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Residential driver vs local driver

The differences between residential drivers and local 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 residential driver and a local driver. Additionally, a local driver has an average salary of $48,160, which is higher than the $36,713 average annual salary of a residential driver.

The top three skills for a residential driver include CDL, safety equipment and clean waste. The most important skills for a local driver are CDL, DOT, and post-trip inspections.

Residential driver vs local driver overview

Residential DriverLocal Driver
Yearly salary$36,713$48,160
Hourly rate$17.65$23.15
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs751,657786,531
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 47%High School Diploma, 41%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

What does a residential driver do?

The duties of a residential driver depend on their line of work or employer. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around providing private transport to clients or providing public transportation services within residential areas. There are instances where they must communicate with clients, establish contracts, or be on call any time of the day. Furthermore, as a residential driver, it is essential to abide by all the traffic laws and perform regular vehicle maintenance checks to ensure a safe and healthy service to clients.

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.

Residential driver vs local driver salary

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

Residential DriverLocal Driver
Average salary$36,713$48,160
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $48,000Between $33,000 And $69,000
Highest paying CityPlymouth, MASeattle, WA
Highest paying stateAlaskaMontana
Best paying companyWaste ManagementMid-South Management
Best paying industryGovernmentTransportation

Differences between residential driver and local driver education

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

Residential DriverLocal Driver
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 47%High School Diploma, 41%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Residential driver vs local driver demographics

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

Residential DriverLocal Driver
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 94.7% Female, 5.3%Male, 91.3% Female, 8.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 13.7% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 19.2% Asian, 3.7% White, 57.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black 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%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between residential driver and local driver duties and responsibilities

Residential driver example responsibilities.

  • DOT logs are done and turn in daily.
  • Operate hoisting device to lift and empty bins or containers into truck hopper.
  • Operate compression equipment as well as automated or semi-automate hoisting devices.
  • Conduct deliveries of medical equipment throughout Florida, collect payments, and ensure proper cleanliness of medical equipment
  • Return to shop, perform post trip inspection, turn in all company tools require for the job.

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

Residential driver vs local driver skills

Common residential driver skills
  • CDL, 16%
  • Safety Equipment, 8%
  • Clean Waste, 8%
  • Safety Issues, 7%
  • Safety Policies, 7%
  • Productivity Standards, 7%
Common local driver skills
  • CDL, 22%
  • DOT, 13%
  • Post-Trip Inspections, 9%
  • Customer Service, 7%
  • Pallet Jack, 7%
  • Hazmat, 7%

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