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Van driver vs courier delivery driver

The differences between van drivers and courier delivery drivers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a courier delivery driver has an average salary of $37,495, which is higher than the $36,254 average annual salary of a van driver.

The top three skills for a van driver include CDL, customer service and OTR. The most important skills for a courier delivery driver are fedex, excellent interpersonal, and safety policies.

Van driver vs courier delivery driver overview

Van DriverCourier Delivery Driver
Yearly salary$36,254$37,495
Hourly rate$17.43$18.03
Growth rate4%11%
Number of jobs791,293366,558
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 38%High School Diploma, 38%
Average age4848
Years of experience2-

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.

What does a courier delivery driver do?

A courier delivery driver is responsible for distributing parcels and packages from the warehouse to various recipients according to the area of designation. Courier delivery drivers verify the delivery details to ensure the efficient and timely delivery of parcels to prevent delays and possible customer complaints. They also operate the delivery vehicle, requiring them to have comprehensive knowledge of engine maintenance and repairs. A courier delivery driver must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in taking care of the parcels properly to avoid any damage upon delivery.

Van driver vs courier delivery driver salary

Van drivers and courier delivery drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Van DriverCourier Delivery Driver
Average salary$36,254$37,495
Salary rangeBetween $24,000 And $52,000Between $30,000 And $45,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYSan Diego, CA
Highest paying stateAlaskaAlaska
Best paying companyDVFSchoolPostmates
Best paying industryTransportationTransportation

Differences between van driver and courier delivery driver education

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

Van DriverCourier Delivery Driver
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 38%High School Diploma, 38%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Van driver vs courier delivery driver demographics

Here are the differences between van drivers' and courier delivery drivers' demographics:

Van DriverCourier Delivery Driver
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 65.9% Female, 34.1%Male, 76.7% Female, 23.3%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 12.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 20.6% Asian, 3.5% White, 58.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between van driver and courier delivery driver duties and responsibilities

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

Courier delivery driver example responsibilities.

  • Hire and manage drivers who run the routes.
  • Acquire extensive TSA training while doing this.
  • Maintain CDL and drive multiple types of vehicles.
  • Assist in cross-country load planning of LTL freight.
  • Deliver various products to customers including restaurant food and groceries.
  • Hook and unhook trailers from the tractor and converter dollies.
  • Show more

Van driver vs courier delivery driver skills

Common van driver skills
  • CDL, 18%
  • Customer Service, 13%
  • OTR, 9%
  • Mechanical Problems, 9%
  • GPS, 7%
  • Vehicle Inspections, 6%
Common courier delivery driver skills
  • FedEx, 30%
  • Excellent Interpersonal, 18%
  • Safety Policies, 8%
  • Dependability, 8%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • CDL, 5%

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