Beach boy

When Alexander Bloch gets into his MAN vehicle at 4.30 a.m. in the morning, a place awaits him that many people only know from their holidays: St. Peter-Ording. But for Alexander, 49, the famous beach is not only a picturesque place, but above all his daily challenge – with plenty of sand, salt and a good dose of North German humour.

Alexander Bloch’s driving career began 12 years ago, starting in long-haul transport. But a car accident changed everything: “I switched to local transport – my current boss took me straight away. That’s 11 years ago now.” Alexander doesn't miss long trips across Europe. On the contrary, he appreciates the proximity to his family in his job: “You’re at home every day in local transport – that’s the beauty.”

Born in Tönninger, Germany, Alexander knows the region inside and out. Here, he supplies a fixed customer base in the gastronomy sector.

Alexander began his work in a brand-new MAN TGM 13.250 – with an all-wheel-drive chassis, of course. For ten years, the reliable truck took him along sandy beach tracks. So it had to be an MAN again afterwards. “For me, a Mercedes would be a reason for resignation,” says Alexander with a grin. What particularly excites him about MAN is the community:

Trips through the sand

The high season in summer is not only a challenge for the region’s restaurants and hotels, but also for Alexander and his truck. “Sometimes the sand is so deep that the wheel hubs sink in halfway. Without all-wheel drive and a differential lock, you don’t have a chance.” That’s why vehicle care after work is important to Alexander. “I clean the truck every day with a high-pressure cleaner. A clean vehicle is the company’s flagship.”

The routes to the beach are not for beginners, laughs Alexander. "You have to be a real northerner. I would not give this job to someone from Bavaria or Saxony.”

More than just delivering

On his tours, Alexander particularly appreciates the personal contact with his customers. ‘We're all on a first-name basis - and many of them have my private mobile phone number. Sometimes I get a message from the cook at the beach bar in the evening if the water level could be critical the next morning.’ For him, it goes without saying that he sometimes fulfils special requests or puts away goods himself - not without local pride. ‘Without us drivers, the tourists would have nothing to eat here.’

No holiday in summer

For many, a job on the beach sounds like a dream, but Alexander remains pragmatic: ‘In summer, I wouldn't think of travelling to St. Peter-Ording privately during the day. At most in the evening, when it's quieter.’

Despite all the challenges, Alexander contributes to the popularity of his region. So when on holiday, you shouldn't forget the lorry drivers - an important part of society. ‘We keep the wheel turning.’