Patrick is a trucker underground

Patrick Bremer is a truck driver – but in a very special workplace: 700 metres underground. He tells us about narrow, dark tunnels, the heat in the mine and the huge network of roads deep underground in which he regularly travels with his MAN Special.

The 39-year-old from Bad Salzungen commutes between two worlds: one week above the earth, one week below. "I've been driving trucks underground since 2005 and above ground since 2016," says Patrick. This passion for large vehicles runs in the family – his father founded his own haulage company in 1993 and his grandfather was a bus driver.

"I believe MAN has a lot going for it, especially its price-performance ratio," says Patrick. "I drive an MAN TGX above ground with almost 1.2 million kilometres on the clock – I've never had any problems with the vehicle."

"Underground drivers are in a niche market"

But his truly extraordinary work takes place 700 metres underground. "Driving underground is a niche market," says Patrick. "We’re at the Werk Werra plant, operated by Kali & Salz Minerals & Agriculture GmbH. The road network in the mine is as extensive as the greater Munich area – only underground." The conditions there are extreme: "Temperatures are up to 40 degrees. And it's always dark," says the driver. "Not like when you're outside at night, but as dark as in a closed room without windows."

The vehicles in the mine are custom-built on an MAN chassis – with very low cabs. Driving in the tunnels poses special challenges after all: "The adits are only 16 metres wide and just under two metres high. It's very restrictive," says Patrick. "You also have no run-off area. When the face – in mining we say 'stope end’ – comes, that's it."

After more than 20 years, his journey into the depths has become part of everyday working life. "The lift drops the 700 metres in 80 seconds, it's like free falling into the earth," reports Patrick. "If you look up from below, you can see daylight – as small as a pin head. That's when you first realise the mass that’s hanging over you."

Cohesion and trust

Interaction with colleagues is important to him: "I'm a member of the MAN Drivers' Club, because the team spirit among drivers should be strengthened," he says. "Underground, you have to be able to rely on your colleagues all the more – your life can depend on it."

Even given the routine, Patrick still feels his work: "After a shift like that, you're ready to go home. Just the heat and the dry air."

Patrick likes to use his free time in the sun in a special way. "This might sound daft – I like mowing the lawn," he laughs. "I can really switch off when I’m sitting on the lawnmower."

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