Earnings in the transport industry in Poland in 2024

Who is a freight forwarder and what are they responsible for?

A freight forwarder is a person responsible for organizing the transportation process – from accepting the order, to selecting the mode of transportation, to coordinating the delivery and liaising with the driver and the customer. Although they do not drive the vehicle, they are responsible for the efficiency of the entire supply chain and often work under great time pressure.

In 2024, freight forwarders are especially sought after in companies serving international markets, mainly Germany, France, Benelux or Scandinavia. Language skills, knowledge of EU regulations and the ability to work with TMS systems and transport exchanges are required. Experience in organizing car transport is also increasingly sought after.

The freight forwarder’s salary in 2024

The freight forwarder’s average salary in Poland in 2024 is:

• from PLN 5,500 gross at the beginning in smaller companies,
• up to PLN 8,000-9,000 gross with a bonus for completing orders,
• experienced freight forwarders with large operators make as much as PLN 11,000 gross per month (or more under B2B contracts).

In comparison:

• in Germany, salaries for freight forwarders at logistics companies range from EUR 2,800 to 3,800 gross,
• in France, the average is about EUR 3,000-3,500 gross per month,
• in both countries, forwarders with Polish and German/French languages are often employed in branches of Polish companies operating in those markets however the work conditions are different from the local ones.

How much does a truck driver earn in 2024?

A truck driver in international transport is still one of the best-paid positions in the transport industry, but also one of the most demanding. Working 3/1, 4/1 or 2/2, being separated from home for days at a time, being responsible for cargo and time – this is the everyday life of thousands of Polish drivers.

In 2024, despite cost pressures and intense competition, earnings for truck drivers in Poland remain high:

• base in the employment contract: usually PLN 4,300-5,500 gross
• daily allowances and lump sums (depending on the direction): additional PLN 5,000-7,500 net,
• total net: an international driver earns PLN 8,500-12,000 net per month, depending on the work system, route and company.

In comparison:

• in Germany, the average earnings of an experienced truck driver are EUR 2,800-3,200 gross (or about PLN 11,500-13,000 gross),
• in France, it is usually EUR 2,400-2,900 gross, but with lower business trip allowances,
• in Scandinavia (Norway, Denmark, Sweden), drivers can earn between EUR 3,500 and 4,500 gross, which when converted is up to PLN 20,000 gross per month – but the cost of living is much higher.

It is worth mentioning that many Polish drivers still choose cabotage transport in Germany with Polish license plates.

Trailer and car carrier trailer drivers – earnings in 2024

Working as a car carrier trailer or trailer driver is a specialized variation of the driving profession – it requires not only the ability to drive a set of vehicles, but also knowledge of how to place, load and secure vehicles. Added to this is the stress of the value of the cargo, as new or luxury cars are often transported.

In 2024, the rates for trailer drivers in Poland are as follows:

• Domestic transport (car carriers): usually PLN 5,000–6,500 net
• Car carriers on international routes: PLN 9,000–13,000 net per month
• Drivers carrying out transport in the 3/1 system, with large fleets (e.g. to Great Britain, Scandinavia), make even PLN 14,000–15,000 net, but with very intensive work.

The rates are similar abroad albeit slightly higher sometimes:

• Germany: a car carrier driver earns an average salary of EUR 3,000-3,800 gross,
• France: about EUR 2,800-3,500 gross (with benefits),
• Netherlands and Belgium: often offer hourly rates ranging from EUR 15-18, which translates into more than PLN 13,000 gross per month,
• In companies handling premium transportation (electric cars, vintage cars), wages are negotiated individually.

The greater the liability, the higher the rates, especially when transporting premium vehicles (e.g. Audi, Mercedes, Tesla) where even minimal damages generate high costs.

What affects earnings in the transportation industry?

The salary differences in 2024 are evident both between professions and within the same positions. Several factors influence transportation salaries:

1. Experience and specialization
New employees earn noticeably less, regardless of whether it is a driver or a freight forwarder. Specializations such as ADR transport, refrigerated transport or car carrier operations raise the base rate by up to 15-20%.

2. Work system and route length
The longer the trips and the more demanding the system (e.g. 4/1), the higher the salary. International drivers usually earn more than those working domestically.

3. Type of contract and form of employment
Working under a service contract (B2B) often yields higher net wages, but entails being responsible for social security and taxes as well as no vacation pay. Full-time employees gain stability, but with a lower take-home pay.

4. Location and company reputation
Companies from voivoideships with high logistics saturation (Mazowieckie, Śląskie, Wielkopolskie) often offer higher rates. Similarly, carriers operating for large foreign customers pay more than local operators.

In short

Truck and car carrier trailer drivers can expect salaries between PLN 8,000-14,000 net per month, and experienced freight forwarders earnings exceeding PLN 10,000 gross. Simultaneously, an increasing number of employees are looking for more stable conditions abroad, where in Germany or Scandinavia gross rates when converted can reach up to PLN 20,000 per month.

When choosing a career in transport, it is worth considering not only the base rate, but also the scope of responsibility, the form of employment and the quality of the work organization in a given company. In an era of driver and specialist shortages, employees have the upper hand in salary negotiations. New companies’ ability to pay higher wages though is still limited.

FAQ

1. How much does a freight forwarder in Poland earn in 2024?
On average from PLN 5,500 to PLN 9,000 gross, and experienced specialists in large companies reach up to PLN 11,000-12,000 gross per month.

2. How much does a truck driver make abroad?
In Germany and France, drivers earn on average EUR 2,800-3,500 gross (that is, about PLN 12,000-15,000), and in Scandinavia even up to EUR 4,500 (that is, more than PLN 19,000 per month).

3. Are car carrier drivers well paid?
Yes, car carrier drivers can expect to make PLN 9,000-14,000 net per month.