Truck Driver Expense Software

Life on the road can be unpredictable. For thousands of professional drivers crossing Europe daily, access to the right tools, driver expenses and support can make all the difference. From unexpected road tolls to last-minute repairs, managing trip-related expenses has long been challenging – often involving out-of-pocket payments, time-consuming reimbursements, and administrative bottlenecks.

In response to these ongoing challenges, Girteka has implemented a new digital payment system – Payhawk, that transforms how drivers handle work-related expenses. The solution provides both virtual and physical cards, activated specifically for the duration of each trip, allowing drivers to easily cover all pre-approved costs like parking, hotel stays, some of road tolls, washing stations, minor vehicle maintenance, and unpredicted expenses.

Driving Forward with Simplicity and Security

For drivers, the change means less hassle and more confidence. Each transaction is logged via a mobile app, where receipts are uploaded instantly and reviewed by managers in real-time. In case of more significant or unforeseen expenses, drivers can request a limit increase directly through the app – often receiving approval within minutes.

“At first, it took some getting used to it, like with any new thing,” shared Roman, a professional truck driver. “But now, it’s comfortable. I can easily separate business and personal expenses, and it’s resolved much faster when something unexpected happens. I feel more supported by the company.”

This structured process increases security – ensuring all expenses are pre-approved or monitored – and prevents misuse. Limits are set per trip, and approvals are tied to the amount requested, reinforcing accountability without delaying operations.

Impact Beyond the Wheel

The benefits extend well beyond the cab. The new system reduces administrative overhead for Girteka’s operations, HR, and accounting teams by eliminating manual reimbursements and paper-based workflows. With expenses visible online in real-time, financial oversight is tighter, and response times are faster. But first and foremost, it is beneficial for drivers, who now can stop worrying about unpredicted payments.

This approach enables better planning and data-driven decision-making. Trip expense data can now be analyzed to optimize routes, budget forecasts, and service offerings, proving Girteka’s long-term commitment to digital innovation.

Setting a New Standard in Logistics

With over 500 drivers already using Payhawk, the new payment system and usage expanding weekly. By June, more than half of all drivers (6,000) are expected to rely on the digital payment solution daily as the system becomes fully embedded into the company’s operational model.

The initiative is part of a broader strategy to create a digitalized, efficient, and human-centered logistics environment, from improved driver support to more intelligent cost control.

“Technology in logistics should empower people – not complicate their work,” noted Mindaugas Paulauskas, CEO of Girteka Transport Girteka. “This project reflects our commitment to making everyday tasks easier for our drivers while building a smarter and more transparent system for the company.”

In an industry where time, trust, and efficiency are everything, Girteka continues to lead with innovation, care, and a clear vision for the future of transport.

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Solve the Driver Shortage

The shortage of professional truck drivers in Europe has been a growing concern, threatening stable supply chains and economic resilience. According to recent reports, Europe might face a professional driver shortfall of over 745,000 as of 2028, a dramatic increase compared to previous years. Women represent less than 4% of all professional drivers in the EU . At the same time, one third of truck drivers are aged 55 or older , worsening the problem as retirements approach. Over 70% of European companies are implementing strategies to attract and retain drivers.

The Challenges in Driver Recruitment

Today’s driver shortage stems from multiple factors:
– Demographics: An aging workforce, with over 30% of drivers aged 55 or older, and few young recruits replacing them.
– Gender Gap: Women make up less than 4% of the workforce, despite representing half of the population.
– Perception Problems: Truck driving is often seen as physically demanding, isolating, or unsuitable for family life, deterring potential candidates.

The industry needs innovative solutions to appeal to a wider talent pool while addressing these misconceptions. This is where personal stories like Tatsiana’s come into play.

A Blueprint for Attracting New Drivers

Tatsiana, a Belarussian truck driver, didn’t start her career on the open road. For much of her adult life, she worked in retail and merchandising, feeling unfulfilled despite stable conditions. However, inspired by friends and family in the trucking industry, she took a leap of faith.

“I found their stories and lifestyle to be inspiring and very different from what I saw in my day-to-day. So I got my C and E category driving license. It took more than a decade to put it to use, but I’m so glad I had planted that seed when I did,” Tatsiana recalls.

Breaking Barriers and Building Confidence

Like many starting out on a new path, Tatsiana’s journey was not without its challenges. After joining Girteka, she gained additional knowledge about the specific demands of international transport. With support from both trainers and fellow drivers, she continued to enhance her expertise and navigate the complexities of life on the road with increased confidence.

“Your wide-eyed stare may betray fear, but your muscles know what they’re doing,” she shares. “Confidence grows with experience, and soon, I even forgot there was a 16-meter trailer behind me.”

The guidance she received, paired with the collaborative and supportive environment fostered by her managers, proved instrumental in her success. “For me personally, one of the key things when it comes to happiness at work is a good relationship with my managers,” Tatsiana observes.

Promoting the Profession Through Visibility

Having visited 21 countries in her first 1.5 years as a professional driver, Tatsiana rates Spain first overall, with the Netherlands being the most beautiful country she’s been to. Exploring Europe, Tatsiana also found a new passion – sharing stories and advice with other aspiring drivers on social media.

“There’s enough negativity surrounding the profession and the many untrue stereotypes floating around,” Tatsiana says. “Having this platform, I know I can bust some myths and hopefully even inspire someone to give trucking a go. Who knows, maybe they’ll also find their own happiness crisscrossing Europe?”

Addressing the Shortage with Personal Stories

Tatsiana’s journey illustrates how the trucking industry can attract and retain a new generation of drivers:
– Targeting underrepresented groups – women, young professionals, and career changers represent untapped potential. Personal stories help break stereotypes and encourage diverse candidates to join.
– Providing robust training and mentorship – programs like the one Tatsiana experienced build confidence and reduce dropout rates among new drivers.
– Promoting the profession creatively – social media, storytelling, and advocacy can shift perceptions and showcase the rewarding aspects of trucking.

By presenting stories like Tatsiana’s, companies can address the immediate driver shortage and future-proof the supply chain. These efforts are essential for maintaining the smooth flow of goods across Europe’s borders and supporting the economy.

The driver shortage is both a logistical challenge and an opportunity to rethink and revitalize the profession. Personal stories like Tatsiana’s highlight the potential for transformation, showing that with the right support, anyone can find fulfillment on the open road. As the industry looks to the future, promoting such narratives will be key to closing the driver gap and ensuring stable, resilient supply chains in Europe for years to come.

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Driver Shortage Top Concern for Fleet Managers

Samsara Inc. (NYSE: IOT), the pioneer of the Connected Operations™ Cloud, today launched further findings from its report — 2023: The Road Ahead — that delivers some strong insights into the UK Fleet Industry. Nine in 10 UK fleet managers (90%) are prioritising driver retention and recruitment this year, as driver shortages impact 42% of fleet-based businesses. That’s according to new research from Samsara, carried out among 150 UK fleet managers and 1,000 commercial drivers.

The focus fleet managers are putting on keeping their workforce comes as little surprise, as commercial drivers reveal the extent of the pressure they are under. Top of their concerns are issues such as the growing pressure to deliver on time (38%), increases in delivery volume (34%) and the need to meet more aggressive route schedules (33%)

In addition, only 33% of commercial drivers believe their role is valued by members of the public and just one in 10 (11%) say the UK Government respects their role.

As a result of the increased workload, it could signal the end of the road of a driving career for many, with 45% of commercial drivers saying they are ‘very likely’ or ‘quite likely’ to leave their current job during 2023. Two-thirds (65%) are also prepared to consider industrial action.

But the UK’s fleet managers appear poised to act.

Samara’s report — 2023: The Road Ahead — highlights that 100% of fleet managers agree that making driving a more in-demand profession is of high importance in 2023. And 94% are increasing their technology investment in 2023 to improve the driver experience and support driver safety.

It’s a move likely to be welcomed by commercial drivers, with eight in 10 (78%) agreeing that technology would positively impact their job, including dashcams (78%), GPS routing (77%), safety systems and alerts (75%), incident detection (75%), and mobile-based workflow tools (68%).

“It was only a couple of years ago that drivers were hailed as heroes of the pandemic. They kept the UK moving when almost everything else ground to a halt during lockdown. Today, this survey reveals a workforce that is feeling somewhat neglected and under-served. They want to see change,” said Philip van der Wilt, SVP and General Manager EMEA, Samsara.

“Now is the time for fleet managers to prioritise their driver workforce, and the vast majority are focused on making the job a more attractive and rewarding profession to drive greater diversity and attract new people into the industry. There needs to be a cultural change in the way professional drivers are perceived. Technology is not the only solution, but it can be an enabler of overcoming these complex problems, improving the driver experience, ensuring driver health and safety, and creating a modern way of working that meets the expectations of today’s workforce,” added van der Wilt.

To read the Samsara report and find out more, click here.

Samsara commissioned Vitreous World to carry out online interviews with 150 fleet or logistics managers in the UK with direct responsibility for vehicles, drivers, logistics, supply chain and/or field service operations, from 15 to 24 February 2023. A further survey of 1,000 UK commercial drivers was also carried out between 14-21 February 2023 by Good Broadcast. All research conducted adhered to the UK Market Research Society (MRS) code of conduct (2019).

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