Her name is Manuela Brunner, she lives in Kurtatsch in the province of Bolzano and transports goods between Italy and Germany, the winner of the twelfth edition of the Sabo Rosa, a recognition dedicated, on the anniversary of March 8, to women who work in the transport chain of goods or people: from driving to logistics, passing through workshops and spare parts dealers.
A jury made up of employees of our Group chose the Truck Driver of the year 2021, based on the applications received through the Web, and following an online vote.
“We liked Manuela Brunner’s willpower and ability to make her way in the environment, demonstrating tenacity and competence. Characteristics that make her a perfect Truck Driver of the Year and an example for all women who want to undertake an increasingly inclusive job, thanks to all the drivers of heavy vehicles who travel the streets every day – explains Elisabetta Nuti, financial director of the Group and president of the jury -. This year, unfortunately, we were unable to celebrate this moment with the traditional visit to our factories, due to the pandemic that prevents events in the presence. However, we wanted to celebrate Manuela di lei by sending her the Sabo Rosa in anticipation of being able to meet in person at the end of the emergency “.
Manuela Brunner’s passion for heavy vehicles is born at an early age. “Even as a child I used to play with my brother with trucks and excavators in the sand. When I was eighteen I started working as a secretary in a transport company and what started out as a game prompted me to get a truck license and start traveling ”.
A job that led the Truck Driver of the Year 2021 to drive between Italy and Germany and to frequent a world that, over time, has changed the way she deals with drivers, opening up to new figures and new opportunities. “When I started working as a driver, I already knew most of my colleagues, who accepted me immediately and with whom we always helped each other when needed. Over time, I met many other colleagues and new friendships were born. In general, there are many who compliment when they see a female driver, but there are also those who look at me with skepticism, convinced that this job is only for males. Despite this, I have established myself in this ‘male world’, demonstrating that a woman can work well and that where strength is lacking it is resolved with the brain “.
This tenacity has led, today, Manuela Brunner to receive the coveted Sabo Rosa, the special shock absorber in a very limited edition as it is specially created once a year, to celebrate the commitment of women who work in the transport of goods or people. “Sabo Rosa is a good initiative. Just the idea of being able to participate gave me pride and when I discovered that I was voted Truck Driver of the Year I was really surprised and happy. My hope is to be a source of inspiration for some girl interested in working in the transport sector. This is an acknowledgment that I dedicate to my family and friends, who have always supported me in my choices “.
One last thought goes to this period of health emergency, which is causing numerous problems, especially for those who, like you, carry out international transport. “The pandemic has brought several problems for us drivers who are transporting to Germany. Now, before we cross the border, we need to have a negative test no older than 48 hours. Moreover, from the point of view of life on the road, everything has become complicated. Although the traffic on the roads has dropped, with the various lockdowns and the different rules it has become difficult to find places where you can stop to eat, and in some companies, we are no longer allowed to use the toilets or access. to the coffee machines. My hope that we will soon return to normal, and then find ourselves for lunch or dinner with colleagues in the trattorias, as in the times before the pandemic ”.
