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Trailer driver vs contract driver

The differences between trailer drivers and contract 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 contract driver. Additionally, a trailer driver has an average salary of $50,801, which is higher than the $34,999 average annual salary of a contract driver.

The top three skills for a trailer driver include CDL, DOT and OTR. The most important skills for a contract driver are DOT, CDL, and tractor trailer.

Trailer driver vs contract driver overview

Trailer DriverContract Driver
Yearly salary$50,801$34,999
Hourly rate$24.42$16.83
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs795,4371,007,663
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 47%High School Diploma, 30%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Trailer driver vs contract driver salary

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

Trailer DriverContract Driver
Average salary$50,801$34,999
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $73,000Between $23,000 And $51,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between trailer driver and contract driver education

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

Trailer DriverContract Driver
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 47%High School Diploma, 30%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Trailer driver vs contract driver demographics

Here are the differences between trailer drivers' and contract drivers' demographics:

Trailer DriverContract Driver
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 93.0% Female, 7.0%Male, 80.3% Female, 19.7%
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, 13.3% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 18.8% Asian, 4.0% White, 58.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between trailer driver and contract 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.

Contract driver example responsibilities.

  • Transport customers of the UBER App.
  • Train new employees on CSA regulations.
  • Contract cdl driver to fill need manpower.
  • Teach drivers complete paperwork and train on CSA.
  • DOT, local, state (provincial) and federal requirements
  • Assist with marekting and creation of LYFT brand in area.
  • Show more

Trailer driver vs contract driver skills

Common trailer driver skills
  • CDL, 27%
  • DOT, 19%
  • OTR, 10%
  • Delivery Schedules, 7%
  • Post-Trip Inspections, 6%
  • Safety Regulations, 6%
Common contract driver skills
  • DOT, 25%
  • CDL, 19%
  • Tractor Trailer, 16%
  • Safety Regulations, 7%
  • Customer Service, 7%
  • On-Time Deliveries, 6%

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