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Traffic operator vs fleet manager

The differences between traffic operators and fleet managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a traffic operator and a fleet manager. Additionally, a fleet manager has an average salary of $49,492, which is higher than the $36,610 average annual salary of a traffic operator.

The top three skills for a traffic operator include patrol, traffic management and CCTV. The most important skills for a fleet manager are customer service, DOT, and vehicle fleet.

Traffic operator vs fleet manager overview

Traffic OperatorFleet Manager
Yearly salary$36,610$49,492
Hourly rate$17.60$23.79
Growth rate3%-
Number of jobs31,59214,157
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 52%Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Average age4545
Years of experience44

What does a traffic operator do?

A Traffic Operator coordinates all logistic shipments and associated operations. You will be required to oversee all payments and credit negotiation demands within traffic management. For all that you will do, you'll be required to listen to emergency radios for incident alerts as well as maintain operating standards and emergency procedures. As a Traffic Operator, you will be responsible for carrying out rig movements while drilling is going on, depending on the particular industry. You'll do some other tasks like operating heavy machinery like the bobcat equipment and also perform demolition work.

What does a fleet manager do?

A fleet manager is responsible for monitoring the delivery processes, including the maintenance and registration of delivery vehicles, recruiting delivery drivers, and regularly inspecting the vehicle's engine to boost optimal performance for efficient deliveries. Fleet managers purchase the vehicles, negotiating contracts with trusted manufacturers, and try to keep minimal costs without compromising quality. They also manage delivery schedules, respond to the receivers' inquiries and concerns, and resolve delivery complaints immediately. A fleet manager must have excellent communication and analytical skills, especially on strategizing profitability techniques and identify related business opportunities.

Traffic operator vs fleet manager salary

Traffic operators and fleet managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Traffic OperatorFleet Manager
Average salary$36,610$49,492
Salary rangeBetween $24,000 And $53,000Between $31,000 And $77,000
Highest paying CityTopeka, KSAnaheim, CA
Highest paying stateWashingtonCalifornia
Best paying companyTrafiguraVIA Motors
Best paying industryFinanceTechnology

Differences between traffic operator and fleet manager education

There are a few differences between a traffic operator and a fleet manager in terms of educational background:

Traffic OperatorFleet Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 52%Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeStanford UniversityStanford University

Traffic operator vs fleet manager demographics

Here are the differences between traffic operators' and fleet managers' demographics:

Traffic OperatorFleet Manager
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 60.2% Female, 39.8%Male, 83.2% Female, 16.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.8% Asian, 6.2% White, 58.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 11.6% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.3% Asian, 6.2% White, 59.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between traffic operator and fleet manager duties and responsibilities

Traffic operator example responsibilities.

  • Manage busy company switchboard, operating PBX or private branch exchange systems to facilitate connections.
  • Dispatch safety service patrol along the interstate to assist with disable vehicles, accidents, or any lane closures.
  • Operate heavy machinery such as bobcat equipment and also operate and pave asphalt perform demolition work.
  • Train and recruit transportation personnel ensuring compliance with numerous transportation and DoD regulations.

Fleet manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage company LTL program, including, billing and new account acquisition.
  • Manage EDI information and ensure it is accurate and complete each week.
  • Manage the team to get all employees with the company, certify in ISO.
  • Manage thousands of tons of fertilizer deliver through the CSX railcars in a monthly basis.
  • Manage operations for an OTR account, which includes hiring, driver turnover, payroll, training employees and monitoring safety.
  • Implement and manage vehicle telematics program.
  • Show more

Traffic operator vs fleet manager skills

Common traffic operator skills
  • Patrol, 15%
  • Traffic Management, 10%
  • CCTV, 7%
  • Incident Management, 6%
  • DOT, 6%
  • Traffic Control, 6%
Common fleet manager skills
  • Customer Service, 16%
  • DOT, 15%
  • Vehicle Fleet, 7%
  • Preventative Maintenance, 6%
  • Fleet Management, 4%
  • Parts Inventory, 4%

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