Girteka Drivers

Girteka has announced the winner of the 15th ECO League season – Danierbek Karimov. He was honored by colleagues at the Šiauliai transport base, where congratulations, applause, and words of appreciation were shared for his outstanding professionalism.

Every award ceremony is a special moment for us. We try to gather the whole office team and all drivers who are at the base to personally congratulate the winner. It’s more than a ceremony, it’s our way of showing respect for the driver’s work and dedication.

Žilvinas Perednis, training activity development manager at the training center.

A comprehensive approach to driving 

Žilvinas explains that ECO League is much more than a competition. It is a long-term program designed to build responsible and professional driving habits.

All drivers complete mandatory eco-driving training every year. This training is the foundation of the program. Instructors provide support both at the base and by phone, so drivers can always ask questions or receive guidance.

Eco-driving focuses on several key goals: improving road safety, protecting drivers’ health, ensuring on-time deliveries, reducing operating costs, and minimizing environmental impact. According to Žilvinas, this balanced approach is what makes the program truly effective.

How the final score is formed  

To qualify for the season, a driver must spend at least 120 days on the road within six months. The most important requirement is having no accidents caused by the driver.

Driving performance is assessed using several indicators. The evaluation looks at how well drivers anticipate traffic situations, use coasting and cruise control correctly, and manage engine speed and load. Speed choice and proper use of idling also play an important role. All indicators are combined into one overall score that reflects a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible driving style.

Žilvinas shares one important insight: 

Based on our detailed analysis, drivers at the ‘Platinum’ level have 1.5 times fewer accidents caused by them than those at the ‘Bronze’ level.

He says this is no coincidence. The calmer and more predictable the driving style, the lower the risk on the road. 

Motivation and recognition 

The program also includes financial motivation. Strong performance is additionally rewarded. However, it is not only about bonuses. Winning the season means professional recognition and respect from colleagues. 

According to Žilvinas, ECO League is gradually shaping a new driving culture within the company. Drivers begin to monitor their performance more closely and aim for consistency. Over time, this approach becomes a natural habit — even outside of work.

Danierbek’s story

Danierbek’s journey reflects this mindset. He has been working at the company for four years and says he set his goal to win almost from the beginning. From his very first independent trip, he focused on improving his eco-driving performance.

There was also a healthy sense of competition. Among drivers, the eco-score is a common topic of conversation. They exchange tips, discuss results, and share ways to improve. At the same time, everyone wants to achieve the best possible score.

During each working day, Danierbek checked his performance indicators every four hours. If he noticed weaker results, he focused on improving them in the following hours.

He highlights the importance of support from training center mentors and colleagues. Being able to consult instructors and encourage each other played a key role in reaching his goal.

Today, Danierbek says eco-driving has completely changed his approach behind the wheel. He drives more smoothly and calmly. “Your head doesn’t jerk or shake,” he says with a smile.

For him, eco-driving is first and foremost about safety. Over the years, he realized that arriving 5–10 minutes earlier at any cost makes no real difference. But rushing can create unnecessary risks.

When you stay calm, the road feels calmer too,” Danierbek says