Nadica from Shtip: At 24 she drives a truck across Europe alone

Nadica Milanova is 24 years old and already has four years of experience as a professional truck driver. Thousands of kilometres on European roads have become part of her everyday life, and what began as a childhood dream is now her job.

From passenger seat to long-haul routes

Her interest in trucks and travel started early: as a child she travelled across Europe with her father and pictured herself behind the wheel of a large lorry. At roughly twenty years old she decided to follow that vision, despite the widespread view that driving heavy goods vehicles is a man’s profession.

The first months were demanding — handling a big vehicle brings heavy responsibility, and long-distance hauls mean unfamiliar roads, border crossings and many hours alone at the wheel. With every new route she gained practical skills and confidence.

Today she drives solo across Europe and takes care of all aspects of the job: not only driving, but also routine checks on oil and water, securing and inspecting cargo, preparing the required documentation and planning the route.

Life on the road also has harder sides: long waits, fatigue, long stretches away from home and nights spent at truck stops. For a young woman who covers thousands of kilometres through different countries, personal safety and constant vigilance are additional concerns.

Nadica continues to do the work she chose and to live the dream she had as a little girl. Her story challenges the stereotype that certain professions are reserved for men: with four years behind the wheel she demonstrates that skill, responsibility and commitment — not gender — determine professional capability.

Photo: press material from the event