Changing Lanes: From the Desk to the Wheel
12.06.2026. Lena Gerlach has taken a unique path at the Nagel-Group. She has been part of the Nagel-Group since 2019 and has gained insight into logistics from a wide variety of perspectives. Thanks to her work in administration, she knows exactly what happens behind the scenes before a truck even sets off. Today, she’s on the road herself: Since March 2026, Lena has been behind the wheel of a truck, working as a professional driver.
Her journey shows just how diverse career development can be within the Nagel-Group. At the same time, her move into the commercial sector is something special, as the profession of professional truck driver is still considered male-dominated. In this interview, Lena explains why she took this step, what she loves about her new job, and what advice she’d like to share with other women.
Lena Gerlach, truck driver at Nagel-Group
First behind the scenes, now at the wheel
How long have you been working at the Nagel-Group, and what career path have you followed within the company so far?
I’ve been with the Nagel-Group since August 2019. I started with an apprenticeship as a freight forwarding and logistics services clerk, which I was able to successfully shorten to two and a half years.
After that, I worked first in the loading equipment department and later in driver billing. I’ve been a professional truck driver since February 2026.
What motivated you to change your career path and switch to the transportation sector?
It’s always been a dream of mine to sit behind the wheel of a 40-ton truck myself.
That desire grew stronger and stronger during my time at the Nagel-Group. I’d been familiar with many logistics processes for a long time, though mostly behind the scenes. On top of that, my boyfriend works in this field himself, and through him I kept getting glimpses into a driver’s daily routine. That’s how my interest in driving kept growing.
At some point, it became clear to me: I want to pursue this path myself and become a professional truck driver.
Settling into the new role
How did the Nagel-Group support you on your journey to becoming a professional driver?
The Nagel-Group supported me on my path to becoming a professional driver, especially financially when it came to getting my driver’s license. The onboarding process into the team and my new daily work routine also went very smoothly. My driving instructor was a huge help in this regard. He was a great support from the very beginning. He explained a lot to me, gave me security, and helped me grow into my new role step by step.
This is what Lena’s day-to-day routine looks like today
What does your typical workday look like today?
My workday is pretty varied. In the morning, I arrive at work and first pick up the paperwork for my route. Then I do the pre-departure check and head out to hook up my trailer. After that, I drive to the customer.
At the customer’s location, I unload the goods, sort through my paperwork, and figure out which pickup I need to make next. Most of the time, I then drive to a pickup customer and swap out the trailer there. I schedule my break to fit best into the route.
When I get back to Groß-Gerau, I head to the loading dock, depending on the cargo. After that, I finish up my paperwork and enter it into the driver’s timesheet. Often, there’s another pickup to do. It’s exactly this mix of driving, planning, and working independently that makes my day-to-day exciting.
Exactly the right move
What was the biggest challenge you faced on your journey to becoming a professional driver, and how did that experience help you grow?
The beginning was the hardest part for me. A lot of people automatically wanted to help me – which was well-intentioned, of course – but it actually made me a bit nervous at times because I wanted to learn things on my own and develop a feel for them.
Plus, I’m often a perfectionist. I wanted to get everything right the first time and ended up putting a bit of pressure on myself. Getting my driver’s license and studying for it were also challenging. You really have to put in the work if you want to go down this path.
It got better over time. I noticed that I was becoming more and more confident and that you really grow into this profession.
Looking back on your career change today: Have your expectations been met?
Absolutely. It was definitely the right decision!
I actually look forward to work every day. And that’s exactly how I know I’ve chosen the right path for myself.
What do you love about your job?
What I especially love is the driving itself. I have so much fun being out on the roads in such a big truck. I also love the peace and quiet and the fact that I spend a lot of time on my own while working. I have my route, my tasks, and I’m on the road.
Then there are the surprised looks from other drivers. Apparently, many people don’t expect that right away.
Lena’s Message to Other Women
The logistics industry, and the profession of professional truck driver in particular, is still often seen as male-dominated. What would you say to other women who are considering pursuing a similar path?
I would tell other women: If you’re interested in it, definitely go for it!
You should try to ignore what others might think. I didn’t let that stop me either. If you’re interested in the profession, you can pursue this path just as easily as a woman.