At Girteka, some career paths are measured not only in years, but in relationships.
This is the story of three colleagues – a father and his two sons – whose journeys in the company became closely connected over time.
It began in 2012, when Sergey joined Girteka as a driver. A year later, his older son Yaroslav followed, initially planning to stay for a short period to earn money and support his family. In 2014, the youngest son, Oleg, also became part of the Girteka Drivers team. What started as individual career decisions gradually evolved into a shared professional journey.
Today, more than a decade later, Yaroslav continues his career at Girteka – now working in a double crew with his father on routes across Norway.
From a short-term plan to long-term commitment
Like many drivers, Yaroslav entered the profession with a practical goal in mind. After trying different career paths, including engineering and construction, he chose logistics as a temporary solution.
However, what was initially planned as a short-term role turned into a long-term career. Over the years, experience, stability, and professional growth encouraged him to stay.
His story reflects a broader pattern within the industry – many drivers begin with a short-term perspective, but remain when they find the right environment.
Working as a double crew with his father
Yaroslav now drives as a double crew with his father on routes across Norway. He jokes that your co-driver has to be “closer than your wife”, as trust, understanding, and the ability to work side by side every day is not only necessary for the job, they also give it purpose.
Working in a double crew requires more than technical skills. It depends on compatibility, communication, and the ability to share both responsibilities and daily life on the road. In their case, this dynamic comes naturally. Their shared experience, calm approach, and clear division of responsibilities have allowed them to build a stable and effective working relationship.
Driving in Norway: challenges and advantages
Having driven across Europe and Scandinavia, Yaroslav highlights Norway as a unique working environment.
While the country presents demanding driving conditions – particularly during winter, when hazards such as black ice require increased attention – it also offers a different pace of work. According to Yaroslav, routes in Norway are less stressful compared to mainland Europe, with a stronger sense of order and mutual respect on the road.
Equipment also plays an important role in how confident a driver feels on the road. Yaroslav notes that driving a 3-axle truck gives him greater stability and control – especially in more demanding conditions like those in Norway.
At the same time, he relies on digital tools to plan his journeys, check road conditions, and make informed decisions along the way – helping him feel more prepared for what lies ahead.
Consistency over change
Over the years, Yaroslav has seen how the industry evolves – and how different companies operate.
Rather than frequently changing employers, he chose a different path. For him, staying with one company and building experience over time has brought a sense of stability and clarity.
His decision is based on what he’s seen firsthand. As he puts it, drivers often try different companies, but many eventually return to where they feel things work best for them.
For Yaroslav, it comes down to a simple principle: if you do your job well and treat people with respect, you can expect the same in return.
Looking ahead
After more than a decade on the road, Yaroslav continues to look forward. One of his personal goals is to transition to driving a modern electric 3-axle truck – reflecting both his own ambitions and the direction the industry is heading.
When asked to describe his work, he chooses three words: stability, inspiration, and commitment.
His story is ultimately about more than logistics or routes. It shows how the right environment – combined with strong relationships – can turn a job into a meaningful, long-term journey.
And sometimes, that journey becomes something shared not only between colleagues, but within a family.
