Driver Welfare

Sunil Giri: A Journey of Duty

Sunil Giri, 42, from Uttar Pradesh, spends most of his time on the road, driving between Mumbai and Pune in his Eicher Pro 2110 or Eicher Pro 2049, depending on the load. He works with TrusTech, a cold chain logistics company specializing in temperature-sensitive goods. Focused on last-mile delivery in the Q-Commerce sector across Maharashtra and Gujarat, TrusTech operates a fleet of temperature-controlled vehicles. Sunil’s life revolves around tight schedules, overnight routes, and the constant rhythm of horns and headlights.

He views his job as more than just delivering goods—he sees it like the work of a soldier, protecting the supply chain that keeps businesses running. “Just like a soldier protects the country at the border, we also understand our job. If we don’t do our job right, how will goods reach people?” he says proudly.

Sunil’s daily routine is far from ordinary. He starts his journey from Taloja, Mumbai, picking up dry and frozen supplies—like burger bases, chicken patties, and sauces—for restaurants in Pune. His shift usually starts around 4-5 PM, ensuring he drives the expressway at night, reaching Pune in about three to four hours. He makes deliveries at nine different locations, each route planned to avoid delays.

The road is both his workplace and his biggest challenge. While the expressway is smooth, the ghats slow him down, testing his patience and skills. He knows that even if a truck driver isn’t at fault, they are often blamed in case of an accident. “Big or small, a driver always has to be careful. Whether the mistake is ours or not, the blame usually falls on the driver,” he says with experience.

Comfort, Control, and Confidence

Safety is his priority—not just for himself but also for the cargo he carries. His refrigerated truck maintains a temperature between 18°C and 22°C to keep the food items fresh. If the AC fails, he has a small window to fix it before the goods are damaged. His training has made him good at monitoring temperature logs, but over time, his instinct has become just as reliable as any digital display.

The hours behind the wheel can be mentally draining. The pressure of meeting deadlines, dealing with unpredictable traffic, and the monotony of night driving can wear him down. But Sunil has learned how to handle it. “There’s always stress, but the work must go on. Timely and safe deliveries are important,” he says. His secret? Staying calm, focused, and ready for anything unexpected.

Having driven various trucks, Sunil prefers Eicher. “Driving an Eicher is easy. The steering is good, the cabin is spacious, and the power steering is smooth,” he says. He values the little things that make his drives more comfortable—plenty of legroom, a well-placed mirror, and good fuel efficiency. Over time, he has become used to different models, mastering the Pro 2114 before switching to the 2049 for city deliveries.

Though his heart stays in his village with his family, he’s created a second home among his fellow drivers in Mumbai. To keep his mood lively on long drives, Sunil enjoys watching YouTube short reels and listening to songs in his truck. These small moments help him stay connected with the world while keeping the road ahead from feeling too lonely. The bond he shares with fellow drivers is the closest thing to family when he’s away from his loved ones.

Despite the hard nature of his work, Sunil is deeply dedicated to it. Every trip is more than just a drive; it’s a responsibility he carries with pride. “If we stop, people’s food stops. That’s why it’s important to keep going,” he says, embodying the spirit of a true professional—just like a soldier on duty.

BOX ITEM – Quote from Eicher Spokesperson:

“At Eicher, we understand that drivers like Sunil are the backbone of the logistics sector, especially in critical cold chain operations. The Eicher Pro 2049 plays a vital role in their operations, enabling efficient and reliable transport of temperature-sensitive goods. We strive to provide India’s logistics foot-soldiers with trucks that not only perform exceptionally but also offer a comfortable and ergonomic environment, helping drivers like Sunil stay focused, safe and productive during crucial deliveries.”

– Vishal Mathur, EVP, Sales and Marketing, LMD Trucks, Eicher Trucks and Buses