On July 24, the China Institute for Employment and Social Security at Renmin University of China released the “Research Report on the Employment and Income of Digital Freight Platform Drivers” in Beijing. The research team conducted both online surveys and offline interviews, focusing on the basic profile of digital freight platform truck drivers, their operations and income, and the role of digital freight platforms.
Truck Drivers’ Monthly Gross Income is 20,441 Yuan, Net Income is 12,063 Yuan
The report mentions that the average monthly gross income of truck drivers is 20,441 yuan. After deducting costs such as fuel (electricity, gas), tolls, insurance, maintenance, and platform information technology service fees, the average monthly net income is 12,063 yuan.
Truck Drivers Increase Their Income Through Platforms
The report states that drivers with a high usage level of digital freight platforms have an average monthly gross income of 21,180 yuan, which is 1,660 yuan higher than those with a low usage level.
Most truck drivers believe that digital freight platforms play an important role in their daily work. The report notes that 49.88% of drivers believe their income would decrease by more than 1,000 yuan without using digital freight platforms. Additionally, 42.71% of drivers believe that platforms lower the entry barriers for truck driving, making it the most cited benefit.
Another important way for truck drivers to increase income and efficiency is by reducing the “three empties” (empty driving, empty stops, and empty loads). The report indicates that 45.85% of drivers believe digital freight platforms have reduced their days of idle stops without cargo; 48.32% believe the platforms have reduced their empty driving days; and 33.88% believe the platforms have increased their vehicle’s full load conditions.
Increase in Female Drivers
The survey results show that truck drivers are mainly aged between 30 and 49, accounting for 79.89% of the total. Although the majority of truck drivers are male, the proportion of female drivers with 2 years or less experience has significantly increased from 0.97% to 2.63%, thanks to the rise of digital freight platforms in recent years.
Higher Education Levels
Historically, truck drivers were mostly educated to junior high, high school, or vocational school levels. However, in the past two years, the proportion of drivers with college and bachelor’s degrees or higher has increased from 10.14% to 19.85%.
Long Working Hours
Truck drivers often spend long hours on the road, with high labor intensity and risk. The report shows that over 70% of truck drivers work more than 8 hours a day, and nearly 40% work an average of 8 to 12 hours a day. To meet transport demands, some drivers often voluntarily forgo rest, with 31.23% of drivers resting 1 day or less per month.
Diverse Employment Backgrounds
Traditionally, the freight industry attracted individuals from farming, small businesses, industrial work (blue-collar), unemployed, and construction workers. In recent years, those transitioning to truck driving also include corporate employees (white-collar), social service personnel, students, as well as new flexible job workers like delivery personnel, couriers, ride-hailing drivers, and chauffeur drivers.
International Truckers, How Does This Data Compare to Your Income?
This comprehensive data on Chinese truck drivers’ income and work conditions prompts an interesting comparison. How does your experience and income as a truck driver in your country compare to these figures?
