Truck Driver Early Morning Pay Rate 2026
How much does a truck driver earn on early morning? 1.3x penalty rate under the Road Transport and Distribution Award 2020.
Last verified: 1 July 2025Quick Answer
A truck driver working on early morning earns $33.38/hr (30% above the base rate of $25.68/hr).
Based on the Road Transport and Distribution Award 2020 (MA000039), Level 1 adult rate, effective 1 July 2025.
Base Rate vs Early Morning Penalty Rate
Weekday Base Rate
$25.68/hr
1.0x (no penalty)
Early Morning Penalty Rate
$33.38/hr
1.3x (+30%)
Casual Early Morning Rate
Casual truck drivers receive their casual-loaded rate ($32.10/hr, which includes 25% casual loading) multiplied by the early morning penalty rate of 1.3x.
How the Penalty Rate Is Calculated
Start with the base hourly rate: $25.68/hr
Multiply by the early morning penalty rate: 1.3x
$25.68 x 1.3 = $33.38/hr
What the Award Says About Early Morning Work
Under the Road Transport and Distribution Award 2020, employees working early morning hours receive 1.3x their base rate. Early morning hours are generally defined as work performed between midnight and 6am or 7am, depending on the award. These penalties recognise the health and lifestyle impact of working unsociable hours.
Source: Road Transport and Distribution Award 2020 (MA000039). Rates effective from 1 July 2025 following the Fair Work Commission Annual Wage Review.
Weekly Earnings Example
If you work 8 hours on early morning, you earn $267.07 instead of $205.44 on a weekday — that's $61.63 extra.
Weekday (8hrs)
$205.44
Early Morning (8hrs)
$267.07
Extra Earned
+$61.63
All Penalty Rates for Truck Drivers
| Day / Time | Multiplier | Full-Time Rate | Casual Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekday (base) | 1.0x | $25.68/hr | $32.10/hr |
| Saturday | 1.5x | $38.52/hr | $48.15/hr |
| Sunday | 2x | $51.36/hr | $64.20/hr |
| Public Holiday | 2.5x | $64.20/hr | $80.25/hr |
| Christmas Day | 2.5x | $64.20/hr | $80.25/hr |
| Evening | 1.15x | $29.53/hr | $36.92/hr |
| Early Morning | 1.3x | $33.38/hr | $41.73/hr |
Am I Getting the Right Penalty Rate?
Use our Penalty Rate Calculator to check your exact rate based on your award, classification level, and employment type.
Open Penalty Rate CalculatorFrequently Asked Questions
How much does a truck driver earn on early morning?
A truck driver working on early morning earns $33.38 per hour under the Road Transport and Distribution Award 2020. This is 1.3x the base rate of $25.68/hr, which is 30% more than the ordinary weekday rate. Casual truck drivers earn $41.73/hr (1.3x their casual rate of $32.10/hr).
What is the early morning penalty rate for truck drivers?
The early morning penalty rate for truck drivers is 1.3x the base hourly rate under the Road Transport and Distribution Award 2020 (MA000039). For a Level 1 truck driver, this means $33.38/hr instead of $25.68/hr. The penalty rate compensates employees for working during unsociable hours.
Do casuals get penalty rates on early morning?
Yes. Casual truck drivers receive penalty rates on early morning. The 1.3x penalty multiplier is applied to the casual rate of $32.10/hr (which already includes 25% casual loading), giving a total of $41.73/hr. Casual employees receive both their loading and the penalty rate.
Can my employer make me work on early morning?
Your employer can roster you to work on early morning as part of your ordinary hours or as overtime, provided it aligns with the Road Transport and Distribution Award 2020 and your employment contract. However, you must be paid the correct penalty rate of 1.3x your base rate ($33.38/hr). If you believe your roster is unreasonable, you can raise this with your employer or contact Fair Work.
Other Early Morning Penalty Rates
Truck Driver — Other Penalty Rates
General information and estimates only — not legal, financial, or tax advice. Always verify with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified professional.
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