Hello from Germany

Hello everyone,

I just stumbled across this forum and it looks like a nice place to exchange some experiences.
I'm totally curious how we can compare our work as truck drivers! Lots of discussions incoming!

Cheers,

Marc from W-Germany

 

Hi,

yes, I'm from monday until saturday on the road all over Europe. Sometimes I'm 2 weeks on the way

 

Sure, the EU has some very strict rules about hours of service. Within 24 hours we have to rest for 11 hours (twice per week we can shorten to 9 hours)
We are allowed to drive 9 hours per day (twice per week we can lengthen up to 10 hours) and with a mandatory rest period for at least 45 min. after 4,5 hours driving
BUT within 2 weeks time we are allowed to drive maximum 90 hours.

Do you get it?

The wages differ a lot due to East-European companies that hire drivers for about EUR 800,-/month and they are overrunning our companies currently.
I make about EUR 2,500/month (depends on the expenses I get)

 

This is not quite correct. As a matter of fact, Saturday is a working day. In Germany, there are during summer some restrictions on Saturday though (Some highways are closed for trucks, because of the vacationers). On Sunday only refrigerated transports with easily perishable goods are allowed.

 

Unfortunately, we do have huge carrier companies. They are able to put the cargo rates at a really low level, so that smaller companies have to cheap out on the drivers wages.
That's how it is right now. And as the EU is growing with new members, that haven't got the same economy level as e.g. France or Germany, it'll get worse!

Truck drivers used to be respected here, but now there are some stereotypes that come from our neighbours. Dirty clothing, blubberbut, disheveled.. That makes me really sad.