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Trailer driver vs line haul driver

The differences between trailer drivers and line haul 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 line haul driver. Additionally, a line haul driver has an average salary of $53,992, 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 line haul driver are CDL, hazmat, and safety regulations.

Trailer driver vs line haul driver overview

Trailer DriverLine Haul Driver
Yearly salary$50,801$53,992
Hourly rate$24.42$25.96
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs795,437871,646
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 47%High School Diploma, 42%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Trailer driver vs line haul driver salary

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

Trailer DriverLine Haul Driver
Average salary$50,801$53,992
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $73,000Between $37,000 And $78,000
Highest paying City-Fargo, ND
Highest paying state-Rhode Island
Best paying company-Tyson Foods
Best paying industry-Manufacturing

Differences between trailer driver and line haul driver education

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

Trailer DriverLine Haul Driver
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 47%High School Diploma, 42%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Trailer driver vs line haul driver demographics

Here are the differences between trailer drivers' and line haul drivers' demographics:

Trailer DriverLine Haul Driver
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 93.0% Female, 7.0%Male, 90.8% Female, 9.2%
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, 12.1% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 17.2% Asian, 3.6% White, 61.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between trailer driver and line haul 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.

Line haul driver example responsibilities.

  • Include: CDL, haz-mat, doubles and triples )
  • Keep CDL current with endorsement for double/triple trailers.
  • DOT log compliance and other require paper work.
  • FAST card approve and have doubles and triples and HazMat endorsements.
  • Shovel blacktop and asphalt products to maintain road and surface areas.
  • Check all bills for HAZMAT verifying all information are documented and trailers are placarded correctly.
  • Show more

Trailer driver vs line haul driver skills

Common trailer driver skills
  • CDL, 27%
  • DOT, 19%
  • OTR, 10%
  • Delivery Schedules, 7%
  • Post-Trip Inspections, 6%
  • Safety Regulations, 6%
Common line haul driver skills
  • CDL, 25%
  • Hazmat, 10%
  • Safety Regulations, 6%
  • Post-Trip Inspections, 6%
  • Hazardous Materials, 5%
  • Line Haul, 5%

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