Post job

Package delivery driver vs truck driver

The differences between package delivery drivers and truck drivers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a truck driver has an average salary of $60,326, which is higher than the $37,271 average annual salary of a package delivery driver.

The top three skills for a package delivery driver include CDL, physical exams and delivery vehicle. The most important skills for a truck driver are CDL, OTR, and DOT.

Package delivery driver vs truck driver overview

Package Delivery DriverTruck Driver
Yearly salary$37,271$60,326
Hourly rate$17.92$29.00
Growth rate11%4%
Number of jobs447,795827,858
Job satisfaction-4
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 33%High School Diploma, 48%
Average age4848
Years of experience-2

What does a package delivery driver do?

A package delivery driver is responsible for picking up parcels and merchandise from warehouse or distribution centers for deliveries to different destinations. Package delivery drivers should be cautious in moving items, most importantly fragile packages, following special instructions as needed. They inspect their vehicle's condition and conduct regular maintenance to prevent delays in operations and road failures. A package delivery driver ensures the receipt of packages upon delivery, responding to the customers' inquiries and concerns, and resolve and escalate complaints to the management immediately.

What does a truck driver do?

The truck driver transports goods and materials by land from and to manufacturing factories or retail businesses and distribution centers with the use of heavy trucks or tractor-trailers. Truck drivers assist and supervise the safe unloading of cargos to the destination. They must always check their cargo if complete and secured with cables, rope, or other materials. They should keep their truck clean, neat, and inspect prior the trip and ensure to be in good working condition to operate safely. It is very important that they follow with all appropriate safety procedures and comply with federal and state regulations. They must also be knowledgable and comfortable in using maps or GPS to navigate the safest and most efficient routes.

Package delivery driver vs truck driver salary

Package delivery drivers and truck drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Package Delivery DriverTruck Driver
Average salary$37,271$60,326
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $51,000Between $40,000 And $90,000
Highest paying CityWarwick, RIWilmington, DE
Highest paying stateAlaskaDelaware
Best paying companyUS FoodsW. R. Grace & Co
Best paying industryRetailRetail

Differences between package delivery driver and truck driver education

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

Package Delivery DriverTruck Driver
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 33%High School Diploma, 48%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Package delivery driver vs truck driver demographics

Here are the differences between package delivery drivers' and truck drivers' demographics:

Package Delivery DriverTruck Driver
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 87.4% Female, 12.6%Male, 91.6% Female, 8.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 12.0% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 19.0% Asian, 3.6% White, 59.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 12.8% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 3.4% White, 59.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between package delivery driver and truck driver duties and responsibilities

Package delivery driver example responsibilities.

  • Hire and manage drivers who run the routes.
  • Conduct pre-trip vehicle inspection on a daily basis.
  • Complete daily pre-trip vehicle inspection check before start of delivery day.
  • Maintain records, such as vehicle logs, Hazmat paperwork with regulations.
  • Operate all size package cars including large non CDL box moving trucks.
  • Set ladders, scaffolds, and hoists in place for taking supplies to roofs
  • Show more

Truck driver example responsibilities.

  • Manage and expedite the secure transportation and accountability of logistic materials and HAZMAT chemicals to commercial, state and government facilities.
  • Flatb loads including steel and specialty metals, pipe, refractory brick, commercial building materials, lumber and equipment.
  • Follow all HAZMAT regulations while transporting hazardous materials.
  • Utilize appropriate PPE at all times.
  • Dedicate run from Tennessee to California with LTL.
  • Used proper PPE and safety equipment when need.
  • Show more

Package delivery driver vs truck driver skills

Common package delivery driver skills
  • CDL, 42%
  • Physical Exams, 37%
  • Delivery Vehicle, 13%
  • Appearance Guidelines, 4%
  • Delivery Route, 1%
  • Outdoor Position, 1%
Common truck driver skills
  • CDL, 47%
  • OTR, 12%
  • DOT, 10%
  • PET, 6%
  • Hazmat, 4%
  • Customer Service, 4%

Browse transportation jobs