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Local driver vs local truck driver

The differences between local drivers and local 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 local driver and a local truck driver. Additionally, a local truck driver has an average salary of $59,069, which is higher than the $48,160 average annual salary of a local driver.

The top three skills for a local driver include CDL, DOT and post-trip inspections. The most important skills for a local truck driver are CDL, customer service, and OTR.

Local driver vs local truck driver overview

Local DriverLocal Truck Driver
Yearly salary$48,160$59,069
Hourly rate$23.15$28.40
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs786,531709,260
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 41%High School Diploma, 40%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

What does a local driver do?

A local driver is responsible for transporting people and goods and services from the distribution centers to various destinations. Local drivers operate vehicles and inspect the engine for any inconsistencies and system defects that may cause delays with the operations. They also schedule vehicle maintenance and repairs, keeping a record of receipts for the management's validation. A local driver must have excellent driving skills and a clean driving record. Additionally, a local driver should possess excellent communication skills, especially on handling customers' inquiries and concerns and escalating high-level complaints.

What does a local truck driver do?

A local truck driver is an employee who drives a company truck to transport goods to and from specified locations within a designated geographic area. Local truck drivers must ensure that the transported goods are well-secured and not damaged during the transit. They must liaise with dispatch to communicate any traffic issues and delays as well as notify the management of any accidents or vehicle damage. Local truck drivers must also assist in loading and unloading of goods by using hand trucks and electric lifts as required.

Local driver vs local truck driver salary

Local drivers and local truck drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Local DriverLocal Truck Driver
Average salary$48,160$59,069
Salary rangeBetween $33,000 And $69,000Between $40,000 And $86,000
Highest paying CitySeattle, WANewark, DE
Highest paying stateMontanaDelaware
Best paying companyMid-South ManagementWalmart
Best paying industryTransportationTransportation

Differences between local driver and local truck driver education

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

Local DriverLocal Truck Driver
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 41%High School Diploma, 40%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Local driver vs local truck driver demographics

Here are the differences between local drivers' and local truck drivers' demographics:

Local DriverLocal Truck Driver
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 91.3% Female, 8.7%Male, 90.7% Female, 9.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 13.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 17.5% Asian, 3.6% White, 60.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 13.7% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 3.4% White, 60.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between local driver and local truck driver duties and responsibilities

Local driver example responsibilities.

  • Experience in semi driving, logging, managing bills of lading, light maintenance, vehicle inspections.
  • Transport Hazmat air tanks per fmcsa regulations.
  • Full trailer load and LTL delivery and pick up.
  • Assist in planning to ensure loads are ready for OTR drivers.
  • Experience with; dry van, LTL, heavy haul, inter-modal and refrigerate trailers.
  • Deliver propane to residential customers and commercial
  • Show more

Local truck driver example responsibilities.

  • Train driver in safety regulations and teach HAZMAT classes.
  • Stay compliant with FMCSA, TSA and FAA
  • Work local and OTR deliveries.
  • cross dock worker local ltl driver
  • Navigate route using maps and GPS.
  • Obtain CDL and deliver products to local stores
  • Show more

Local driver vs local truck driver skills

Common local driver skills
  • CDL, 22%
  • DOT, 13%
  • Post-Trip Inspections, 9%
  • Customer Service, 7%
  • Pallet Jack, 7%
  • Hazmat, 7%
Common local truck driver skills
  • CDL, 52%
  • Customer Service, 10%
  • OTR, 9%
  • Hazmat, 6%
  • PET, 4%
  • Pallet Jack, 3%

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