Why Pay Levels Rise in Early 2026
Several factors contribute to the change:
- The National Minimum Wage increases again in March 2026, raising the baseline for all sectors.
- Bargaining council agreements in long-distance, local cartage, and specialised transport renew with higher base rates and improved allowances.
- Ongoing shortages of Code 10 and Code 14 drivers with valid PDP (Professional Driving Permit) create competition among employers.
- Freight demand stays high due to mining exports, retail restocking, fuel distribution, agriculture, and infrastructure projects.
Average monthly earnings for truck drivers in 2026 typically range from R18,000 to R38,000 before overtime, depending on licence class, route type, experience, and employer. Many drivers reach R25,000–R50,000 when long-haul allowances, night runs, weekend work, and overtime are included.
Common Driver Roles and Pay Ranges in 2026
Different categories offer varying schedules and compensation:
- Code 10 (Rigid Truck) Drivers
Local and regional deliveries, tippers, tankers, and distribution runs. Day shifts or short-haul routes common. Pay usually ranges from R18,000 to R28,000 per month basic, plus allowances. - Code 14 (Articulated / Truck & Trailer) Drivers
Long-distance haulage (Durban–Johannesburg, Cape Town–Gauteng, cross-border to Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique). Long-haul routes carry higher base pay (R22,000–R35,000 monthly) plus per-kilometre allowances, night-out money, and overtime. - Specialised Drivers (Fuel, Dangerous Goods, Abnormal Loads)
Tanker drivers, hazardous goods operators, and low-bed/abnormal load drivers. These roles require additional PDP endorsements and often pay R28,000–R45,000 monthly, with risk and distance allowances. - Local Cartage and Distribution Drivers
Short-haul deliveries in urban areas (retail, beverages, parcels). Regular day shifts, home every night. Rates typically R20,000–R32,000 monthly.
Many companies pay extra for:
- Night runs (+20–35%)
- Weekend work (+50%)
- Public holidays (+100–150%)
- Distance allowances (per km on long-haul)
- Overnight subsistence (R300–R600 per night away)
- Performance bonuses tied to safe kilometres or on-time delivery
Where Opportunities Concentrate in 2026
Openings appear most often in:
- Gauteng (Johannesburg, Pretoria, Ekurhuleni) – major distribution hubs, retail logistics, mining support
- KwaZulu-Natal (Durban, Richards Bay) – ports, sugar, timber, automotive logistics
- Western Cape (Cape Town, George) – fruit exports, wine, retail chains
- Mpumalanga (Witbank, Secunda) – coal, timber, manufacturing haulage
- Free State and North West – agriculture, mining, cross-border routes
Smaller towns and rural areas also see demand at local mills, packhouses, fuel depots, and municipal contracts.
Getting Started as a Truck Driver
The entry path stays relatively straightforward:
- Hold a valid Code 10 or Code 14 licence with PDP (Professional Driving Permit)
- Pass a medical examination and eye test (required for PDP renewal)
- Prepare a CV highlighting any driving, logistics, or physical work experience
- Apply through company websites, job boards, local Facebook groups, or WhatsApp numbers listed in ads
- Attend interviews and road tests focused on defensive driving, vehicle knowledge, and route planning
- Complete company induction covering safety, load securement, fatigue management, and customer interaction
Many employers hire year-round and train new drivers on company routes and procedures. Day cab and sleeper cab positions exist, with long-haul roles often including home-time rotations.
Practical Advantages of Truck Driving Roles
These positions provide:
- Structured routes with clear delivery windows
- Overtime and allowance opportunities on long-haul and specialised runs
- Clear progression to higher-grade licences, trainer roles, or fleet management
- Contribution to keeping goods moving across the country
- Steady employment with less seasonal fluctuation than some industries
In towns and cities nationwide, truck driving supports local economies and provides reliable jobs for people seeking hands-on work with predictable earnings.
Looking Ahead in 2026
February 2026 brings stronger pay in many truck driver roles across South Africa. Demand stays consistent in long-haul, local cartage, fuel distribution, mining logistics, retail supply, and agriculture.
Checking local job postings, company career pages, community Facebook groups, and WhatsApp job channels reveals current openings. For those looking for reliable work with solid earnings, truck driver positions offer practical pathways in familiar settings.