Working as a truck driver in Europe
Transport and logistics is one of the largest employment sectors in the EU. There is a steady demand for truck drivers in Europe, as no industry can function without trucks. Ukrainian drivers have a good reputation: they are disciplined, know how to work with equipment, and are ready to travel long distances. That is why job openings for truck drivers in Europe appear regularly and offer the chance to earn a decent salary and an official contract.
Countries with high demand for truck drivers
Europe has been experiencing a shortage of truck drivers for several years in a row. This applies to both domestic transport and international routes covering several countries at once. Due to the growth of online commerce and the expansion of transport corridors, demand is only increasing.
The largest number of vacancies are available in:
- Germany is a leader in international logistics, where salaries are among the highest in the EU. Working as a long-distance truck driver in Germany involves not only transportation between cities, but also regular trips to France, Austria, or the Czech Republic. Discipline and the ability to use a tachograph are particularly valued here.
- Poland is a transit country that provides transportation to all corners of Europe. For Ukrainians, this is a convenient start, as the proximity to home makes adaptation easier. Polish companies often offer shorter routes within the country and stable contracts for international flights to Germany or the Baltic countries.
- Belgium and the Netherlands are active seaports that require a large number of trucks to transport containers and cargo from terminals. It is important to have an ADR license here, as some trips involve the transport of hazardous materials. The work is also interesting because the routes are often combined: short trips in cities plus international business trips.
- France is a country with an extensive road network and a large domestic market. Long-distance drivers here work both on domestic routes between Paris, Lyon, and Marseille, and on international trips to Spain and Italy. A distinctive feature of French vacancies is that they often provide for clearly regulated working hours and rest periods.
- Austria – transport flights through mountainous areas, where the driver’s experience and attentiveness are valued. Here, not only driving skills are important, but also the willingness to work on difficult routes at any time of the year. For many, this is a chance to earn a higher salary and bonuses for working in challenging conditions.
- Scandinavian countries – Denmark, Sweden, and Norway are increasingly looking for long-distance drivers to transport goods to ports and remote regions. Here, the climate requires preparation for winter conditions, but the salary is one of the most attractive.
What you need to work: licenses, certificates, permits
To get a job, candidates must meet a number of requirements and prepare documents. Long-distance truck drivers are responsible not only for the vehicle but also for the cargo, so employers carefully check their qualifications.
Usually required:
- C+E driver’s license;
- ADR license (for the transport of dangerous goods – not always required, but often an advantage);
- Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC);
- Medical certificate and confirmation of fitness for long journeys;
- documents for obtaining a work visa and signing a contract;
- knowledge of tachograph rules.
Some companies require a basic knowledge of the country’s language, but English is often sufficient for communication on the route. The specifics of working as a long-distance truck driver also require endurance and discipline, as routes can last several days.
Conditions and pay
Working as a long-distance truck driver in Europe is considered one of the most stable blue-collar jobs. The contract clearly regulates all conditions: schedule, routes, salary, days off, and social guarantees.
Typical conditions include:
- salary from €2,000 to €3,500 per month, even higher in Germany and Belgium;
- accommodation in hotels or hostels during business trips or compensation for expenses;
- a clear schedule and control of working hours via a tachograph;
- paid vacation and sick leave;
- insurance and social guarantees;
- modern trucks with navigation and safety systems;
- the possibility of additional bonuses for long routes or work on weekends.
The specifics of the conditions in different countries vary, but the main thing is transparency. Long-distance drivers know their route, payment terms, and trip duration before departure. This makes working in international transport predictable and stable.
Why Group Working: advantages for long-distance drivers
Group Working is a recruitment agency in Europe that specializes in finding verified vacancies and supporting drivers at all stages of employment.
Advantages for candidates:
- assistance with preparing documents, obtaining visas, and translating certificates;
- consultations on contracts and conditions in different countries;
- access to vacancies in large EU logistics companies;
- support during the adaptation phase and during the first trips;
- guarantee of legal employment and safety.
Cooperation with Group Working guarantees official contracts, decent wages, stable conditions, and confidence that each trip will be paid fairly.
Working as a long-distance truck driver in Europe means a stable income, clear conditions, and the opportunity to build a career in international logistics. Vacancies are available in various countries, and Group Working’s support helps you go through the entire process from preparing documents to signing a contract quickly and safely. For Ukrainian drivers, this is a chance to combine their profession with reliability and confidence in the future.