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Trailer driver vs transportation driver

The differences between trailer drivers and transportation 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 transportation driver. Additionally, a trailer driver has an average salary of $50,801, which is higher than the $43,236 average annual salary of a transportation driver.

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

Trailer driver vs transportation driver overview

Trailer DriverTransportation Driver
Yearly salary$50,801$43,236
Hourly rate$24.42$20.79
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs795,4371,006,562
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 47%High School Diploma, 38%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Trailer driver vs transportation driver salary

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

Trailer DriverTransportation Driver
Average salary$50,801$43,236
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $73,000Between $26,000 And $70,000
Highest paying City-Cheyenne, WY
Highest paying state-Wyoming
Best paying company-West Tennessee Healthcare
Best paying industry--

Differences between trailer driver and transportation driver education

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

Trailer DriverTransportation Driver
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 47%High School Diploma, 38%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Trailer driver vs transportation driver demographics

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

Trailer DriverTransportation Driver
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 93.0% Female, 7.0%Male, 72.8% Female, 27.2%
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, 12.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 19.0% Asian, 3.6% White, 59.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between trailer driver and transportation 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.

Transportation driver example responsibilities.

  • Utilize CDL to transport elderly patients to doctor appointments, dining and recreation activities.
  • Maintain safe CDL driving record.
  • Haul chemicals OTR to customers assist in load and unload as needed
  • Certify in CPR, chauffeur license, perform administrative support functions.
  • Transport clients in a safe and professional manner; ability to understand maps and GPS
  • Assist in loading and unloading of van for patients with slight disabilities such as walkers, wheelchairs.
  • Show more

Trailer driver vs transportation driver skills

Common trailer driver skills
  • CDL, 27%
  • DOT, 19%
  • OTR, 10%
  • Delivery Schedules, 7%
  • Post-Trip Inspections, 6%
  • Safety Regulations, 6%
Common transportation driver skills
  • CDL, 21%
  • DOT, 15%
  • Tractor Trailer, 10%
  • Hazmat, 5%
  • Post-Trip Inspections, 4%
  • Cleanliness, 4%

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