How much does a truck driver earn in the Netherlands? Sectoral pay in the Netherlands

Sectoral pay in the Netherlands vs. Minimum wage

For drivers performing international transport on the territory of the Netherlands, two concepts should be distinguished – the minimum wage and the sector-based wage.

While the minimum wage is a nationwide hourly rate that applies to all employees in a given country for each hour worked, professional truck drivers are subject to the so-called sector-based wage, which is compensation established based on collective agreements (CAO) applicable in the transport and logistics sector.

The sector-based wage in the Netherlands includes not only the basic hourly rate but also industry allowances, bonuses, compensation for night work, and other benefits provided by Dutch regulations and collective agreements. Thus, the remuneration of a driver employed in a transport company performing transport in the Netherlands must correspond to the conditions specified for this profession in the Dutch transport sector.

It is worth noting that on February 2, 2022, with the entry into force of the Mobility Package regulations, a rule applies according to which drivers posted to work in another EU country must receive remuneration in accordance with local regulations – thus, in this case, in accordance with the Dutch sector-based wage. Moreover, such a wage cannot be lower than the statutory minimum wage applicable in the Netherlands.

In practice, this means that if a driver employed by a transport company based in another country (e.g., in Poland) performs transport in the Netherlands, their employer is obliged to pay them an adjustment to the level of the Dutch sector-based wage – if it is higher than the rates applicable in the company’s country of residence.

How much is the minimum wage in the Netherlands?

The minimum hourly rate in the Netherlands depends on the employee’s age. According to the regulations, this range starts from the age of 15, for which the minimum hourly wage is €4.22.

On the other hand, the highest minimum rate applies from the age of 21 and is at the level of €14.06. In this case, the average monthly earnings are about €2,077.

What affects a truck driver’s compensation in the Netherlands?

A truck driver’s salary in the Netherlands depends on several factors. The first is age, which we mentioned in the topic of minimum wage rates. The others include:

Sectoral pay in the Netherlands - Truck driver class in the Netherlands according to the Collective Agreement Classification

Truck drivers’ earnings in the Netherlands primarily depend on the employee’s classification in the collective labor agreement (CAO) for the transport and logistics sector, in which there are 2 classifications:

Numerical, where the higher the number, the greater the driver’s experience:

• Category 1 – drivers with no experience or minimal professional experience,
• Categories 2-4 – drivers with several years of experience, developing professionally,
• Categories 5-6 – drivers with established experience and competencies,
• Category 7 – drivers with the highest level of experience and often with additional qualifications (e.g., ADR, specialized trailers, certified training).

Alphabetical, where the letters C, D, E determine the type of transport tasks performed, i.e., the level of responsibility and specificity of transport:

• C – Local / National Transport: Drivers performing national deliveries, often over short distances, with regular returns to base. This is usually the basic level in the classification.
• D – Occasional International Transport: Concerns foreign transport with less intensity or limited responsibility. May include, for example, transport in neighboring countries or seasonal transport.
• E – Specialized International Transport: The highest level of classification – for drivers handling complicated transport operations, such as: container transport, refrigerated transport, ADR (dangerous goods), multi-day routes with loading and unloading services.

In practice, a driver assigned to a higher class (e.g., E6 or E7) receives the highest possible hourly wage according to the CAO.

Sectoral pay and holiday allowance in the Netherlands

A truck driver’s salary in the Netherlands is also increased by the so-called holiday allowance (vakantiegeld). This amounts to at least 8% of the annual gross salary from the previous year.

This allowance also includes compensation for overtime, performance bonuses, commissions, and irregular working hours bonuses. It is usually paid once a year, in May or June. In case of employee illness, the holiday allowance is still due for the period during which the employer is obliged to pay salary. If the employment contract is terminated, the employee is entitled to a proportionate part of the holiday allowance for the period worked. In the case of zero-hour contracts, the holiday allowance is calculated based on hours worked.

Driver earnings in the Netherlands and bonuses

The legislation of some countries provides for bonuses based on targets that are included in the sector-based wage for truck drivers, but this is not the case in the Netherlands. Monthly driver earnings are not dependent on them, and if an employee has bonuses, they may result, for example, from a signed contract or long service with one company.

Forms of driver employment in the Netherlands

When deciding to work as a driver in the Netherlands, it’s worth carefully analyzing the available forms of employment, each of which brings specific benefits and challenges, and these can directly translate into the amount of compensation and the scope of duties.

Employment contract vs. self-employment for a truck driver in the Netherlands

An employment contract remains the most popular form of employment among drivers working in international transport in the Netherlands. It provides employment stability and predictability of wages, as well as:

• Right to paid leave;
• Right to sick pay;
• Limited material liability for damages (regulated by labor law).

On the other hand, professional drivers’ earnings in the Netherlands can be higher if they decide to run their own business. This is particularly profitable for experienced drivers who value professional independence. In addition to higher compensation, the self-employed also have the opportunity to deduct taxes from products necessary for conducting business.

However, it should be remembered that self-employed drivers working in the Netherlands must register on the Dutch online notification portal before starting work. Importantly - from September 1, 2020, failure to comply with the notification obligation by a person running a sole proprietorship is subject to a fine of €750.

Moreover, those running their own business often have to independently obtain contracts and bear full responsibility for potential damages. Additionally, they are obliged to pay social security contributions, carrier liability insurance, and cover the costs of medical examinations.

Most common mistakes lowering driver earnings

A truck driver working in the Netherlands must also take into account that high penalties apply in this country, which can reduce the earnings of an international driver. The most common mistakes that a truck driver should keep in mind to optimize their remuneration are:

Lack of knowledge of regulations and documentation

A driver working in the Netherlands must have a complete set of documents, including a passport or ID card, driver’s license, and an authorization letter from the registered vehicle owner with permission to drive it, and their absence can lead to financial consequences.

Non-compliance with traffic regulations and truck driver duties

Further financial consequences are threatened for failure to comply with traffic regulations or truck driver duties. For example, the fine for not wearing seat belts in the Netherlands is €40, even €4,400 for non-compliance with tachograph records.

It should also be remembered that in the case of incomplete tachograph records, a letter with a certificate is required. The absence of such a document exposes the driver to significant financial penalties, which directly reduce their earnings. Proper preparation of documentation before starting work is a key element in protecting one’s finances.

Non-compliance with schedules

The most serious problem affecting the amount of a truck driver’s earnings in the Netherlands is non-compliance with schedules and unreliable documentation. The consequences of such actions are serious - loss of contracts, reduction of wages, and even termination of cooperation with the carrier. Drivers are often under pressure from employers to work beyond the norm, sometimes even a seventh day a week.

Such practices are not only against regulations but also lead to overloading, which over time results in errors and even accidents. Consequently, this can lead to financial penalties, job loss, or reduced rates by the employer due to failure to meet delivery deadlines. Compliance with regulations on drivers’ working time is therefore not only a matter of safety but also directly affects the amount of earnings.

Lack of investment in professional development

Another significant mistake lowering potential earnings is neglecting continuous professional development. The remuneration of an international driver is directly related to the level of their professionalism and ability to adapt to changing industry standards.

Drivers often make the mistake of not investing in:

• Training in the operation of modern navigation systems;
• Courses improving economical driving techniques;
• Certificates enabling the transport of specialized loads.

It is worth emphasizing that the labor market in the Netherlands clearly shows that employers are willing to pay more to drivers who constantly improve their qualifications and adapt to changing industry requirements. The lack of such investments in oneself effectively hampers the possibility of earnings growth. Proper management of one’s professional development is an investment that pays off in the form of higher remuneration rates.

What earnings can an experienced truck driver expect in the Netherlands? Skills that increase a truck driver’s earnings

It is worth noting that a truck driver’s compensation in the Netherlands can be influenced not only by the form of employment or work location but also specific skills that allow one to stand out in the job market.

What affects the average earnings of truck drivers in the Netherlands? Knowledge of foreign languages

Communicative knowledge of English or Dutch is the basis for higher earnings received by truck drivers in the Netherlands. Employers increasingly require knowledge of at least one of these languages, especially for more specialized and better-paid positions.

The benefits of knowing foreign languages are primarily:

• Easier communication with superiors and colleagues;
• Greater chances for permanent employment or promotion;
• Safer work environment due to full understanding of instructions and procedures;
• Ability to independently solve problems on the route.

It is worth emphasizing that even basic knowledge of the language can significantly affect the comfort of work and the employer’s perception of the driver as a more valuable employee.

What affects the average earnings of truck drivers in the Netherlands? Operation of GPS systems and tachographs

Since 2019, heavy vehicles in the Netherlands must be equipped with intelligent tachographs, enabling digital recording of driving and rest times. This is extremely important because, as of August 2023, the Dutch Environment and Transport Inspectorate has introduced digital tachograph controls, which requires drivers to be proficient in operating these devices.

It should be remembered that:

• Entrepreneurs must read data from the tachograph at least once every 90 days;
• Data from the driver card must be collected at least once every 28 days;
• Manipulation of the tachograph results in confiscation of driver cards and financial penalties of up to €1,500 for the driver and €10,375 for the carrier.

Drivers who efficiently operate GPS systems and tachographs are valued by employers, which translates into higher remuneration and greater employment stability.

What affects the average earnings of truck drivers in the Netherlands? ADR certificates and other qualifications

Possessing additional certificates significantly increases a driver’s value in the job market. Code 95 is a mandatory document confirming the professional qualifications of any driver in category C, but it is the ADR certificate authorizing the transport of dangerous materials that significantly increases potential earnings.

A driver with ADR qualifications can expect remuneration higher by even 15-20% compared to people without such certification. This is due to greater responsibility and the need to follow additional safety procedures when transporting hazardous materials.

Among the certificates and qualifications that can increase a truck driver’s remuneration in the Netherlands, one can indicate:

• the aforementioned ADR Certificate (basic and specialized);
• Qualifications to operate loading cranes;
• Certificates for transporting oversized goods;
• Qualifications for transporting food at controlled temperatures.

Sector-based wage and truck driver earnings in the Netherlands - Summary

The sector-based wage in the Netherlands is a concept of fundamental importance for every truck driver performing international transport in this country. It takes into account much more than just the minimum rate – it includes allowances, bonuses, compensations, and other benefits resulting from collective agreements that really raise the level of remuneration. Understanding these principles allows not only avoiding errors in settlements but also consciously managing one’s career in the transport industry.

Proper classification of a driver to the appropriate group within the CAO, language knowledge, investment in professional development, and the ability to operate modern systems are factors that directly affect the level of income in the Netherlands. If we add to this reliable compliance with regulations and avoiding penalties, a truck driver can expect attractive earnings reaching even €3,500-6,000 per month.

For employers, respecting the principles of sector-based wage is not only a legal obligation resulting from the Mobility Package but also an investment in the stability and professionalism of their staff. Therefore, both drivers and transport companies should treat the topic of sector-based wage in the Netherlands as one of the key areas of their activity.

If you need support in drivers' payroll calculation, you can outsource this task to specialists, e.g., the Evotax team! If so, contact us, and our team will take care of the rest!

Working as a truck driver in the Netherlands - Frequently asked questions

Below we have collected questions we receive on the topic of working as a truck driver in the Netherlands and provided answers to them. If there is no question that concerns you, contact us, and our specialists will be happy to help!

What is the average salary of a truck driver in the Netherlands?

The average earnings of a truck driver in the Netherlands range from €2,435 to €6,000 per month gross. Drivers performing international transport can expect about €2,700 gross per month, while experienced specialists with over 5 years of experience achieve even €6,000.

In what forms of employment is work available for truck drivers in the Netherlands?

In the Netherlands, truck drivers have two main forms of employment to choose from: an employment contract and self-employment. An employment contract provides stability and legal protection but often comes with lower earnings. Self-employment offers the possibility of higher earnings and greater independence but requires independently obtaining contracts and bearing full responsibility for the activity.

What are the factors affecting truck driver earnings in the Netherlands?

Key skills increasing earnings are: knowledge of foreign languages (especially English or Dutch), proficiency in operating GPS systems and tachographs, possessing certificates such as ADR for transporting hazardous materials, and high communication skills and personal culture.

What are the most common mistakes lowering truck drivers’ earnings in the Netherlands?

The most common mistakes are: lack of knowledge of regulations and required documentation, non-compliance with work schedules, and lack of investment in professional development. These mistakes can lead to financial penalties, loss of contracts, and reduced wages.

How to effectively increase your earnings as a truck driver in the Netherlands?

Effective ways to increase earnings are: specializing in transporting difficult or non-standard loads (e.g., dangerous materials or oversized loads), cooperating with reputable transport companies, negotiating rates and avoiding intermediaries, and regularly monitoring changes in the sector-based wage in the Netherlands.