While most European markets face a serious problem with the lack of professional drivers, the Lithuanian transport giant hired a 10,000 trucker. The tough number does not make that impression, however, because the company has announced the employment of another 10,000 drivers in the next three years.
At the beginning of the year, barely 8,000 employees worked for the company but on Friday, August 3, Girteka officially hired a 10,000th trucker. The Lithuanian carrier’s truck park increased to 5,000 tractors and 5.5 thousand trailers. However, the most interesting are the ambitions of Girteka, because by 2021 the company plans to double the number of drivers.
By 2021, we have a clear goal – to increase the truck park to 10,000. tractors and the number of employed drivers up to 20,000 – says Edvardas Liachovičius, general director of Girteka Logistics.
The most important – own the fleet and hire the drivers
In 2017, Girteka reported an organic growth of the company at 30 percent. According to the company’s experts, Girteka succeeded thanks to its unique, developed business model.
Our business model differs significantly from our competitors, such as DSV, DB Schenker, DHL or Kühne & Nagel. We have our own truck park and we employ our own professional drivers. It is their own resources and their development that influence the quality of services,” emphasizes Kristian Kaas Mortensen, head of Girteki communication.
Although Girteka’s plans are impressive, the company admits that it also struggles with the problem of rapidly growing operating expenses. According to the company’s representatives, many factors influence the increase in company expenses. The most important factors that Girteka is dealing with include growing drivers 'salaries, legal changes in the EU, regulating the truckers’ working conditions and the size of their wages, and the increase in fuel prices.
Expenditure of companies from the road transport sector is growing in Europe for various reasons, but the most important is the lack of professional drivers. We analyze our expenses and want to adjust prices for our services in accordance with current market requirements,” says Edvardas Liachovičius.
Photo: Girteka