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Tank truck driver vs van driver

The differences between tank truck drivers and van 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 tank truck driver and a van driver. Additionally, a tank truck driver has an average salary of $59,007, which is higher than the $36,254 average annual salary of a van driver.

The top three skills for a tank truck driver include CDL, tractor trailer and OTR. The most important skills for a van driver are CDL, customer service, and OTR.

Tank truck driver vs van driver overview

Tank Truck DriverVan Driver
Yearly salary$59,007$36,254
Hourly rate$28.37$17.43
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs699,172791,293
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 41%High School Diploma, 38%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

What does a tank truck driver do?

A tank truck driver is responsible for delivering a large volume of products to the customers or warehouse centers, such as gasoline, oil, and other related chemicals. Tank truck drivers ensure the regular maintenance of the truck's engine, immediately repairing inconsistencies and glitches to avoid potential hazards and delays in deliveries. They should also abide by road regulations at all times, requiring them to have a clean driving record to handle their duties under strict conditions and deadlines.

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.

Tank truck driver vs van driver salary

Tank truck drivers and van drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Tank Truck DriverVan Driver
Average salary$59,007$36,254
Salary rangeBetween $40,000 And $87,000Between $24,000 And $52,000
Highest paying CitySanta Clara, CANew York, NY
Highest paying stateWyomingAlaska
Best paying companyAir ProductsDVFSchool
Best paying industryTransportationTransportation

Differences between tank truck driver and van driver education

There are a few differences between a tank truck driver and a van driver in terms of educational background:

Tank Truck DriverVan Driver
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 41%High School Diploma, 38%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Tank truck driver vs van driver demographics

Here are the differences between tank truck drivers' and van drivers' demographics:

Tank Truck DriverVan Driver
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 94.5% Female, 5.5%Male, 65.9% Female, 34.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 12.7% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 20.1% Asian, 3.5% White, 58.4% 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 tank truck driver and van driver duties and responsibilities

Tank truck driver example responsibilities.

  • Learn and adhere to OSHA and MSHA regulations.
  • Maintain logs and equipment according to dot regulations.
  • Transport hazardous materials (OTR) over the road.
  • Deliver liquid product to customers OTR, regionally and locally.
  • Report all unsafe conditions to driver management and employ industry standard HAZMAT procedures.
  • Operate other equipment including backhoes, tractors, loaders, and street sweepers.
  • 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

Tank truck driver vs van driver skills

Common tank truck driver skills
  • CDL, 35%
  • Tractor Trailer, 14%
  • OTR, 13%
  • Hazmat, 10%
  • Tanker Truck, 7%
  • TWIC, 6%
Common van driver skills
  • CDL, 18%
  • Customer Service, 13%
  • OTR, 9%
  • Mechanical Problems, 9%
  • GPS, 7%
  • Vehicle Inspections, 6%

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