Magnus32Germany’s freight network runs on trucks, but the driver gap keeps growing. Industry estimates and official data point to a large shortfall, driven by retirements and too few new drivers entering the field (BGL, Destatis). That’s why some employers sponsor work permission for qualified non-EU drivers, although it depends on role, employer, and eligibility.
This list focuses on large, credible logistics employers with steady truck operations in Germany, plus clear, realistic ways to find their roles and apply. If you’re targeting truck driver jobs in germany with visa sponsorship for foreigners, these names are the first places many candidates check because they hire at scale, operate nationwide, and post roles regularly.
1) DHL Group (Deutsche Post DHL)
DHL Group is one of the biggest logistics employers in Germany, with large road-freight and delivery operations across the country. That size matters because big networks tend to have recurring needs for linehaul drivers, swap-body transport, and hub-to-hub routes. When capacity is tight, some locations may support visas for hard-to-fill driver roles, especially when a depot can’t stabilize staffing locally.
What makes DHL attractive for sponsored drivers
- Broad mix of work: parcel linehaul, freight forwarding road transport, contract logistics.
- More predictable processes: standardized onboarding, route planning, safety rules, and equipment checks.
- High volume hiring: frequent openings across regions, which improves your odds of finding a match.
Roles to search for (German keywords help)
- LKW-Fahrer, Berufskraftfahrer, Kraftfahrer (C or CE)
- Fernverkehr (long-haul), Nahverkehr (local), Wechselbrücke (swap body)
- HUB-Verkehr, Linienverkehr, Sattelzug
How to apply (where to apply, without live links)
- Apply through DHL Group’s official careers site (search the German terms above).
- Also check major German job boards where DHL posts driver jobs, including Bundesagentur für Arbeit Jobbörse, StepStone, and Indeed Germany.
- In your application, state your license class (C or CE), Code 95 status, and whether you need employer support for the work visa and BA approval.
2) DB Schenker (now part of DSV)
DB Schenker has long been a major name in European road logistics, and its integration into DSV doesn’t change the core point for drivers: this is a huge road transport operation that contracts and runs freight routes across Germany. Large forwarders often have a constant flow of shipments tied to industry, retail, and cross-border freight, which can keep driver demand steady even when markets slow.
Why it’s a strong target
- Road freight is central to the business, not a side function.
- Mix of domestic and international routes, which can fit different experience levels.
- A structured HR process, which helps when you’re requesting visa documentation.
What to look for
- CE roles tied to linehaul, depot-to-depot runs, and scheduled freight lanes.
- Positions connected to terminals near major logistics corridors (airport freight zones, industrial regions, border routes).
How to apply
- Apply via DSV’s official careers portal and search Germany-based driver roles.
- If a posting doesn’t mention visa support, apply anyway if you match the license and experience, then clarify in writing that you’re a non-EU applicant and need sponsorship support. Some teams can support it, others can’t, and it can vary by branch.
3) Dachser
Dachser is a major German logistics provider with a strong road freight network. For drivers, this usually means structured freight operations, terminals, and recurring lanes. It’s also a recognizable employer name, which can help when you’re dealing with paperwork because the company is familiar to authorities and partners.
Why drivers choose Dachser
- Strong presence in European road logistics and groupage freight.
- Regular freight flow between branches, which often means stable dispatching.
- Clear job families: local distribution, terminal shuttles, long-haul.
Best-fit roles for international applicants
- CE long-haul (Fernverkehr) when you already have experience on articulated vehicles.
- Local routes (Nahverkehr) when you have strong safety discipline and can work with tight delivery windows.
- Terminal shuttles and night linehaul if you prefer consistent runs.
How to apply
- Use Dachser’s official jobs site and search for Berufskraftfahrer, LKW-Fahrer CE, Fernverkehr.
- If you need licensing conversion or Code 95 completion, look for employers that accept a training plan. Germany has a specific pathway allowing entry for professional drivers with an employer-backed plan in certain cases (Residence Act Section 19c and Employment Ordinance Section 24a, subject to BA approval).
4) Rhenus Group
Rhenus operates across multiple logistics services, including road freight. That mix can work in your favor because driver hiring can come from several business units, not just one central transport arm. In tight labor markets, some departments may support visa sponsorship, especially for CE drivers who can start quickly and meet compliance requirements.
Why Rhenus can be a practical option
- Many sites and divisions, which means more postings and varied shift patterns.
- Freight work tied to industrial supply chains, which often needs reliable scheduled transport.
- Potential for consistent volume in warehouse-to-customer routes and branch transfers.
What to search for
- Kraftfahrer CE, Berufskraftfahrer, LKW-Fahrer (Sattelzug)
- Systemverkehr (system routes), Linienverkehr, Wechselbrücke
- Standort (location) searches near large freight regions can surface more roles.
How to apply
- Apply through Rhenus’ official careers page for Germany.
- Add a short note in your cover message: your license class, Code 95 status, start date, and that you require employer support for work authorization. That one line saves time and pushes your application to the right recruiter.
5) Hermes (and large parcel networks hiring drivers across Germany)
Hermes is a well-known parcel operator in Germany, and parcel networks rely on both delivery drivers and linehaul trunking between hubs. Not every parcel role fits visa sponsorship, but hub-to-hub trucking and contracted carrier fleets can create openings where experience and CE licensing matter more than perfect German, depending on the team and route.
Why parcel networks stay relevant for sponsored truck roles
- Parcel volume creates steady transport demand between depots and hubs.
- Night linehaul and scheduled trunking routes can be easier to standardize.
- Some fleets use a mix of direct employment and transport partners, which expands the pool of potential sponsoring employers.
Roles to focus on
- Hub linehaul, depot-to-depot trunking, night routes (often CE).
- Trailer swap and yard moves at larger hubs (varies by employer setup).
- Avoid confusing delivery van jobs with heavy truck roles if your goal is HGV sponsorship.
How to apply
- Apply via Hermes’ official careers channel for Germany-based transport roles.
- Also search postings from Hermes transport partners on large job boards. Many parcel carriers outsource parts of their trunking, and those partner companies sometimes handle visa support when they can’t fill seats locally.
- Make your documents clean and job-ready: CV, license proofs, experience letters, and any evidence of Code 95 or training plan.
What “Visa Sponsorship” Usually Means for Truck Drivers in Germany (quick, practical context)
For non-EU drivers, legal access is usually tied to a job contract, employer support, and approval steps. Germany has a recognized route for professional truck and bus drivers under Residence Act Section 19c combined with Employment Ordinance Section 24a, with the Federal Employment Agency (BA) involved in approval and wage checks. Minimum pay rules and additional requirements can apply, including higher thresholds for applicants aged 45+ unless pension proof is provided (Federal Employment Agency guidance; German legal framework).
The shortage backdrop is real, and it affects hiring urgency. Industry bodies estimate a very large driver gap, and Destatis data shows an aging driver workforce, which adds pressure as retirements rise (BGL; Destatis).
Reputable sources cited (no links): Federal Association of Freight Transport, Logistics and Disposal (BGL), Federal Statistical Office of Germany (Destatis), German Residence Act (AufenthG) and Employment Ordinance (BeschV), Federal Employment Agency (BA).
Conclusion
These five employers sit at the center of German freight and parcel movement, which is why they’re often where serious applicants start. They also offer the most repeatable application paths because they publish roles regularly and run structured hiring. Visa support is never uniform across every depot and role, but some employers sponsor, and outcomes depend on role, employer, and eligibility. If you’re aiming for truck driver jobs in germany with visa sponsorship for foreigners, prioritize CE roles, highlight Code 95 readiness (or a clear training plan), and apply through official career portals plus major German job boards that mirror those listings.
Visa sponsorship, salary ranges, and requirements vary by employer, location, and your qualifications. This article is general information, not legal advice. Always verify requirements on official government sites and with the hiring employer.
Magnus32