Making Money As A Professional Truck Driver

For years, truck driving has been viewed as a challenging blue-collar job. However, a new generation of entrepreneurs is changing that perception, showing that being behind the wheel is not just about transporting goods – it’s a legitimate business opportunity with significant potential.

With Nigeria’s logistics sector booming and e-commerce revolutionising supply chains, truck drivers are increasingly transitioning from employees to business owners in a rapidly growing industry. Savvy entrepreneurs are investing in their own trucks, forming partnerships with major transport companies, and building fleets to serve the country’s busiest trade routes.

The Business Of The Road

The emergence of digital freight marketplaces has enabled truck owners to connect with businesses in need of dependable transportation. Whether transporting agricultural produce from the North, industrial goods from Lagos, or petroleum products nationwide, independent truck operators are securing their place in Nigeria’s expanding logistics economy.

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Industry experts suggest that aspiring drivers must undergo comprehensive training, meet licensing requirements, and adhere to strict safety standards to build successful careers in the field.

Becoming a professional truck driver in Nigeria begins with obtaining a valid driver’s license, specifically a Category G license, which is required for commercial vehicles. This involves passing a driving test administered by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) after completing approved driving lessons at a certified training school.

The cost of obtaining a truck driver’s license in Nigeria varies based on the type of license and the location of application. Typically, fees for commercial driver training programs range from N200,000 to N500,000, while the official licensing fees are determined by the regulations set by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

For truck owner, Jamiu Adelani, the freight transport business in Lagos has been both profitable and unpredictable. Having spent nearly a decade in the industry, he understands the balance between fair wages, driver reliability, and the risks that come with the job.

Adelani, who owns multiple trucks, said, monthly salaries for drivers vary depending on agreements. I pay about N150,000 per month to my drivers, but some drivers prefer to earn per trip, he said. This flexibility allows truckers to maximize earnings, though industry insiders note that some drivers exploit gaps in oversight, transporting unauthorised goods without the owner’s knowledge for extra income.

Job Criteria

To secure a trucking job, drivers must hold a valid driver’s license and demonstrate competence behind the wheel. ‘Once a company verifies that a driver is skilled and licensed, they are good to go,’ Adelani explained. However, he emphasised that trucking can either strengthen or ruin a business depending on the character of the driver.

‘If the person you are working with has the fear of God and you treat him well, he will make your business more enjoyable,’ he noted. Poor oversight or unethical behavior, however, can lead to costly consequences.

Some companies enforce strict policies prohibiting drivers from carrying extra loads on return trips. ‘If they are caught engaging in unauthorised deliveries, they could be dismissed,’ Adelani warned.

Another method a truck driver earn is a per-trip payment structure is common among Nigerian truck drivers, allowing them to earn based on workload rather than fixed monthly salaries. While some drivers prefer stable wages, others opt for trip-based pay, citing flexibility and potential for higher earnings.

Truck driver Taiwo Ojo says his pay arrangement compensation per trip plus fuel coverage offers a fair deal in Nigeria’s freight industry.

‘I agreed to be paid per trip with my employer,’ Ojo said. ‘They also cover diesel costs, which is fair enough.