Andrea García Cano, just 22, is Spain’s youngest female truck driver. She shares how she navigates the risks of day and night driving, why she chose this path, and what needs to change in the industry.
At 22, Andrea García Cano has become a standout figure in Spain’s transport sector, earning recognition as the country’s youngest female truck driver. Her journey began not with family tradition, but with a childhood fascination for vehicles and long-distance travel—a passion that led her to pursue a career in heavy transport as soon as she reached legal driving age.
After obtaining her licenses for both rigid trucks and trailers, Andrea quickly transitioned from operating forklifts in a logistics warehouse to handling deliveries for a major supermarket chain. Navigating the dense traffic of central Barcelona, she faced the daily challenge of maneuvering a large vehicle through crowded streets filled with unpredictable cars, pedestrians, and motorcycles. She notes that daytime driving, while offering better visibility, demands constant vigilance due to the sheer volume of traffic and the need to anticipate the actions of others on the road.
“I prefer driving during the day—it’s calmer, but you have to be even more careful,” Andrea explains. She points out that the stress of urban routes comes not just from congestion, but from the need to divide attention between multiple hazards, especially in busy city centers. Even with natural light, daytime brings its own dangers: sudden braking, complex maneuvers, and distractions from other drivers can quickly escalate into risky situations.
Night driving, on the other hand, offers clearer roads but introduces a different set of risks. Andrea warns that fatigue and drowsiness are the main threats after long hours behind the wheel, especially when handling heavy vehicles. Reduced visibility limits reaction time to unexpected obstacles, animals, or breakdowns. To stay alert, she relies on strict rest routines and music to maintain focus, emphasizing that night shifts require heightened discipline and preparation.
Andrea’s work now spans both regional and long-haul routes, including overnight trailer exchanges between Catalonia and Zaragoza. Through interviews and her presence on digital platforms, she aims to shed light on the realities of the profession and highlight the structural issues facing drivers. Among her key concerns are low wages and the inflexible rules surrounding digital tachographs, which can penalize drivers for minor, necessary movements during rest breaks at service stations.
Despite the clear dangers of both day and night driving, Andrea values the independence and sense of freedom her job provides—qualities she finds lacking in more static roles. However, she sees her time on the road as a stepping stone. Her long-term goal is to complete advanced studies in Transport and Logistics, moving into traffic management at her company’s headquarters to secure a more stable schedule and start a family.
Her story reflects broader trends in the European trucking industry, where new technology and changing demographics are reshaping the profession. For example, the introduction of advanced models like the Volvo FH Aero, as covered in recent industry reports, signals a push for greater efficiency and safety—developments that could impact the next generation of drivers.
Spain’s transport sector continues to face a shortage of young professionals, especially women. Andrea’s experience highlights both the opportunities and the persistent challenges in the field, from regulatory hurdles to the daily realities of life on the road. Her determination and clear-eyed approach offer a glimpse into the evolving landscape of Spanish logistics—and the resilience required to thrive within it.
