In an MAN to the Olympic Games

Asphalt cowboy even at the age of 21

Yannis Kamrad sat in an HGV for the first time at the age of five – today the 21-year-old from Peine is now driving a 520 hp MAN across Europe.

"I got into the job through my family, probably like most people," says Yannis. Grandfather, father – the trucker gene runs in the Kamrad family. He himself was unstoppable in his career aspirations. Yannis had already decided when he was 15 and began his training in Braunschweig and Hanover at 18.

Today, the young driver works for his uncle's haulage company and has already completed some impressive tours: "The furthest I travelled was to Bosnia – with a consignment of mail sorting machines. I also went to the Paralympics in Paris in the summer of 2024." An impressive experience so soon after starting his career. "I was allowed to take my articulated truck directly into the inner ring and saw Notre Dame from a distance," he recalls.

Variety and international consignments

What Yannis particularly likes about his job is the variety. Routines are not for him. "We've been travelling to a lot of construction sites recently – I like them best because you’ve got a bit more to do and aren't just driving up to a ramp." He deliberately seeks out the challenge; he was even driving into city centres during his training.

His MAN truck is his pride and joy. "I think the retarder on an MAN is great. All you have to do is tap the brake and it stops. That’s brilliant." Its 520 hp also gives him enough power. He is currently focusing on the exterior design of his truck but is also planning to personalise the interior. Yannis has life on the street well under control.

Nowadays you have to be very patient and very tolerant as a driver. “

He has made his cab comfortable by installing a hot-air fryer and voltage converter. Music and phone calls relieve him on long journeys.

But landscapes along the way often offer him a source of diversion: "The first time I drove through Austria and saw the mountains... That was my best highlight as a driver so far."

And when Yannis isn’t in his HGV? "Then I'll still be on the road, because I'll probably be on my motorbike," he laughs.

We wish you continued safe travels and exciting consignments.

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