Are you interested in becoming a truck driver with Ultra Polokwane? This might be the opportunity you have been waiting for. In this post, we will cover everything you need to know: the qualifications (including having Grade 12), necessary licences, experience, how much you can expect to earn (especially for long distances), and how to apply.
Who is Ultra Polokwane?
Ultra Polokwane is a trucking / transport company based in Polokwane, Limpopo. They perform long-haul and regional deliveries across South Africa. The company employs drivers with different licence codes (especially Code 14), and often seeks drivers who can travel long distances, sometimes 1,200 km or more. If you are reliable, have good driving experience, and meet the qualification criteria, this could be a great fit for you.
Qualifications & Requirements
To work as a truck driver at Ultra Polokwane (or for similar companies in the region), you will likely need:
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Grade 12 (Matric Certificate):
Having a Grade 12 or equivalent is often a baseline requirement. Employers prefer drivers who can read road signs, understand driving instructions, safety manuals, logbooks, etc. Many job listings in Polokwane for drivers require Grade 12. (Indeed) -
Valid Driver’s Licence (Code 14):
For heavy / ultra-heavy trucks (especially when pulling trailers), a Code 14 licence is typically required. In some jobs, Code 10 may be enough depending on the weight or type of vehicle, but Code 14 is safer if you’ll be doing long-distance haulage or pulling trailers. (www.pnet.co.za) -
Professional Driving Permit (PDP) / PrDP or equivalent licence endorsements:
Most heavy vehicle driver roles require a PDP or PrDP to legally operate the vehicle for hire or reward. This means you are authorised to drive for commercial purposes. (Jooble) -
Driving Experience:
Employers often prefer drivers with previous experience driving heavy vehicles, especially long distances. Having 3-5 years of relevant experience makes you more competitive. Experience with particular types of haulage (goods, refrigerated, hazardous materials) may be a plus. (ZA Job) -
Clean Driving Record & Medical Fitness:
You’ll need a clean driver’s record (few or no serious infractions), and must meet medical fitness standards (vision, hearing, physical capability). Long distance driving requires high levels of alertness and stamina. -
Soft Skills:
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Good communication (to deal with dispatchers, clients, road authorities)
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Reliability and punctuality
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Attention to safety (loading, securing cargo, complying with road rules)
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Basic mechanical insight (to handle minor breakdowns, inspect tyres, etc.)
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Ability to work independently—for long-hauls you may be alone for many hours
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What to Expect: Salary & Benefits for Long Distance Driving
Working as a long-distance truck driver can be demanding, but often comes with better pay than local driving. Here’s a breakdown of what truck drivers in Polokwane / South Africa earn, and what you might expect when you drive routes around 1,200 km or more.
| Type of Driver | Salary / Earnings Estimate* | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Average Truck Driver in Polokwane | ~ R 9,164 per month | This is typical for shorter or less demanding routes. (Indeed) |
| Nationwide Average for Truck Drivers | ~ R 13,086 per month | Includes a broad mix of local, regional, and long-haul roles. (Indeed) |
| Heavy Truck Driver (Long Haul) | ~ R 207,000 / year ≈ R 17,000-R 20,000+/month | Drivers doing long distance hauls often make more. Salary data suggests average base salary for long haul is ~ R 207,003 annually. (Salary Expert) |
| Experienced / Senior Long Haul Drivers | Up to ~ R 250,000+ / year | For those with many years, good reliability, possibly special cargo. (Salary Expert) |
These figures are approximate and depend on many factors: distance driven, type of cargo, experience, company policy, overtime/bonus pay, etc.
For a 1,200-km route or more, your company may offer additional compensation such as fuel allowance, per-diem or overnight stay allowances, bonuses for safe driving, etc. Make sure to ask if those are included.
How to Apply at Ultra Polokwane
Here are steps you can follow to submit a strong application:
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Prepare Your Documents:
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Updated resume / CV: Highlight your driving experience, types of trucks you’ve driven, any special permits (hazardous goods, etc.), past employers, routes you’ve done.
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Copies of your driver’s licence (Code 14 or relevant licence) and PDP / PrDP.
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Matric certificate (or equivalent).
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Reference letters or contact details of past employers or supervisors if possible.
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Any medical fitness certificate if available (sometimes required prior to employment or testing).
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Write a Cover Letter:
In your cover letter, include:
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Why you want to work at Ultra Polokwane.
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Your experience, especially with long-distance routes.
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Emphasis on safety, reliability, and your readiness to meet challenges (e.g. driving through difficult routes, weather conditions).
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If you have any special skills (loading/unloading, handling of hazardous materials, mechanical troubleshooting).
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Submit Application via Proper Channel:
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If Ultra Polokwane has a careers page or email, use that with subject line like: “Application: Long-Haul Truck Driver – [Your Name]”.
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Ensure all required documents are attached and labelled (e.g. “YourName_CV”, “YourName_PDP”, etc.).
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If applying in-person, bring physical copies of all documents, dress neatly, bring a pen, be ready to fill in forms.
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Follow Up:
If you don’t hear back in 1-2 weeks, follow up with a polite phone call or email. Ask if they received your application and whether they need anything further. Showing interest and initiative can help.
Tips to Increase Your Chances
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Get as much relevant experience as you can—even if local or short-haul—before moving into long distance.
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Maintain your vehicle cleanliness, appearance and upkeep if company trucks allow/require.
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Keep your driving record clean. Avoid traffic fines or accidents.
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Be aware of safety regulations, road laws, hours-of-service rules.
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Be physically fit, mentally prepared for long hours, and able to rest properly when required.
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Stay updated with truck-driving permits or certifications (hazardous material handling, etc.).
What Ultra Polokwane Likely Offers / What to Ask
When discussing terms, make sure you ask about:
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Base salary vs per-km pay or distance allowances
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Fuel or travel allowances (are you compensated for downtime, overnight stays?)
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Bonuses or incentives (safe driving bonus, punctuality bonus, performance-based)
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Overtime pay
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Health or medical benefits
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Retirement / pension contributions, insurance, etc.
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Leave days / rest periods, especially for long distances
Conclusion
Becoming a long-distance truck driver with Ultra Polokwane can be a rewarding career—financially and professionally—if you have the right qualifications, licence, experience, and attitude. With the required qualifications (Grade 12, Code 14 licence, PDP/PrDP, good driving record), you stand a good chance to earn well above the national average, especially for long routes of 1,200 km or more.
If you're ready, prepare your documents, polish your resume, and send a strong application. We wish you the very best in your job hunt!
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