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Trailer driver vs class a driver

The differences between trailer drivers and class a 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 trailer driver and a class a driver. Additionally, a class a driver has an average salary of $56,620, which is higher than the $50,801 average annual salary of a trailer driver.

The top three skills for a trailer driver include CDL, DOT and OTR. The most important skills for a class a driver are CDL, customer service, and OTR.

Trailer driver vs class a driver overview

Trailer DriverClass A Driver
Yearly salary$50,801$56,620
Hourly rate$24.42$27.22
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs795,437706,950
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 47%High School Diploma, 44%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Trailer driver vs class a driver salary

Trailer drivers and class a drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Trailer DriverClass A Driver
Average salary$50,801$56,620
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $73,000Between $39,000 And $80,000
Highest paying City-Philadelphia, PA
Highest paying state-Vermont
Best paying company-Mid-South Management
Best paying industry-Transportation

Differences between trailer driver and class a driver education

There are a few differences between a trailer driver and a class a driver in terms of educational background:

Trailer DriverClass A Driver
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 47%High School Diploma, 44%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Trailer driver vs class a driver demographics

Here are the differences between trailer drivers' and class a drivers' demographics:

Trailer DriverClass A Driver
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 93.0% Female, 7.0%Male, 94.8% Female, 5.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 12.6% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 18.7% Asian, 3.5% White, 59.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 11.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 22.7% Asian, 3.7% White, 56.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between trailer driver and class a driver duties and responsibilities

Trailer driver example responsibilities.

  • Check all load documentation for accuracy, inspect load and receive required signatures for pickup and delivery.
  • Drive flatb with sand sacs from train depot to load site.

Class a driver example responsibilities.

  • Pick up and deliver LTL freight
  • Inspect tractor and trailers daily per CDL regulations.
  • Deliver pet products to veterinarian and pet supply stores.
  • Pick up and delivery as a truckload, OTR driver.
  • Drive OTR and load and unload truck full of household goods.
  • Deliver and pick up freight and hazmat materials in bay area and central valley.
  • Show more

Trailer driver vs class a driver skills

Common trailer driver skills
  • CDL, 27%
  • DOT, 19%
  • OTR, 10%
  • Delivery Schedules, 7%
  • Post-Trip Inspections, 6%
  • Safety Regulations, 6%
Common class a driver skills
  • CDL, 33%
  • Customer Service, 12%
  • OTR, 9%
  • Post-Trip Inspections, 7%
  • Hazmat, 5%
  • Delivery Schedules, 4%

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