Volvo’s global online community for drivers

Volvo Trucks has launched its Worldtrucker online community, with the aim of making it the largest and most active truck driver community in the world. By offering an Internet community to drivers, the company hopes to boost interest in the profession and support the recruitment of new drivers.

“We know that truck drivers have strong professional pride, and that’s exactly what Worldtrucker is about – sharing that passion for trucks and for life on the road,” says Worldtrucker manager Paula Kühnel.

The community has already attracted almost 10,000 members during the development stages when ten local communities, including the UK, had already been established using nine languages - Italian, Swedish, Dutch, Spanish, French, Russian, German, Polish and English. With the final update, including a mobile phone version and design upgrade, the community has now been launched on a global scale.

It was decided from the start that Worldtrucker would be open to anyone interested in trucks regardless of the brand they use. Volvo Trucks as a company would maintain a low profile and let members build their own content and agenda.

“Most haulage firms have various truck makes in their fleets, so all their drivers should feel equally welcome,” says Paula Kühnel.

Worldtrucker helps drivers keep in touch with their families, friends and colleagues as they can easily discuss experiences and establish new cross-border relations. They can also share photos from the road by uploading them, even directly through their mobile phone, making it possible to stay connected without carrying a laptop. By offering these social elements, Volvo Trucks hopes to stimulate the driver’s working life and increase interest in the profession. The worldwide driver shortage is a vital issue for the industry.

Worldtrucker has already spread to over 40 countries even though no promotion was undertaken outside the start-up markets, so Volvo Trucks’ expectations on the global launch are high. “We have not yet seen any competitor matching our set-up and believe we have the chance to become the trucker’s first online choice all over the world,” explains Paula.