Real Talk: Our even Communities in Dialogue

Logistics thrives on exchange: between warehouses and dispatch, between drivers and planners, between decision-makers and the people who are on the road every day. That's why we've created a direct line at even logistics: The "Logistics Decision-Makers DACH" Community, connected via WhatsApp, regularly discusses current challenges, while our "even Trucker Community" serves as a mouthpiece for drivers, providing authentic insights.

1. What are your experiences at loading docks, warehouses and delivery points?

Hauke:

• "Toilets are really a lottery – from dirty and lacking paper to non-existent."
• "Drinks are usually available from Klix coffee machines, but often only in central warehouses."
• "In winter, at many discount chain central warehouses, you stand outside at the window to check in."
• "When I deliver to the end customer, they're usually happier than 'Egon', who has to manage around 250 trucks a day at central warehouse XY."

Anna:

• "At many loading docks there are hardly any clean toilets, some have none at all for drivers.
• "Coffee or water is rarely offered."
• "In winter there's often a lack of heated break rooms, you usually stay sitting in the cold truck."

2. What's the situation like at rest stops and truck stops?

Hauke:

• "Sanitation at rest stops is rather poor or insufficient. Showers shine with mold and missing fixtures."
• "The feeling is more one of processing. The general lack of parking opportunities is exploited for high fees and/or exorbitant prices. A cup of coffee for €5, a plain roll sometimes €2."
• "What's missing is humanity. You're a consumer who's supposed to leave as much money as possible for little service. Even friendly Silvia at register 2 can't change that."

Anna:

• "I completely agree with Hauke about the toilets and rest stops. Sometimes you're welcome and sometimes you're not."
• "Way too expensive now. 90% of my per diem doesn't go to food, but to showers and toilets – which I find really sad."

3. How long do you have to wait at pickup or delivery locations?

Kira:

• "Delivering to branches runs the easiest and fastest, since not many have to wait there."
• "Central warehouses are more of a disaster. Most don't stick to booked time slots. When you ask, you get snapped at with: 'We don't have enough staff' or 'It just takes time.'"
• "You don't get any time information. No consideration is given to our shift times."

Anna:

• "Waiting times are often 2–4 hours. Things run particularly smoothly when digital systems are used, e.g. slot booking, clear processes."

4. Are there places where you feel particularly well treated?

Kira:

• "Sometimes it's enough for us just to get a hello or be offered a coffee. The children standing on the bridge waving sweeten our day more than anyone else."

Anna:

• "Some of my customers say: 'Come on, you can stay parked here.' They usually have a toilet and with a lot of luck even a shower."

5. What impact do you expect from the tachograph requirement for 3.5t vans starting in 2026?

Kira:

• "That takes away the flexibility many van drivers currently have. More paperwork, more inspections. For some, a reason to leave the job."
• "That could worsen the driver shortage further, because many shy away from the additional requirements."

6. What are the biggest challenges for you – and what do you still enjoy?

Kira:

• "What's annoying? Clearly, as already described in the other points: the insight and consideration from other road users."
• "What I enjoy is working with some customers in my branch deliveries and the mutual solidarity among colleagues. The shared end of the workday and also the freedom in this job, that you see a lot and can sometimes end the day in beautiful places."

Anna:

• "Many drivers love the freedom on the road, being alone, the view of the road."

7. What digital tools do you use on the road?

Fabian:

• "I often use Google Maps to get an overview at the customer's location. And Truckhell to stay in contact with people etc."

Anna:

• "Among other things, I use two different apps for finding parking spaces or exchange information with other colleagues who have been in the profession longer than me."
• "In the community, many use apps like Truck Parking Europe, PTV Navigator, Google Maps, WhatsApp, freight forwarding apps or toll systems.
• "Digital companions help immensely with navigation, communication, parking search and time management."

#### What is "Truckhell"?

Truckhell is a community and chat platform specifically for truck drivers. It offers forums, groups and tools for exchange – for example about routes, parking spaces or working conditions.

8. If you could wish for one single improvement to your work routine – what would it be?

Fabian:

• "More consideration for us in planning. Germany suffers a lot from traffic jams and often no waiting time is factored in. So the day becomes stressful because you're racing against time."

Anna :

• "More free, safe parking spaces with clean sanitary facilities and rest areas – that would be the most important improvement for many."

9. What do many people think about your job that isn't true from your perspective?

Kira:

• "Truck drivers are stupid or antisocial. That's a widespread prejudice. Many don't see the value of the person behind it."

Fabian:

• "You're often labeled as the lowest or that we're all stupid and can't do anything."

10. How has your job changed in recent years?

Kira:

• "I'd say it's getting worse and worse. That's why nobody wants to do this job anymore either."
• "There's a lack of respect and understanding. That a 40-ton truck can't just easily get to its unloading point in the city – nobody understands that. Just wait briefly, then everyone arrives safely."

Listen more. Understand more. Work together more.

The answers from our truckers clearly show what it's really like on the roads, at loading docks and at rest stops. And they show: Change begins with listening.

The even Trucker Community gives the industry an important voice. The answers aren't just criticism, they're also an invitation to dialogue – with real perspectives for improvement.

Anyone who wants to have a say, whether driver, dispatcher, decision-maker or logistics enthusiast, is welcome at even logistics. Our WhatsApp communities are open to everyone who wants to work together on the future of logistics.

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