The National Bargaining Council for the Road Freight and Logistics Industry (NBCRFLI) has announced a wage increase for truck drivers in South Africa, effective from 1 March 2025 to 28 February 2026. The increase affects minimum wages, across-the-board salaries, and allowances to keep up with inflation and the rising cost of living.
If you’re a truck driver or employer in the logistics sector, this guide will help you understand new salaries, hourly rates, overtime pay, and other key updates.
“While the wage increases are welcome, the real problem is that many trucking companies do not comply with these regulations. If companies actually paid drivers according to the law, these wages would make a significant impact on truckers’ lives. Many truck drivers work overtime every day but never get their rightful overtime pay. Non-compliance is a bigger issue than the wage structure itself!”
SA Trucker
Minimum Truck Driver Salaries for 2025
The table below outlines the updated minimum wages for truck drivers in South Africa for the period 1 March 2025 – 28 February 2026:
| Class of Driver | Minimum Weekly Wage (2024) | Minimum Weekly Wage (2025) | Monthly Salary (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medium Motor Vehicle Driver | R2,659.22 | R2,845.37 | R12,342.50 |
| Heavy Motor Vehicle Driver | R2,983.05 | R3,191.86 | R13,823.82 |
| Extra-Heavy Motor Vehicle Driver | R2,983.05 | R3,191.86 | R13,823.82 |
| Ultra-Heavy Motor Vehicle Driver | R3,554.60 | R3,803.42 | R16,469.81 |
| Abnormal Load Driver | R4,328.34 | R4,631.32 | R20,061.88 |
| Petroleum Tanker Driver | R3,626.05 | R3,879.87 | R16,798.99 |
Courier Sector: Medium Motor Vehicle Drivers in the courier sector will have a different increase, earning R2,828.36 per week (up from R2,643.33).
Hourly & Overtime Pay Rates
Truck drivers in South Africa work a maximum of 45 hours per week, typically 9 hours per day over 5 days. They may work overtime up to 6 days per week upon agreement with their employer.
“A trucker should be taking home a solid salary with these rates, but because of widespread non-compliance, many drivers are still stuck on peanuts. If companies paid overtime properly, truckers would be earning at least R25,000 per month—but most aren’t.”
SA Trucker
- Code 14 Truck Driver Salaries by Vehicle Capacity
- Code 14 drivers earn different salaries depending on their vehicle capacity. Below is a breakdown of their hourly wages:
- Extra-heavy Drivers (≤24 tonnes): R70.93 per hour
- Ultra-heavy Drivers (≤56 tonnes): R84.52 per hour
- Abnormal Load Truck Drivers: R102.91 per hour
Factors Affecting Truck Driver Salaries
While these are minimum wages, actual salaries can be significantly higher, depending on several factors:
- Experience: More experienced drivers earn higher wages.
- Company: Some companies pay above NBCRFLI minimum wages.
- Type of Load: Tanker and abnormal load drivers earn more.
- Route Distance: Long-haul drivers earn higher salaries.
- Overtime: Additional hours mean higher take-home pay.
Comparison with Previous Years’ Salaries
The 2025 increase continues the trend of annual wage hikes. The NBCRFLI has consistently negotiated salary adjustments to match economic conditions.
- 2024: R13,823.82 (Code 14 Heavy Motor Vehicle Driver)
- 2025: R16,469.81 (Code 14 Ultra-Heavy Motor Vehicle Driver)
- 2025: R20,061.88 (Code 14 Abnormal Load Driver)
Work Hours and Overtime
- Truck drivers work a maximum of 45 hours per week, equivalent to 9 hours per day over 5 days.
- They can work overtime up to 6 days a week, increasing their earnings significantly.
Average Code 14 Truck Driver Salary in South Africa
- Entry-level truck drivers: R180,000 per year
- Average salary: R220,000 per year
- Highly experienced drivers: Up to R460,000 per year
When do the new truck driver wages take effect?
The new wages will be effective from 1 March 2025 to 28 February 2026, as per the National Bargaining Council for the Road Freight and Logistics Industry (NBCRFLI) agreement.
How much do Code 14 truck drivers earn in 2025?
Code 14 drivers earn different wages based on the vehicle they drive:
Code 14 drivers (≤24 tonnes): R70.93 per hour (R13,823.82 per month).
Ultra-heavy drivers (≤56 tonnes): R84.52 per hour (R16,469.81 per month).
Abnormal load truck drivers: R102.91 per hour (R20,061.88 per month).
Do truck drivers get paid for overtime?
While overtime pay is required by law, many trucking companies fail to comply.
Drivers often work beyond their scheduled hours without proper compensation, which remains a major issue in the industry.
How much do petroleum tanker drivers earn in 2025?
Petroleum tanker drivers will earn a minimum of R3,879.87 per week or R16,798.99 per month from 1 March 2025.
Which is the most paying Code 14 truck driver job?
Abnormal load drivers earn the most at a minimum of R102.91 per hour (R20,061.88 per month)
What is the average Code 14 Truck Driver salary in South Africa?
The average truck driver salary is R220 000.00 per year which is slightly over R18 000.00 per month
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