At 34, Saddam Khalil Shaikh is a man with a steady hand on the wheel, the hum of the engine in his ears, and an unshakable sense of duty in his heart. For the past decade, Saddam has been an integral part of SNGT, a logistics company that runs goods across Maharashtra and Gujarat. His daily route from Nashik to Mumbai, carrying industrial raw materials – barrels, chemicals, machinery parts – has become more than just a job; it’s a routine that shapes his life.
Saddam often switches between an Eicher Pro 2114 XP and Eicher Pro 3018, the trucks he fondly calls his “partner on the road.” He appreciates its comfort-the soft pedals, the smooth pickup, the minimal vibration that lets him relax even on long hauls. “It feels like I’m driving a car,” he says, smiling. The wide side mirrors and the ergonomic cabin design make the challenging Nashik-Mumbai route a little less daunting, especially when the highway throws its fair share of steep gradients and unpredictable traffic.
Saddam’s days begin at 6 a.m. when he leaves Nashik, fully loaded, and heads towards the bustling metropolis of Mumbai. By 10 or 11 a.m., the goods are delivered, sometimes in Mulund, sometimes beyond, depending on the client. After a brief pause, often for breakfast or refueling, Saddam and his fellow drivers regroup-sharing news, small talk, and chai. By evening, they’re back on the road, returning to Nashik by midnight. It’s a cycle that repeats itself, yet Saddam finds a rhythm in it, a sense of belonging.
“Gaadi chalana humare khoon mein hai,” Saddam says with quiet pride. His uncle, too, was a driver with SNGT. While Saddam’s father chose a different path, the family’s bond with trucking remained alive through his uncle, and now, through him. The family, based in Nashik, takes pride in this legacy. His wife and three children are his support system, never once questioning his choice of profession. They understand that for Saddam, driving is more than a livelihood; it’s a commitment-to his company, to his customers, and to the goods he carries.
Saddam values the respect he gets at SNGT. His bosses trust him, monitor his schedules with care, and ensure that payments are on time. Drivers at SNGT, he says, are treated as partners, not just employees. “Our company is the best, sir. Once someone joins here, they don’t like to leave.” He feels that sense of ownership when behind the wheel, knowing that his role is vital-moving critical materials, often for industries that rely on timely deliveries.
While the Nashik-Mumbai highway has its share of challenges-heavy traffic, rains, occasional hold-ups at godowns-Saddam is not one to complain. He focuses on what he can control: safe driving, timely delivery, and helping others when needed. If a fellow driver is in trouble, Saddam doesn’t hesitate to lend a hand, whether it’s sharing water on a hot day or stopping for a quick chat to lift spirits.
Life on the road has taught Saddam patience, resilience, and humility. He knows he won’t become rich overnight, but the satisfaction of a job well done, the smile of his children when he returns home, and the quiet gratitude of a customer make every kilometer worth it. It’s a life of steady service, where small comforts-like a smooth truck, a trusted community of drivers, and a week’s leave to be with family-mean the world.
Saddam doesn’t dream of grand things. He dreams of safety, of being able to keep driving, and of seeing his children study well. For him, every trip is a chance to prove that he is not just a driver-he is a lifeline for the industries he serves, a part of a chain that keeps India moving.
“Stories like Saddam Shaikh’s reflect the unwavering dedication of India’s driver community – resilient, dependable, and deeply rooted in purpose. At VECV, we are proud to support drivers like him through our products like the Eicher Pro 2114XP and Eicher Pro 3018, which are engineered for performance, comfort, and safety. When a driver feels truly at ease behind the wheel, it enhances not just his journey, but the efficiency and reliability of the entire logistics chain. That’s the impact we aim to create – with every truck, on every road.”
