How to Increase Your Earnings as a Truck Driver in International Transport

If you work as a truck driver in international transport, it is perfectly normal to think about how to increase your daily allowance, get better conditions and work for a company that respects you. Demand for C+E drivers across Europe has never been higher, but the difference in earnings between drivers can be several hundred euros per month.

In this article, you will get a practical guide on how, as a driver from the Balkans, to increase your earnings in international transport – from choosing trailers and routes, through additional licences to salary negotiations and long-term career planning.

What Has the Biggest Impact on Truck Driver Earnings in International Transport

Your final earnings are not determined only by the figure a company mentions in the job advertisement. Important factors include:

• trailer type and cargo type,
• the routes you drive,
• work organisation and how much driving is done in compliance with regulations,
• additional licences you hold (e.g. ADR),
• how you negotiate the conditions,
• how well the company honours the agreement.

When everything is added up, the difference between an “average” and a “good” position can exceed 400–600 € per month.

Trailer Type and Cargo Type – Where Earnings Are Highest

Not all trailers are paid the same. The more demanding, risky or specialised the cargo, the higher the earnings. If you want a higher daily allowance, it is important to understand the differences between the most common trailer types.

Tanker (especially with ADR)

tanker is one of the best-paid segments in international transport, especially when carrying hazardous materials (ADR). The responsibility is greater, additional training and strict compliance with procedures are required, but earnings are higher too.

• Average daily allowance: often 110–140 € (depends on the company and routes).
• Advantage: stable work and high demand.
• Disadvantage: greater stress and responsibility.

refrigerated trailer (frigo)

refrigerated trailer is also in demand – food, medicines and temperature-sensitive goods are always moving. Organisation is usually professional, and earnings are solid.

• Average daily allowance: around 100–120 €.
• Advantage: consistent demand throughout the year.
• Disadvantage: more frequent night driving and tighter deadlines.

tipper

tipper is often well paid, but it can be more physically demanding work – more manoeuvring, more work on construction sites, terminals and similar locations.

• Average daily allowance: around 100–120 €.
• Advantage: good earnings and often shorter routes.
• Disadvantage: more stress during unloading and difficult terrain.

curtainsider (standardni transport)

curtainsider is the most widespread. Earnings can be quite decent, but depend on the company, routes and work organisation.

• Average daily allowance: around 90–105 €.
• Advantage: the most job offers, easier to find work.
• Disadvantage: greater competition and huge differences in conditions between companies.

If you want to increase your earnings, the logical next step is to switch to a trailer that carries greater responsibility and offers higher earnings – tanker, refrigerated trailer, tipper or special transport.

Most profitable routes for truck drivers

Besides the trailer type, it also matters a lot where you drive. Some routes are known for better earnings and better organisation, while others mean lots of kilometres and little money.

Zapadna EU – DE, NL, BE, LU

Routes between Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg are among the busiest in the EU. Major logistics hubs, modern infrastructure and huge volumes of goods mean that good drivers can always find work here.

AT – CH – DE routes

Austria and Switzerland are known for good organisation and demanding, but often highly paid routes. Driving is done by the rules, inspections are strict, but conditions for professional drivers are also better.

SLO – IT – AT and similar circular routes

Routes that include Slovenia, Italy and Austria often have shorter and more frequent trips. They are a good option for drivers who want to come home more often while still earning a decent income.

Generally, the best chances of higher earnings are on Western European routes with reliable companies that operate in compliance with regulations and honour agreements.

Work organisation and “whether operations comply with regulations”

You may have the best trailer and the strongest route, but if the company:

• forces you to drive without using the tachograph,
• does not pay for waiting time,
• does not respect rest days,
• has chaotic planning,

– your earnings and health will quickly decline.

What to look for in work organisation

• Whether operations comply with regulations (tachograph, driving/rest periods).
• Whether waiting time at loading/unloading.
• How many days you are actually at home, not just what the job ad says.
• Whether the dispatchers are fair or create additional stress.
• What condition the fleet is in (older trucks = more breakdowns and stress).

A real company is not one that only offers a higher daily allowance on paper, but one that:

• pays everything on time,
• respects regulations,
• pays what it promises,
• treats drivers fairly.

For more details on how to recognise a fair company and avoid bad employers, read our guide

Additional licences that increase your value and earnings

If you want to negotiate a higher salary, it is important to have something that sets you apart from other drivers. Additional licences are key here.

ADR – basic and tanker

ADR is a requirement for better-paid routes at many companies, especially for tankers. Basic ADR basic can increase your daily allowance by €10–20 compared with a driver without ADR, depending on the company.

KOD 95

Without KOD 95 there is no serious work in the EU. Some companies even offer assistance with obtaining or renewing the KOD 95 certificate, which is a great benefit.

On our blog, you can find more detailed information about KOD 95, its validity and renewal.

Special training and experience

• experience with refrigerated trailers,
• experience with tankers,
• experience with tippers,
• driving special or heavy loads.

The stronger your combination of experience + licences is, the more you can ask for when negotiating pay and conditions.

How to negotiate a higher daily allowance and better conditions

Many drivers make the mistake of saying only this in a job interview: “How much do you pay?”. A better question is: “What types of trailers do you operate, what routes do you cover and what is the work system?”. Then you explain what you can offer.

Before speaking with the company, prepare:

• how many years of C+E experience you have,
• sa kojim prikolicama si radio (curtainsider, refrigerated trailer, cisterna, tipper…),
• which routes you know (Western EU, UK, Scandinavia…),
• whether you have ADR, KOD 95 and other licences,
• whether you drive strictly in compliance with regulations and without fines.

Specific negotiation tips

• Emphasise that you drive in compliance with regulations and that you have no issues with inspections or fines.
• Clearly state which routes and trailers you know – this reduces the company's risk.
• If you have an offer from another company, you can subtly mention it – it increases your value.
• To not accept the first figure immediately – ask to hear all the details (work system, waiting-time pay, bonuses).

Remember: you also choose the company. A good driver is in demand today – use that advantage.

“Hidden costs” that eat into your earnings

Many drivers look only at the daily allowance and do not notice everything that eats into their earnings by the end of the month. Pay attention to:

• Unpaid waiting time during loading and unloading.
• Unpaid extra work (night-time unloading, help with unloading, and similar).
• Fines that the company deducts from your salary.
• Overtime driving that is not paid properly.
• Poor organisation that causes you to drive “empty kilometres”.

Two companies may offer you a similar daily allowance, but with one of them you could end up with up to 300 € more per month, simply because the organisation is fair and everything is clearly defined.

How to reduce stress and drive smarter (not just more)

Higher earnings make no sense if you are constantly stressed, sleep-deprived and nervous. A good driver lasts a long time – and companies know how to appreciate that.

Practical tips for less stress

• Plan your parking in advance, especially on weekends and during the season.
• To not take risks over 10 minutes – fines and bans are too expensive.
• Use navigation and apps for trucks, not “regular” car navigation.
• Check the truck regularly (tyres, lights, oil) to avoid breakdowns at the worst possible moment.
• Choose companies that have organized roadside assistance and driver support.

Long-term income growth – what comes after driving?

If you plan to stay in transport for a long time, also consider what the next step could be.

Potential career paths

• Driver instructor or mentor – you train new drivers.
• Shift supervisor or dispatcher – moving from driving a truck to transport coordination.
• Special transport – heavy loads, oversized dimensions.
• Driving a tanker carrying hazardous cargo – the highest-paid segment, but also the most responsible.

Every additional responsibility and skill means consistently higher income.

How to start earning more right now

If you want to increase your income as a truck driver in international transport, the following steps can make a difference immediately:

1. Decide which trailer type you are aiming for (tanker, refrigerated trailer, tipper…).
2. Make a plan to obtain or renew ADR and KOD 95.
3. Prepare a CV / short résumé with clear information about your experience.
4. Apply only to companies that operate legally and offer fair conditions.
5. Use portals and agencies that work with verified companies in the EU.

Balkan Drive connects truck drivers with verified transport companies in Slovenia, Croatia, Austria, Germany and the rest of the EU. If you want better conditions, a higher daily allowance and a company that keeps its promises, register and apply for the job ads that best match your experience.

View current truck driver jobs

Frequently asked questions – truck driver earnings in international transport

What are the average earnings of a truck driver in international transport?

Earnings depend on the trailer type, routes and company, but average daily allowances for drivers in international transport generally range from 90 to 120 €. Tanker and refrigerated trailer drivers often earn more, especially if they have ADR.

Which trailers are the highest paid for C+E drivers?

The highest-paid jobs are usually those with a tanker (especially with ADR), followed by refrigerated trailers, tippers and various special trailers and special transport. The curtainsider is the most widespread, but not always the highest paid.

Does ADR really increase a driver's earnings?

Yes, an ADR licence is a requirement for better-paid routes at many companies. Drivers with ADR often receive a daily allowance up to 10–20 € higher than drivers without ADR, depending on the company and routes.

How can I find a company with better working conditions?

It is best to rely on verified portals and recommendations. Balkan Drive works with transport companies that hire drivers from the Balkans to work in the EU, with clearly defined conditions and transparent information in job ads.