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Yard jockey vs driver/mover

The differences between yard jockeys and driver/movers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a yard jockey and a driver/mover. Additionally, a yard jockey has an average salary of $44,440, which is higher than the $32,317 average annual salary of a driver/mover.

The top three skills for a yard jockey include CDL, tractor trailer and work ethic. The most important skills for a driver/mover are customer service, equipment inventory, and CDL.

Yard jockey vs driver/mover overview

Yard JockeyDriver/Mover
Yearly salary$44,440$32,317
Hourly rate$21.37$15.54
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs3,910929,748
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 53%High School Diploma, 55%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

What does a yard jockey do?

A yard jockey is responsible for identifying reliable and efficient equipment to support a warehouse or distribution center's daily operations, especially on manufacturing processes and delivery tasks. Yard jockeys negotiate with transportation and equipment suppliers with minimal costs but high-quality performance. They also assist in moving equipment, loading and unloading merchandise, and scheduling regular maintenance for vehicles and machinery. A yard jockey must have excellent time-management skills, as well as the ability to multitask to perform duties within the fast-paced environment under minimal supervision.

What does a driver/mover do?

A driver/mover is responsible for preparing and arranging items for delivery from the distribution center to assigned destinations. Driver/movers assist with loading and unloading merchandise using various warehouse tools and equipment. They also inspect the packaging of items, ensuring that the products are free of any defects and immediately escalate damaged items to the management. A driver/mover checks the accuracy of inventory reports to determine the correct quantity of the delivered items before and after shipment to prevent client misunderstandings and complaints.

Yard jockey vs driver/mover salary

Yard jockeys and driver/movers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Yard JockeyDriver/Mover
Average salary$44,440$32,317
Salary rangeBetween $33,000 And $58,000Between $23,000 And $45,000
Highest paying CityAlbany, ORLynnwood, WA
Highest paying stateHawaiiWashington
Best paying companyFortune Brands Home & SecurityUniversity of Washington
Best paying industryTransportationEnergy

Differences between yard jockey and driver/mover education

There are a few differences between a yard jockey and a driver/mover in terms of educational background:

Yard JockeyDriver/Mover
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 53%High School Diploma, 55%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Yard jockey vs driver/mover demographics

Here are the differences between yard jockeys' and driver/movers' demographics:

Yard JockeyDriver/Mover
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 92.2% Female, 7.8%Male, 97.2% Female, 2.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 14.2% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 17.8% Asian, 3.5% White, 59.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 12.8% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 19.1% Asian, 3.8% White, 58.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between yard jockey and driver/mover duties and responsibilities

Yard jockey example responsibilities.

  • Assemble tire orders for loaders.
  • Used RF gun to scan merchandise.
  • Monitor crane operators and remove IBC from freights.
  • Train new hires and new cdl holders on the road operation.
  • Pick up and delivery of freight of all kinds including hazmat.
  • Train new hires and new cdl holders on company policies and procedures.
  • Show more

Driver/mover example responsibilities.

  • Deliver and install kitchen ware, hanging microwaves, stoves, dishwashers, etc.
  • Gas line installation/plumbing, and HVAC.
  • Maintain an organize, timely schedule for all pickup and deliveries.
  • DOT certify company box truck driver , 26' box trucks.
  • Drive straight trucks on dedicate daily truck routesDeliver & install whirlpool appliances
  • Deliver and install gas and wood burning gas stoves in customer's homes.
  • Show more

Yard jockey vs driver/mover skills

Common yard jockey skills
  • CDL, 30%
  • Tractor Trailer, 17%
  • Work Ethic, 7%
  • Dock Doors, 7%
  • Customer Service, 5%
  • Pallets, 5%
Common driver/mover skills
  • Customer Service, 18%
  • Equipment Inventory, 13%
  • CDL, 13%
  • Complete Paperwork, 12%
  • Truck Inspections, 10%
  • Office Furniture, 9%

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