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Operator and truck driver vs transportation driver

The differences between operators and truck driver and transportation drivers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both an operator and truck driver and a transportation driver. Additionally, an operator and truck driver has an average salary of $250,847, which is higher than the $43,236 average annual salary of a transportation driver.

The top three skills for an operator and truck driver include CDL, OTR and DOT. The most important skills for a transportation driver are CDL, DOT, and tractor trailer.

Operator and truck driver vs transportation driver overview

Operator And Truck DriverTransportation Driver
Yearly salary$250,847$43,236
Hourly rate$120.60$20.79
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs483,0141,006,562
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 51%High School Diploma, 38%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

What does an operator and truck driver do?

An operator and truck driver is responsible for the safe and efficient transport of goods and services within a particular area. One must have the skills and credentials, such as a license for driving large vehicles, and stamina for the long drives. Aside from this, they must also abide by the traffic rules and regulations at all times, even conducting regular maintenance checks to ensure that the vehicle is in good condition. Furthermore, an operator and truck driver must coordinate with clients and other workers to ensure that all deliveries are accurate and timely.

What does a transportation driver do?

A transportation driver is responsible for transporting people and goods from one place to another. A transportation driver must have a clean driving record to operate vehicles carefully and efficiently. Transportation drivers must ensure that the passengers are safe and comfortable during the trip and that goods are in proper condition to avoid damage and defects. They should strictly adhere to the transport schedules and assigned routes to avoid delays of operations. A transportation driver should also understand maintenance basics of vehicles to perform repair and reconditioning of any engine malfunction.

Operator and truck driver vs transportation driver salary

Operators and truck driver and transportation drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Operator And Truck DriverTransportation Driver
Average salary$250,847$43,236
Salary rangeBetween $126,000 And $497,000Between $26,000 And $70,000
Highest paying CityPortland, ORCheyenne, WY
Highest paying stateAlaskaWyoming
Best paying companyYorkWest Tennessee Healthcare
Best paying industryTransportation-

Differences between operator and truck driver and transportation driver education

There are a few differences between an operator and truck driver and a transportation driver in terms of educational background:

Operator And Truck DriverTransportation Driver
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 51%High School Diploma, 38%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Operator and truck driver vs transportation driver demographics

Here are the differences between operators and truck driver' and transportation drivers' demographics:

Operator And Truck DriverTransportation Driver
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 94.7% Female, 5.3%Male, 72.8% Female, 27.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.9% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 18.7% Asian, 3.9% White, 59.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 12.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 19.0% Asian, 3.6% White, 59.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between operator and truck driver and transportation driver duties and responsibilities

Operator and truck driver example responsibilities.

  • Operate farm equipment completing tasks such as tilling, planting, mowing, and fertilizing.
  • Transport domestic, ocean, air-freight and various types of hazardous materials for Midwest LTL and OTR carrier.
  • Perform all duties according to FMCSA.
  • Drive a non CDL truck to deliver slabs to fabricators.
  • Operate dump truck hauling asphalt, move heavy equipment from work sites
  • Comply with hours of service regulations as it pertains to FMCSA.
  • Show more

Transportation driver example responsibilities.

  • Utilize CDL to transport elderly patients to doctor appointments, dining and recreation activities.
  • Maintain safe CDL driving record.
  • Haul chemicals OTR to customers assist in load and unload as needed
  • Certify in CPR, chauffeur license, perform administrative support functions.
  • Transport clients in a safe and professional manner; ability to understand maps and GPS
  • Assist in loading and unloading of van for patients with slight disabilities such as walkers, wheelchairs.
  • Show more

Operator and truck driver vs transportation driver skills

Common operator and truck driver skills
  • CDL, 49%
  • OTR, 15%
  • DOT, 12%
  • Hazmat, 11%
  • Customer Service, 8%
  • Dump Truck, 1%
Common transportation driver skills
  • CDL, 21%
  • DOT, 15%
  • Tractor Trailer, 10%
  • Hazmat, 5%
  • Post-Trip Inspections, 4%
  • Cleanliness, 4%

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