Girteka Drivers

“It’s like getting paid to go on adventures,” says Edgaras Jasiulis, reflecting on his nearly six years driving Girteka’s German routes.

During his early days behind the wheel, each journey brought new experiences and discoveries. And for Edgaras, it’s this constant variety that makes the job special. “No two days are the same in this job,” he explains with a smile, “and you only feel it getting repetitive if you let it become that way.” His enthusiasm for life on the road remains as strong as when he first started, and it’s this joy that keeps him going. 

Help from colleagues matters most

“Becoming a truck driver wasn’t part of my original plan,” Edgaras shares, thinking back on his journey.

Though he got his truck driver’s license almost 20 years ago, it just sat unused for years. Everything changed six years ago when he got the opportunity to join Girteka’s team in Germany. His eyes light up when he talks about how that unexpected turn led him to where he is today. 

“Starting this job didn’t come as a huge surprise since I had quite a few friends who were drivers and told me what to expect,” Edgaras reflects. “Still, everything turned out to be more complex than I’d imagined. From the outside, it looks like you just drive and that’s it. You don’t think about all the planning involved – when to set off, when to stop for hest, how to stay on schedule with loading and unloading. These are things you can only learn through experience – there’s really no other way,” he says thoughtfully. 

“It took me about two or three months to really get comfortable in my new role,” Edgaras explains. “What helped me most during that time were the tips from friends and colleagues who had been driving longer. You can’t keep calling your manager or fleet supervisor for every little question, but colleagues – they’re always ready to help.” 

“One of the biggest advantages of our team in Germany is that there are quite a few ​​colleagues working here, and they’re always willing to lend a hand,” he says warmly.

“They made my life so much easier with their advice about routes, rest stops, what to expect, and all those little details. Now the roles have reversed. Whenever I can, I try to help newer drivers and share what I know, because I remember how much that support meant to me when I was starting out.” 

German driving culture is praise-worthy 

“The driving culture in Germany is really something special,” Edgaras says with genuine appreciation. “It’s different from what I’ve experienced in other countries. For example, just indicate when you need to change lanes, and drivers will make space for you. Road courtesy here is probably the best I’ve seen in all my travels. It makes the job so much more enjoyable – driving becomes pure pleasure.” 

“The overall working conditions make a big difference too,” he continues. “In Germany, everything is very well organized, and they even provide child benefits for all your kids as well as student support. The company takes care of getting you to work – that’s one less thing to worry about. You drive new trucks, and there are clear rules that everyone follows. I’ve never had any issues with pay or anything else,” Edgaras reflects.

“When everything is clear and well-organized like this, the job becomes so much simpler. You can just focus on driving without worrying about all the other stuff.” 

Making the most of every journey 

“One of the best things about working in Germany,” Edgaras says with enthusiasm, “is getting to see places you’d probably never visit otherwise.” His eyes light up as he talks about the unique opportunities his job has brought him.

“I’ve been inside Tesla, BMW, and Audi factories, and even transported equipment for world-famous artists like Ed Sheeran, Billie Eilish, Coldplay, and Metallica – and yes, I got to see their concerts too.”

He grins as he adds, “Not to mention getting to explore some of Europe’s most beautiful cities.” 

“During the pandemic,” Edgaras recalls with a grin, “our shuttle bus to Germany had reduced capacity. I took advantage of that by bringing my bicycle along. On my days off, I’d go on rides up to a hundred kilometers. Once, I cycled around almost all of Verona – did you know they have a colosseum too? That’s just one example of how much you can discover in this job.” 

He shakes his head when hearing other drivers complain about the job being monotonous. “It’s only boring if you let it be,” he explains. “Sure, if you spend your free days sitting in the cabin, you’ll feel the monotony. But there are so many better ways to spend your time.” 

“You just need to be open to possibilities, and ideas will come,” Edgaras says enthusiastically.

“I remember standing with some Girteka colleagues near Cologne, and we took the chance to go watch a Bundesliga football match. These days, technology makes it so easy to find your way around and discover new things. You just have to want to. Sometimes I’d joke that I’m basically getting paid to go on excursions,” he adds with a laugh.