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Transportation driver vs driver

The differences between transportation drivers and drivers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a transportation driver has an average salary of $43,236, which is higher than the $34,771 average annual salary of a driver.

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

Transportation driver vs driver overview

Transportation DriverDriver
Yearly salary$43,236$34,771
Hourly rate$20.79$16.72
Growth rate4%11%
Number of jobs1,006,5621,017,998
Job satisfaction-4.33
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 38%High School Diploma, 43%
Average age4848
Years of experience2-

What does a transportation driver do?

A transportation driver is responsible for transporting people and goods from one place to another. A transportation driver must have a clean driving record to operate vehicles carefully and efficiently. Transportation drivers must ensure that the passengers are safe and comfortable during the trip and that goods are in proper condition to avoid damage and defects. They should strictly adhere to the transport schedules and assigned routes to avoid delays of operations. A transportation driver should also understand maintenance basics of vehicles to perform repair and reconditioning of any engine malfunction.

What does a driver do?

Drivers are responsible for safely transporting people, packages, or goods from one destination to another. They should be familiar with the different routes that may be taken to reach the desired goal. They should be expert navigators and may use navigation apps to help them along the way. They should also be familiar with the basic mechanics of the vehicle they are using and the proper maintenance and cleaning needed to ensure that the car is running well. Drivers are expected to have excellent customer relation skills, a strong sense of direction, and superb organizations.

Transportation driver vs driver salary

Transportation drivers and drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Transportation DriverDriver
Average salary$43,236$34,771
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $70,000Between $22,000 And $53,000
Highest paying CityCheyenne, WYBoston, MA
Highest paying stateWyomingVermont
Best paying companyWest Tennessee HealthcareAir Liquide
Best paying industry-Manufacturing

Differences between transportation driver and driver education

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

Transportation DriverDriver
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 38%High School Diploma, 43%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Transportation driver vs driver demographics

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

Transportation DriverDriver
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 72.8% Female, 27.2%Male, 83.0% Female, 17.0%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 12.7% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 19.9% Asian, 3.5% White, 58.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between transportation driver and driver duties and responsibilities

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.
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Driver example responsibilities.

  • Haul asphalt, gravel, dirt, etc.
  • Maintain accurate logs and comply with all FMCSA regulations.
  • Deliver sand, rock, and asphalt across eastern NC.
  • Provide safe and timely transportation for students, utilizing CDL license and attendant endorsements.
  • Reduce carrier and customer risk by remaining proficiently knowledgeable of FMCSA rules and regulations.
  • Air brakes endorsement but willing and able to get others including tanker, HazMat, and passenger.
  • Show more

Transportation driver vs driver skills

Common transportation driver skills
  • CDL, 21%
  • DOT, 15%
  • Tractor Trailer, 10%
  • Hazmat, 5%
  • Post-Trip Inspections, 4%
  • Cleanliness, 4%
Common driver skills
  • Math, 14%
  • Basic Math, 14%
  • CDL, 10%
  • Safety Rules, 10%
  • Cleanliness, 10%
  • Customer Orders, 7%

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