How much does a transport helper earn?
Transport helpers keep goods moving in freight forwarding, retail, industry and courier services: they load and unload vehicles, secure cargo, move pallets and bulky items and assist with tours and delivery. Entry is often via on-the-job training, entry-level qualification or related apprenticeships such as warehouse clerk; many employers pay under collective agreements with shift premiums. Gross pay depends on region, collective agreements, driving licence, forklift skills and experience. As a guide, experienced transport helpers in Germany in 2026 often earn about €2,400–€2,950 gross per month; during onboarding and entry phases around €910–€1,210 is typical.
Salary by region (gross/month)
Guide figures as of 2026. The apprenticeship column typically means onboarding, entry-level qualification, internships or comparable starter pay; qualified means working, experienced transport helpers. Actual pay depends on collective agreements, shift and allowances, driving licence, forklift skills, employer, region and experience and is not a guarantee.
Further training options
Job and everyday work
A transport helper keeps goods and tours moving: loading and unloading, securing cargo, material flow and supporting drivers. Everyday work means physical tasks at ramps and vehicles, pace under deadlines, teamwork and clear rules on safety, documentation and customer handover.
- Load and unload trucks, vans and swap bodies; secure cargo and check documents.
- Move and sort goods, pallets and bulky items with pallet trucks, forklifts or by hand.
- Support drivers and dispatch – prepare tours, accompany deliveries and document handovers.
- Follow workplace and traffic safety: PPE, ramps, strap rules and operating instructions.
- Keep warehouse and shipping areas tidy; report damage, shortages and returns.
- Coordinate with warehouse, customers and colleagues; shifts, early starts and weekend work are common depending on the employer.
