loader/driver vs. Operator

Operators are skilled workers who are in charge of working on an industrial machine or a specific aspect of the manufacturing business. They are trained to operate machines, learning how to use them. They are also responsible for the maintenance and repair of the machine, and they should be able to troubleshoot problems and provide remedies to them. They must be knowledgeable about the different parts of the machine and how to mitigate any challenges that may arise. Operators should be alert, detail-oriented, and familiar with safety and health guidelines.

An average operator eans a lower salary compared to the average salary of loader/drivers. The difference in salaries amounts to operators earning a $1,518 lower average salary than loader/drivers.Using the responsibilities included on loader/drivers and operators resumes, we found that both professions have similar skill requirements, such as "cdl," "safety standards," and "safety rules.rdquo;

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from loader/driver resumes include skills like "safety equipment," "post-trip inspections," "dot," and "osha," whereas an operator is more likely to list skills in "safety procedures," "emergency calls," "preventative maintenance," and "quality checks. "

Operators make a very good living in the technology industry with an average annual salary of $41,321. On the other hand, loader/drivers are paid the highest salary in the utilities industry, with average annual pay of $44,581.Most operators achieve a similar degree level compared to loader/drivers. For example, they're 0.6% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Loader/driver vs. Lift operator

A lift operator is responsible for overseeing the performance of chair lifts in ski resorts and mountains, ensuring the efficiency of the machine and safety of all riders. Aside from controlling operations, they must also assist customers in getting up and off the lifts, remind them of the safety precautions, and ensure that the ride capacity is up to standard. Furthermore, lift operators must make sure that the machine is in good condition and adhere to all the safety regulations and policies at all times.

Lift operators average a lower salary than the annual salary of loader/drivers. The difference is about $7,137 per year.While both loader/drivers and lift operators complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like safety standards, delivery truck, and safety rules, the two careers vary in some skills.

Even though a few skill sets overlap between loader/drivers and lift operators, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a loader/driver might have more use for skills like "cdl," "safety equipment," "post-trip inspections," and "dot." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of lift operators require skills like "pallets," "fork-lift," "electric pallet jack," and "power saws. "

Lift operators enjoy the best pay in the automotive industry, with an average salary of $36,028. For comparison, loader/drivers earn the highest salary in the utilities industry.The average resume of lift operators showed that they earn similar levels of education compared to loader/drivers. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 0.5% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 0.1%.

Types of loader/driver

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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