"We will lease a car and hire a driver" — this is a decision that many companies make when permanent transport is needed. Sounds logical. But when you count everything — really everything — the result will surprise you.
The actual cost of a full-time driver
Let's assume the average driver's salary in Poznań: PLN 4,800-6,500 gross. In addition:
- Employer's ZUS contributions: approx. 20% gross → PLN 960–1,300/month
- Vacation: 26 days/year = approx. 2 months of remuneration that you pay for not working
- L4 and sick leave: statistically 10–15 days/year in this professional group
- Replacement during holidays/sickness: who goes? A taxi, a colleague from the company, senior management on your own?
- Training: he already has a category B driving license, but training in VIP service, etiquette, first aid?
- Severance pay and recruitment costs with turnover: this industry has high turnover
The realistic cost of an employee is 1.4-1.6x gross salary. That's PLN 6,700-10,400 a month, before you touch on the car.
The actual cost of leasing and operating the vehicle
Mercedes S-Class 2023 leasing:
- Leasing installment: PLN 4,500–6,500/month. (depending on conditions)
- OC/AC/NNW insurance: PLN 500–800/month
- Service and inspections (except packages): PLN 300–600/month. average
- Fuel (assuming 2,000 km/month): PLN 800-1,200/month
- Washing and detailing: PLN 200–400/month
- Parking / subscription: PLN 200–500/month. in the center of Poznań
Total: PLN 6,500–10,000/month per car.
Total cost of own driver + own car
Driver + leasing + operation = PLN 13,000-20,400 per month. And this is assuming that the driver is available 5 days a week, 8 hours a day — and the company actually needs that much.
What are the benefits of transport outsourcing
For intensive use (e.g. 15 trips per month, a mix of transfers and hourly), the cost of external transport services is a fraction of the above — with key differences:
- Zero fixed costs when the vehicle is not in use
- Fleet available — various vehicles for various occasions
- No HR, leaves, layoffs, recruitment
- Full VAT invoice and settlement
- Availability 7 days a week with no extra fee for availability
When having your own driver makes sense
When used really intensively — management with daily trips 6 days a week, 8-10 hours of activity a day, fixed routes — having your own driver becomes economically justified. Below this limit — outsourcing is more effective.
Compare costs specifically for your company: +48 728 978 399 · form.
