Research
The Actual Truck Driver Salary in India: The Reality Check
Truck driving is an essential role in the logistics industry to transport goods from one place to another. It is a physical profession that also involves high-level skills. Because in India, from delivering groceries to delivering pharma items everything involves a skilled driver for transportation.
Their role is important, but do you know how much they are getting paid? Their salary would depend on various factors like the vehicle they drive, the nature of their job, shift timings, and other conditions.
In this article, we have collated the authentic numbers in terms of the salary of a truck driver in India at various levels. Let’s explore more about their earning.
Educational Qualifications Required for Truck Driving
Reports show that in India, truck drivers do not have a high level education. The minimum qualification ranges from an SSLC pass or fail. But sometimes even degree holders choose this role. According to current norms degree is not mandatory for becoming a truck driver. This sector highly values experience and skills with a valid license certificate.
Thus, the primary requirement is hands-on experience + driving skills + a valid license and proof.
Real Truck Driver Salary In India
Now let’s see the salary of a driver at different levels.
Mini Truck Driver Salary in India
Type 1: Full-Time Driver
Working hours: 8 hours/day
Salary per month: ₹14,000 to ₹17,000
Small companies directly employ this driver for a full-time role. They usually do short trips, and it will be city-based. This type of role will be seen more in delivery units.
Type 2: Drivers for the Parcel Company
Working Time: 9 hours/day
Monthly Salary: ₹16,000 to ₹20,000
The driver will deliver the packages to the recipient. Takes responsibility for high-value or confidential items. Accepting payments for the items. Filling out paperwork about completed deliveries. This involves transporting shipments under given schedules.
Type 3: Commission-Based Drivers at Lorry Booking Offices
Earnings Structure: 18% commission of the truck rent per trip
Approx. Monthly : Rs. 19,000 to Rs. 22,000
Their income depends on the number of trips they complete and the rates negotiated.
Type 4 : Truck Driver Salary at a Moving Company
Earning Structure: Fixed Monthly salary / Salary per Work
Approx. Monthly salary: Rs 21-000 – Rs 29,000
Work Type: At This work, the drivers at a Professional Moving Company needed to Load and Unload Goods . Majority of Goods are Household Goods . However, the salary of drivers at an Interstate Moving Company are slightly higher than this
Heavy Truck Drivers: Salary Insights
Truck Driver salary In India
Heavy truck drivers operate larger vehicles, often across states, and handle bulk loads such as construction materials, perishables, industrial supplies, and more.
Type 1: Full-Time in a Normal Company
Working hours: 8 hours/day
Monthly Salary: 18,000 INR to 21,000 INR
Other Benefits : ESI + PF + Food + Accommodation
Delivering goods within the scheduled time.
Type 2: Full-Time in a Logistics Company
Monthly Salary: ₹22,000 to ₹29,000
Other Benefits: Insurance + PF + ESI + Festival Bonus
Drivers are expected to meet strict delivery timelines.
Type 3: Express Load Drivers
Monthly Salary: ₹35,000 to ₹45,000
Other Benefits: Insurance + Festival Bonus
The trips:
- Include two drivers per truck to avoid stops.
- Are non-stop, high-pressure assignments.
- Are compensated better due to the risks and intensity involved.
Volvo Truck Drivers Salary India : A Specialized Category
Monthly Salary: ₹25,000 to ₹45,000
Role requires: Specialized training conducted by Volvo itself, and Certification upon passing stringent tests. Due to the technicality and value of the truck, Volvo drivers command a higher salary and are often employed in premium logistics or long-haul fleet operations.
Commission-Based Heavy Truck Drivers at Lorry Booking Offices
Similar to mini truck drivers, heavy truck drivers also operate on a commission basis in some cases.
Commission Rate: 18% of truck rent per trip
Monthly Salary: ₹35,000 to ₹45,000
Other Benefits: Flexible Timing + Festival Bonus
This route is riskier but potentially more rewarding. Drivers manage their own schedules, wait at truck stands, and depend on load availability and negotiation skills. Those who are efficient and well-connected with brokers tend to earn higher.
Salary Comparison Between Indian Truck Drivers Of Different Levels
| Category | Role/Type | Monthly Salary (₹) |
| Mini Truck Driver | Company (8 hrs) | 14,000 – 17,000 |
| Parcel Company | 16,000 – 20,000 | |
| Booking Office (18%
commission) |
19,000 – 22,000 | |
| Heavy Truck Driver | Normal Company | 19,000 – 21,000 |
| Logistics Company | 22,000 – 29,000 | |
| Express Load (Perishable goods) | 35,000 – 45,000 | |
| Volvo Trucks | 25,000 – 45,000 | |
| Booking Office (18%
commission) |
35,000 – 60,000 |
Conclusion
Driver and truck driving does not seem like a fancy job with perks. But it is one of the important roles that is essential for millions of people in the country. With rapid industrialization, the demand for skilled drivers is also increasing. To attract more drivers, it’s important to improve working conditions, ensure clear payment practices, and prioritize safety.
