Post job

Motor transport operator vs vehicle operator

The differences between motor transport operators and vehicle operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a vehicle operator has an average salary of $51,505, which is higher than the $51,498 average annual salary of a motor transport operator.

The top three skills for a motor transport operator include customer service, safety rules and reservations. The most important skills for a vehicle operator are CDL, tractor trailer, and safety regulations.

Motor transport operator vs vehicle operator overview

Motor Transport OperatorVehicle Operator
Yearly salary$51,498$51,505
Hourly rate$24.76$24.76
Growth rate--
Number of jobs26,74427,441
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 34%High School Diploma, 33%
Average age5454
Years of experience--

What does a motor transport operator do?

A motor transport operator is responsible for the maintenance of wheel vehicles for carrying goods and personnel safely from one place to another. Motor transport operators must have a broad knowledge of the mechanical industry to operate wheel vehicles and conduct repairs for malfunctions and engine faults. Their duties also include administering convoy defense techniques, loading equipment securely, and following safety procedures and standard protocols. A motor transport operator must have excellent driving and defense skills, especially for military roles.

What does a vehicle operator do?

The vehicle operator focuses on operating various kinds of vehicles, ranging from 4-wheels to heavy trucks and vans. Usually, vehicle operators deliver supplies, materials, and personnel to the intended destination. It is the responsibility of the vehicle operator that all deliverables are shipped safely and on time. It is also required for the vehicle operator to maintain vehicles assigned to them and ensure their safety on the road. The vehicle operator must have a professional license and adequate experience handling heavy vehicles such as trucks and vans.

Motor transport operator vs vehicle operator salary

Motor transport operators and vehicle operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Motor Transport OperatorVehicle Operator
Average salary$51,498$51,505
Salary rangeBetween $24,000 And $108,000Between $24,000 And $108,000
Highest paying CityPacifica, CAMountain View, CA
Highest paying stateAlaskaAlaska
Best paying companyOSF HealthCareTesla
Best paying industry-Government

Differences between motor transport operator and vehicle operator education

There are a few differences between a motor transport operator and a vehicle operator in terms of educational background:

Motor Transport OperatorVehicle Operator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 34%High School Diploma, 33%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Motor transport operator vs vehicle operator demographics

Here are the differences between motor transport operators' and vehicle operators' demographics:

Motor Transport OperatorVehicle Operator
Average age5454
Gender ratioMale, 72.4% Female, 27.6%Male, 83.1% Female, 16.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 15.3% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 13.8% Asian, 4.8% White, 60.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5%Black or African American, 15.3% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 13.8% Asian, 4.8% White, 60.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between motor transport operator and vehicle operator duties and responsibilities

Motor transport operator example responsibilities.

  • Transport veterans to and from their medical appointments.
  • Operate street sweepers, skip loaders and lift trucks.
  • Ensure the safety of clients, applying first aid and CPR.
  • People skills are a must in dealing with employees and veterans.
  • Maintain protocol of current CDL and the functional procedures of the equipment operate.
  • Maintain database of inventory for vehicle status, MHE movement, and personnel.
  • Show more

Vehicle operator example responsibilities.

  • Obtain military CDL license and OSHA forklift license.
  • Comply with the highest standards of safety, and HAZMAT handling procedures.
  • Provide shuttle service to wound service members, their family and DOD civilians.
  • Obtain CDL licenses [] and become operator and responsible for the safe transportation of all vehicles.
  • Utilize a GPS navigation system, street maps, and self-knowledge of areas to maneuver through routes efficiently.
  • Secure cargo against damage and inclement weathers, and operate vehicle component material handling equipment (MHE).
  • Show more

Motor transport operator vs vehicle operator skills

Common motor transport operator skills
  • Customer Service, 20%
  • Safety Rules, 12%
  • Reservations, 10%
  • Patients, 9%
  • Excellent Organizational, 8%
  • Logistics, 8%
Common vehicle operator skills
  • CDL, 25%
  • Tractor Trailer, 13%
  • Safety Regulations, 12%
  • Cleanliness, 6%
  • Routine Maintenance, 4%
  • Forklifts, 3%

Browse transportation jobs