"On average, a car carrier driver earns 130 euros per day." A long-haul driver from Vitebsk described his work

Oleg recalls that despite extensive experience working with heavy goods vehicles, he initially had to overcome fear when driving a car carrier.

"There were some 'screw-ups' in the beginning too. I once damaged a car's bumper during loading. As far as I remember, I paid 600 euros out of my own pocket then.

Initially, there were also great difficulties with parking. The standard length of a folded car carrier is 18.75 meters, and with the tail extended, it reaches 21 meters. There are also car carriers 22 meters long, but these are oversized, so they travel with special markings. For comparison: the length of a standard European semi-trailer with a trailer is 16 meters. German "Christmas trees" (parking lots) are designed mainly for standard trucks, and with a large trailer, you might not fit into a parking space, and if you do, then it's a problem to get out until your parking neighbors leave..."

The man notes that car carrier tractors are usually low because a car is placed on top of the visor. "Accordingly, prolonged stays in the cabin are not as comfortable. And the workload for a car carrier driver is greater. For example, if loading a 'tarpaulin' takes an hour, or a maximum of an hour and a half, then arranging cars on the carrier sometimes takes up to three hours.

Павялічыць

In addition, there is a very high level of responsibility here. You need to accept the cargo with maximum attention, carefully inspecting it. For safety, I always take detailed photos of the cars before loading."

Car carrier drivers, as a rule, earn more than all other long-haul drivers.

"Previously, we earned twice as much as others! However, recently (I don't know what it's related to), salaries for 'tarpaulins' and 'refrigerators' are increasing, but ours remains stagnant.

I am employed by a Lithuanian company. Here, car carrier drivers receive an average of 130 euros per day. For standard trucks, people are currently paid 95-100 euros. The difference in salary levels still exists, but it is no longer as significant..."

Павялічыць

Oleg talks about the tractors he has driven.

"I've probably driven all European brands except Renault. You won't find Chinese tractors in the EU, and 'Americans' are also rare guests on local roads. I've driven Volvo, MAN, DAF, Mercedes, and now I work on a Scania. This tractor is considered the most suitable for a car carrier. But among large vehicles, I still prefer Mercedes: it's comfortable, soft, and everything in it is thought out to the smallest detail."

The man mainly drove across Western, Southern, and Central Europe: France, Germany, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Czech Republic, Slovakia…

Павялічыць

He notes that in Poland, controlling authorities like to check long-haul drivers. "They mainly check compliance with working and resting hours, but sometimes they also check the length and height of the road train, car carrier fastenings, brakes... In case of violations, fines are issued. Their size is from one hundred euros, depending on the violation."

Oleg's schedule is: eight weeks working, four weeks at home. But the schedule is flexible, and can be changed as desired.

"I plan to change jobs in the near future. Regardless, there are far more downsides than upsides in my profession. But the main reason for leaving is that I want to be home with my family. I love my wife very much and want to always be by her side. So I will be looking for options on how to make that happen!"

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