Long working hours, a lot of time on the road and a bad image: According to Reuters, there is a shortage of around 120,000 drivers in Germany. A possible hurdle is the high training costs. Additional training must also be taken into account. Truck driving instructor Cem explains: “For a truck driving license you can easily expect to pay 8,000 to 9,000 euros.”

Three quarters of goods in Germany are transported by road

For the PULS report on Bayerischer Rundfunk, reporter Kevin Ebert Truck-Driver Tim Ertel accompanied us from Nuremberg to Gothenburg for four days. Ertel is a full-time driver. Although he provides relevant goods through his work supermarketsconstruction sites or households, he often experiences rejection in his job: “You are treated like the lowest category.” According to the Federal Statistical Office, around three quarters of goods in Germany are transported by road.

Salary just above minimum wage

The working hours are also long. With a whole week in Long-distance transport He often works 60 hours and earns less than 3,000 euros gross. This means he only earns just above the minimum wage. In his everyday life, Ertel has to adhere to clear rules. His driving times are strictly limited. “As a rule, I’m allowed to drive nine hours a day,” explains Ertel. He can then extend the travel time to ten hours twice a week. Breaks are also clearly regulated: drivers must take a break of 45 minutes after four and a half hours of work at the latest. A challenge when there is increased traffic and connection dates have to be met. After four days of long-distance transport, BR reporter Ebert comes to the conclusion: “An extremely important job. Respect your trucker.”

The video included in the article PULS report (produced by Bayerischer Rundfunk) appeared on March 11, 2026 in the ARD media library. You can view further PULS reportage videos at any time free of charge ARD media library view.