Bavarian construction sites are her territory
Karin Becke is a professional trucker, and has been for some time. ‘I’ve always liked it’, says the 53-year-old, who has had truck fever since 1991, having previously worked as a forklift driver. At the age of 21, she passed her driving test and was finally able to make her dream of driving a truck a reality.
Challenge accepted
With her four-axle MAN TGS 35.470 8×4 BBCH three-way tipper, this superwoman is involved in the construction industry. Karin Becke transports gravel, excavated material, sand, concrete, mixed loads and whatever else is needed on the construction site. And she also operates the large construction machines such as wheel loaders, excavators or crawler loaders – she is a true all-rounder. She loves the diverse tasks at different locations that the profession entails. ‘It is never boring; every construction site is a new challenge’ says the Hausen resident. On occasion, her truck has to battle through soft ground or she has to tip a load over the edge of a deep drop. Becke also sometimes has to manoeuvre on narrow roads or paths. For the experienced driver, however, that’s no problem. With her reliable MAN TGS 35.470 8×4, the multi-talented trucker masters every challenge. The Trucker’s World member is enthusiastic about the design, quality and equipment offered by MAN vehicles. Apart from the diesel tank and AdBlue tank on the same side, the only upgrade the MAN enthusiast would like to see for her current truck is ‘more horsepower’, she admits with a laugh. With that in mind, her next choice would be the MAN TGS 35.510.
Demonstrating her skills
‘I really enjoy the work, it’s a lot of fun. People also tell me that I radiate joy when I’m doing it.’ And she does her job really well: ‘Many companies wanted me in particular.’ That is what gave the professional trucker the idea of becoming self-employed. A lot of people asked her if she had thought it through, Karin Becke admits. And she had! And can proudly say: ‘I have not regretted it, quite the opposite.’ She has been self-employed since last year. But the journey there was not easy. The ambitious woman prepared for the exam at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) all by herself: ‘I bought a book for five euros and studied,’ she recalls. ‘I used every free minute and often studied until midnight.’ Now, her diligence and commitment have paid off.
The adventurous driver could also imagine working in America or in the Australian outback. For the time being, however, she is supplying the construction sites in Bavaria and making sure the construction managers are satisfied.
