Logistics player DHL SmarTrucking plans to employ 20,000 to 25,000 truck drivers over the next 10 years and ‘humanise’ their living conditions.

The company also plans to expand the number of its customised trucks from 750 now to around 10,000 during the period, Neeraj Bansal, CEO, told BusinessLine .

Relay driving

The company, which launched a Drivers’ Excellence Program in May 2018, is following a relay-model in which a driver drives a truck for a maximum of 300 km a day and reaches a logistics hub, from where another driver takes over for the onward journey.

Bansal said that in order to ameliorate their conditions, DHL SmarTrucking is providing them with unique facilities. The relay model helps reduce fatigue and allows them to go home to their families more often than before. Besides, they get paid the “best in class” salary before month-end and are informed by an SMS about it. They also get mediclaim cover for ₹3 lakh, proper sleeping berths in their trucks and adjustable seats to avoid physical discomfort during long drives.

DHL hubs

DHL SmarTrucking’s 17 hubs across the country provide them proper resting and sleeping facilities. They are allowed birthday and other regional holiday celebrations, besides other benefits such as yoga, physiotherapy and regular meditation sessions.

The company organises sessions for their general awareness about the various programmes launched by the government, he said.

Each driver undergoes four types of training, followed by regular refresher courses.