From horse-drawn carriage to MAN TGX: The Göllner forwarding company has been in business for a good century and a half, and a century of that driving MAN. Currently behind the wheel of the family business in its fifth generation, Christian Göllner takes the long view as he steers the company into the future. His daughter Clara is fully on board as well. A story of loyalty, technology, and team spirit.
A family business on the road for a century and a half
Clara Göllner does not have to think hard when asked about her first experience with trucking. “There was never any specific moment. I’ve just always been part of it,” she laughs. She used to ride along as a child. “It was just normal for us.” She currently plays an essential part in the family business as a process manager. Göllner has been driving MAN trucks for more than a century. “It’s the right product with the right service. And that’s how our drivers see it too. Many of them are real MAN fans. Have been for years! So why change?” says her dad, Christian.
It’s the right product with the right service. And that’s how our drivers see it too. Many of them are real MAN fans. Have been for years! So why change? “
Where tradition and future meet
Göllner started trucking beyond Germany’s borders to destinations in the Baltics and Ukraine in the early 1990s. That was a bold move at the time, but now it’s all in a day’s work. “You especially realise how important good teamwork is in hard times,” says Clara. Company shipments into the Baltics, close coordination with local teams – this is part of Göllner’s promise of quality.
Vision and change have always mattered at the company. From horse-drawn carriage to MAN TGX, from country roads to digital logistics. Göllner has all the latest tech these days with track & trace, and plenty of floorspace dedicated to logistics. But tradition has also left visible traces. “Our experience provides security and preparedness for what’s to come,” says Clara.
On the road together
The trucking community is more than just a network for the Göllners. “We all speak the same language, we know the same challenges, and sometimes we’ll share our evenings at the truck stop,” Clara continues. So there was no question as to whether the company would take part in the MAN truck drivers’ initiative for Germany, Fahren für Deutschland. “Our aim was to set an example – for the industry, for the drivers, for the image of Germany,” Christian says.
There are obviously challenges: Lack of skilled workers, rising costs, lack of appreciation. But Clara also sees plenty of opportunities. “As a family business, we’re a ‘people company.’ We provide professional training in six professions; we use social media for recruitment, and we keep up a good working atmosphere.” She sees combining experience with new ideas as playing a key role.
Looking ahead
“There are going to be changes in transport. More rail, less long-distance haulage. But we’ll adapt – that’s our goal. Not every trend makes business sense, but we’re keeping our eyes on the road ahead,” says Christian.
There’s one thing for certain: Göllner will keep moving. With dedication, passion – and MAN.
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