For Santosh Yadav, the road begins at Jamnagar, but his working world stretches far beyond the city. As a heavy commercial vehicle driver with Shree Jalaram Freight Carriers Pvt. Ltd., he regularly operates on the long Bhiwandi–Jamnagar corridor, carrying industrial cargo such as plastic materials. Before every journey, however, the first responsibility remains the same: making sure his truck is ready for the road. “Before starting, I check the vehicle properly. A driver should know that his truck is ready before he takes it out.”
The journeys can take many hours, demanding patience, concentration and an understanding of changing road conditions. Traffic, diversions, road quality and the behaviour of other vehicles can make every trip different. Santosh has learnt that experienced driving is not about rushing to the destination; it is about knowing when to maintain speed, when to slow down and when to remain extra cautious. “On the road, traffic and conditions keep changing. You have to understand the situation and drive accordingly. Safety has to come first.”
Over time, Santosh has developed an instinctive relationship with his vehicle. He pays attention to tyres, water levels, lights, electrical systems and the overall condition of the truck before setting out. For him, preventive maintenance is not merely a company’s requirement; it is part of being a responsible driver. A small check at the beginning of a journey can prevent a major problem later. “When you drive the same vehicle regularly, you understand it. If something is not right, you should notice it and get it checked instead of waiting for a problem.”
His responsibility continues even after the vehicle starts moving. Once the cargo is loaded, Santosh considers it his duty to ensure that the material reaches its destination safely and in proper condition. The journey may involve long hours behind the wheel, but the thought of the customer waiting for the goods keeps the purpose of the trip clear in his mind. “Once the material is loaded, it is our responsibility. We have to make sure it reaches the customer safely and properly.”
That sense of responsibility has grown alongside his association with Shree Jalaram Freight Carriers. With roots going back to 1963 through its parent entity, Shree Jalaram Transport, the company has developed into a modern logistics player focused strongly on Full Truck Load services, particularly between Maharashtra and Gujarat. Its containerised and open-body heavy commercial vehicles connect businesses across the region, while drivers like Santosh remain at the centre of that network. “The company has given us work and support. When the company stands with its drivers, the driver also feels responsible towards the company.”
For Santosh, that support extends beyond the steering wheel. Timely salary, medical support and insurance provide a sense of security for drivers and their families. Such benefits may appear simple on paper, but for someone who spends much of his working life away from home, they contribute significantly to a feeling of stability and belonging. “When you know that your salary, medical needs and family are taken care of, you can concentrate better on your work. You feel that you belong here.”
Life on the highway has also given Santosh a wider community. Drivers often share information, help one another during difficult situations and offer support when someone faces an emergency. Away from home for long stretches, this informal fraternity becomes an important part of a driver’s life. It reminds Santosh that although every driver operates a different vehicle, they share the same challenges and responsibilities. “Drivers understand each other’s problems. If somebody needs help on the road, we try to stand with him. That is also part of our profession.”
Santosh believes the changing commercial vehicle industry can make driving an increasingly respected career. Better cabins, sleeper arrangements, improved safety systems and vehicle technology can make long-distance driving more comfortable and secure. For OEMs, his experience is a reminder that every improvement in a truck ultimately reaches a person spending long hours inside that cabin. “A driver spends many hours in the cabin, so comfort and safety are important. When the vehicle supports the driver, he can do his job better.”
For young people entering the profession, Santosh’s journey carries a quiet but powerful message. A driver is not merely the person sitting behind the steering wheel. He is responsible for the vehicle, the cargo, the company’s reputation and the safety of everyone sharing the road. From Jamnagar towards Bhiwandi and back again, every safe journey becomes a small contribution to the larger economy. “I feel proud when I complete my journey safely. I do my duty, deliver the goods properly and come back home safely. That is what gives me real satisfaction.”
“I feel proud when I complete my journey safely. I do my duty, deliver the goods properly and come back home safely. That is what gives me real satisfaction.”