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Package delivery driver vs van driver

The differences between package delivery drivers and van drivers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a package delivery driver has an average salary of $37,271, which is higher than the $36,254 average annual salary of a van driver.

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

Package delivery driver vs van driver overview

Package Delivery DriverVan Driver
Yearly salary$37,271$36,254
Hourly rate$17.92$17.43
Growth rate11%4%
Number of jobs447,795791,293
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 33%High School Diploma, 38%
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 van driver do?

A van driver is responsible for operating a wide and a larger-sized vehicle than a regular car, usually used as a company shuttle to pick up and drop employees to designated areas. Van drivers should have a clean driving record, ensuring the safety and comfortability of the passengers while on the road. They should also be familiar with the location, considering alternative routes for any road complications to avoid delays. A van driver must have comprehensive knowledge of the mechanical industry, inspecting the engine's condition, and perform repairs as necessary.

Package delivery driver vs van driver salary

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

Package Delivery DriverVan Driver
Average salary$37,271$36,254
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $51,000Between $24,000 And $52,000
Highest paying CityWarwick, RINew York, NY
Highest paying stateAlaskaAlaska
Best paying companyUS FoodsDVFSchool
Best paying industryRetailTransportation

Differences between package delivery driver and van driver education

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

Package Delivery DriverVan Driver
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 33%High School Diploma, 38%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Package delivery driver vs van driver demographics

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

Package Delivery DriverVan Driver
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 87.4% Female, 12.6%Male, 65.9% Female, 34.1%
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, 12.2% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 3.6% White, 61.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between package delivery driver and van 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

Van driver example responsibilities.

  • Perform basic math sufficient to process axle weights at shipping docks.
  • Maintain knowledge of first-aid procedures including CPR.
  • Plot route pickup and drop off points.
  • Have taken additional training in HAZMAT and international audit procedures.
  • Specialize in teaching reading, writing, and math skills.
  • Obtain knowledge of CDL laws and statues in accordance with the D.O.T
  • Show more

Package delivery driver vs van 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 van driver skills
  • CDL, 18%
  • Customer Service, 13%
  • OTR, 9%
  • Mechanical Problems, 9%
  • GPS, 7%
  • Vehicle Inspections, 6%

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