“What a great job.”

Lars Schwikowski is a third-generation truck driver. As a child, he sat behind the wheel for the first time on his grandfather's lap - and was determined to become a driver ever since. When the pressure of time, long days and many kilometres leave their mark, Lars remembers a few golden rules his grandfather gave him. He also wants to pass on his love of the job to his children.

We catch up with Lars at a customer depot near Stuttgart. The 33-year-old is from Eutingen and drives for  Schwikowski Spedition & Transport - his father’s company. The passion for driving is in his genes. His grandfather was a truck driver for almost 70 years. As a child, Lars proudly sat behind the wheel and on his lap.

Admittedly: the romance of old days that his grandfather may have experienced is over. But Lars has picked up some valuable wisdom for his daily work. “No matter how stressful it is,” Lars recalls his grandfather’s words, “always keep calm.” You always have to anticipate every situation, “and remain friendly.”

Almost two-thirds of Schwikowski's fleet is made up of MAN vehicles - one of which Lars drives. "I've driven everything there is to drive," says Lars. “But when it comes to comfort and driving experience, no other manufacturer can compete.” Only the fridge could be bigger for his taste, he laughs.

A piece of home in the cab

Lars always carries a special souvenir with him when he is on the road: little socks from his two children. "They hang in my truck now," he says. His children, aged three and four, already want to ride in the truck. “I want them to know what a great job it can be,” says Lars.

Of course, he is familiar with tight schedules. But "you put yourself under pressure as a driver," Lars points out. Whether there are waiting times, traffic jams or accidents at the customer's premises. Here too, Lars can rely on his grandfather's wisdom to keep him relaxed on the job. "He always said: You never know, it may be for the best."