Girteka Drivers

A new generation of truck drivers: the story of Denis 

Denis from Belarus is a truck driver whose life is full of unexpected twists. His approach to the profession breaks stereotypes and shows how a new generation of drivers views their role. 

What do a bartender and a driver have in common?

After obtaining a diploma in economics, Denis went to St. Petersburg for a vacation but ended up staying there for three years, as acquaintances were opening a club and needed a bartender. There, he met his future wife, after which the couple moved to Minsk. Soon, Denis got a job at the Minsk Tractor Plant. “I came to apply wearing a shirt and with my diploma. They told me that the finance departments were being downsized and offered me a position as an assistant steelworker,” recalls Denis. The job turned out to be hard but well-paid. 

Later, Denis began transporting meat and dairy products to Russia. When the currency exchange rate dropped, the business became unprofitable, and Denis decided to try something new. After moving to Israel, he worked at a printing shop for three years but later returned to Belarus, where he learned about a job opening at Girteka. “I liked his stories about travels. And I’m not bothered by new places and new work, as you can understand,” laughs Denis.

Denis’s past experience proved useful in his new profession. “In addition to driving, you need to be able to communicate — during loading and unloading, at ferry crossings. My sociability, developed over years of working as a bartender, really helps.” Additionally, his skills in handling documents came in handy: “I studied to be an accountant, so I’m used to being responsible for paperwork.”

Help from the chat

For his first trip, Denis went in a double crew. According to him, they greatly benefited from the Girteka group chat, which has over 10,000 members. “We managed the entire route thanks to this chat,” recalls Denis. “For example, before setting off, we realized we didn’t have a toll payment device for Poland, and the chat helped us find where to get one.” Sometimes, he admits, he faced “hazing,” when others would ask, “How can you not know that?” But others immediately shut down such cases and offered advice, which Denis greatly appreciated. Now, after four years at the wheel, he rarely needs help but is always ready to assist others, such as with parking choices or navigation at the ferry. 

Debunking stereotypes

Despite spending months on the road, Denis spends all his time between trips — sometimes over a month — with his family. He believes he ultimately spends this time better than if he returned home tired in the evening and only saw his children on weekends. “I have four months of vacation a year, which I can fully dedicate to my family,” Denis says. 
 
There’s another stereotype. According to Denis, many still envision a truck driver as “an unkempt, overweight, and rude guy.” Denis emphasizes that the profession requires high qualifications: “For some reason, a pilot is considered almost a demigod, while a driver bears no less responsibility — delivering goods that we all rely on. Yet, this work is often regarded with disdain.” 
 
Denis shares that he encounters educated people among his colleagues, ranging from English teachers to engineers. He emphasizes that the new generation of drivers, including the “mature youth over 40,” takes care of themselves, eats well, and actively spends their free time. 
 
Denis has traveled to most European capitals, but one of his most powerful experiences was in Norway, with its rugged mountains and endless forests. He tries to choose parking areas near sites of interest — castles, churches, villages, or the sea. He walks a lot and maintains an Instagram account where he shares his travels. 

In Denis’s opinion, the prestige of the driving profession needs to be raised. “Many do not choose to become truck drivers because of outdated stereotypes. Moreover, considering the qualifications and responsibilities, the salary could be higher. Drivers are the face of the company.”