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Transportation driver vs van driver

The differences between transportation drivers and van 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 transportation driver and a van driver. Additionally, a transportation driver has an average salary of $43,236, which is higher than the $36,254 average annual salary of a van driver.

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

Transportation driver vs van driver overview

Transportation DriverVan Driver
Yearly salary$43,236$36,254
Hourly rate$20.79$17.43
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs1,006,562791,293
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 38%High School Diploma, 38%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

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 van driver do?

A van driver is responsible for operating a wide and a larger-sized vehicle than a regular car, usually used as a company shuttle to pick up and drop employees to designated areas. Van drivers should have a clean driving record, ensuring the safety and comfortability of the passengers while on the road. They should also be familiar with the location, considering alternative routes for any road complications to avoid delays. A van driver must have comprehensive knowledge of the mechanical industry, inspecting the engine's condition, and perform repairs as necessary.

Transportation driver vs van driver salary

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

Transportation DriverVan Driver
Average salary$43,236$36,254
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $70,000Between $24,000 And $52,000
Highest paying CityCheyenne, WYNew York, NY
Highest paying stateWyomingAlaska
Best paying companyWest Tennessee HealthcareDVFSchool
Best paying industry-Transportation

Differences between transportation driver and van driver education

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

Transportation DriverVan Driver
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 38%High School Diploma, 38%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Transportation driver vs van driver demographics

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

Transportation DriverVan Driver
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 72.8% Female, 27.2%Male, 65.9% Female, 34.1%
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, 12.2% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 3.6% White, 61.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between transportation driver and van 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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Van driver example responsibilities.

  • Perform basic math sufficient to process axle weights at shipping docks.
  • Maintain knowledge of first-aid procedures including CPR.
  • Plot route pickup and drop off points.
  • Have taken additional training in HAZMAT and international audit procedures.
  • Specialize in teaching reading, writing, and math skills.
  • Obtain knowledge of CDL laws and statues in accordance with the D.O.T
  • Show more

Transportation driver vs van driver skills

Common transportation driver skills
  • CDL, 21%
  • DOT, 15%
  • Tractor Trailer, 10%
  • Hazmat, 5%
  • Post-Trip Inspections, 4%
  • Cleanliness, 4%
Common van driver skills
  • CDL, 18%
  • Customer Service, 13%
  • OTR, 9%
  • Mechanical Problems, 9%
  • GPS, 7%
  • Vehicle Inspections, 6%

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