From the Cab to the Office – The Story of a Dispatcher Who Knows the Road from Both Sides

We’re talking to Dominika Majewska, a dispatcher at Visline, who coordinated thousands of kilometers of fleet routes only after having driven them herself. For over three years, she worked as a professional C+E category driver. Today, she recalls with a smile the most beautiful curves of the Alps, dramatic moments on Swedish highways, and… the satisfaction of a job that doesn’t end in the cab.

Let’s start from the beginning: where did your passion for transport come from?
I’ve been around trucks since childhood. My dad was a driver, and whenever he could, he took me on the road with him. I remember the smell of the cab, CB radio chats, breaks in parking lots. For many kids, that would’ve been boring – they’d rather spend time in front of a screen. For me, it was magic.

So the spark lit early. But how did you go from being a passenger to driving a full rig?
I studied first, got my engineering degree. Then one day, when my boyfriend was working as a van driver, I said, “Let’s get our C+E licenses together.” I didn’t just want to join him on the road – I wanted to challenge myself.

And you jumped straight into the deep end?
We started with Germany – quick loops. But we soon moved on to Spain and the rest of Europe. Week-long trips, back for a 24-hour rest, and then off again. Our record? 7,000 km in 6 days. Not recommended 😊

That sounds exhausting. What did your daily routine look like?
With double-manning, you can work up to 21 hours. You drive about 1,500 km straight, then take just a 9-hour break. You have to sleep on the go. Sometimes I’d wake up unsure what day it was.

And the emotions? Were there moments that stuck with you?
In Sweden, a car slipped into my blind spot. I didn’t see it – I changed lanes and hit it. My first accident ever. I stopped, my hands were shaking. The police said, “Settle it between yourselves.” We drove on, but I clutched the steering wheel for hours afterward.

But you didn’t quit?
No. Even though it wasn’t always easy. I remember days full of exhaustion, traffic jams, frustration. But there were also breathtaking views. Spain, Italy, Portugal… Even without getting out of the truck, you could be amazed. And when we had a bit of free time, we explored on foot. Every country, every city brought something new.

So why did you decide to get off the road?
I missed a normal rhythm. A bathroom I didn’t have to share with dozens of other drivers. A hot meal not reheated in a parking lot. And I wanted to grow – I’m now finishing a Master’s in maritime systems.

And how did you end up at Visline?
I was looking for a company that understands there’s a person behind every transport. Visline is a place where you’re not just a cog in the machine – you’re part of a team, a family that supports each other.

From a driver’s perspective – how do you see your work as a dispatcher now?
At first, I thought it’d be a piece of cake. A desk, a computer, eight hours a day. But the truth is, it’s a huge responsibility. The driver is on the road – you don’t know what’s happening out there. You have to anticipate, react. And have eyes where there are none.

You’ve got an edge – you’ve been on the other side. Does that help?
A lot. I know what exhaustion feels like. I know when someone says they need a shower, it’s not because they’re bored. On the other hand, I can calculate driving hours and spot when someone’s stretching the truth.

And the drivers? How do they react to a female dispatcher?
With respect. Sometimes there’s surprise, but that quickly fades. After all, I’ve driven. They know I understand the job.

Have there been unpleasant situations?
Sure. Once in Italy, reversing in a tight yard, a Polish driver gets out and yells, “Sweetheart, what are you doing behind the wheel? You should be in the kitchen!” But there were also those who helped, waved me through, made space.

Do you miss the road sometimes?
When I see a truck outside my window – yes. But I’ve got a different life now. And I’m still in transport – just on the other side.

Dominika Majewska is not just a dispatcher. She’s the voice of the driver that still resonates within her. At Visline, she bridges two worlds – the road and the office – proving that empathy and experience are logistics’ most powerful tools.