Rajendra Saroj, a 45-year-old truck driver with B.D. Dhalla since 1998, has spent more than two decades navigating the highways of India. His journey started with a license in 1997, and since then, he’s grown into a trusted and skilled professional, currently driving an Eicher Pro 6028 on the Ahmednagar-Mumbai route.
Rajendra’s day begins early, around 5 AM, inspired by his boss, Byram Dhalla, who sets an example of discipline. “I start my day with a run around 6:00 AM, just like my boss does,” Rajendra shares. “It helps keep me fit and prepares me for the long hours ahead.” After his exercise routine, Rajendra gets behind the wheel by 7:30 AM and works till 7 or 8 in the evening. He avoids driving at night for safety reasons and ensures his body gets proper rest and stretches during his journey, pausing every three hours. “Stretching helps keep me alert,” he adds. “I take quick breaks, check the truck, and have a light snack and tea to keep going.”
Rajendra excels in handling deliveries for companies like Delhivery, which specializes in daily intra-city and local deliveries, efficiently serving some of India’s top lubricant, frozen foods, FMCG, and e-commerce sectors. His extensive experience enables him to foresee and address potential delays, ensuring that transport is timely and reliable.
In his 25-26 years of experience, Rajendra has witnessed a sea of change in the trucks he drives. “Back then, the cabins were basic—wooden seats, manual windows—but now we have power windows, power steering, better seating, big rear and side view mirrors along with side and rear under-run protection devices. Trucks are safer and more comfortable,” he explains. Rajendra’s passion for his work is evident in his mechanical expertise as well. When a tyre burst on one of his trips, he changed it himself, sharing his advice that front axle tyres should be manually tightened for better safety.
Beyond driving, Rajendra has experienced some unforgettable moments on the road. On one occasion, he witnessed a horrific accident on the Jodhpur highway where a camel collided with a car. The car flipped, leaving the passengers in distress. Rajendra didn’t hesitate to help. He provided water and essential supplies to the family and coordinated with his office to call an ambulance. “It’s moments like these that remind me of the importance of helping each other on the road,” he reflects.
Rajendra is deeply appreciative of the support he receives from his company. B.D. Dhalla’s commitment to its drivers stands out—he receives his salary on time and has access to medical insurance worth ₹2 lakhs. The company also provides regular driver training and medical check-ups, which he values greatly. Rajendra particularly remembers the training he underwent when Eicher’s Pro series trucks were launched. “The training helped me understand the new cabin and its features. It made my job easier and safer.”
Rajendra’s family—his wife and two children—live in Mumbai. Both his kids are in school, and he takes pride in being able to support them through his work. “My children are my motivation. I work hard to give them a good life,” he says with a smile.
When asked about the challenges young drivers face today, Rajendra offers some advice. “The company pays well, and if drivers are honest, there’s no need to steal fuel or cheat,” he explains. He stresses the importance of living within one’s means, avoiding unnecessary expenses like drinking and smoking. “If your spending is under control, you can work honestly and maintain a good relationship with the company.”
He also shares his thoughts on the future of driving. “Technology is changing the way we drive—driver monitoring systems, safety features like drowsiness detection, and telematics are all improving safety and fuel efficiency. New drivers should embrace these tools, be honest, and learn the basic mechanical skills needed to keep the vehicle running smoothly.”
At the end of a long day, Rajendra unwinds with his family by watching the popular sitcom Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah on SAB TV. “It’s a show with good family values, and it teaches life lessons,” he says, reflecting his own approach to balancing work and life on the road.
“At Eicher we recognize that drivers are the true driving force of the transportation industry. That’s why our commitment goes beyond manufacturing vehicles—we focus on enhancing drivers’ productivity, safety, and well-being. The innovative Eicher Pro 6020 empowers drivers to be more productive -to earn more, do more and enjoy a fulfilling journey on the road. From cutting-edge technology to ergonomically designed cabins, every Eicher truck is tailored to meet drivers’ needs, towards a future of shared growth and success.”
– Gagandeep Singh Gandhok, EVP, Sales and Marketing, HD Trucks, VECV