With its ambitious sustainability goals, Galliker is considered a role model in the transport industry. In this interview, Corinne Galliker explains the upcoming appearance at "Logistics & Automation" in Bern and why people will continue to be the focus of the new Galliker Academy World.
C. Galliker
“We are taking logistics to the next level in terms of sustainability,” says Corinne Galliker. On January 28th and 29th, “Logistics & Automation” will once again open its doors at Bernexpo. In conversation with the Head of Sales and Marketing, who is also a member of the management board of Galliker Transport AG, the topics include sustainable logistics, the promotion of young talent, and the central role of people in an increasingly automated industry.
Question: Ms. Galliker, your company invests heavily in in-house training. You train 145 apprentices in 21 different professions. What is the idea behind this significant commitment?
C. Galliker: With Galliker Academy World, we create optimal conditions for future-oriented training in 21 apprenticeships in the fields of logistics, transport, and IT, as well as in technical professions such as bodywork painter, sheet metal worker, and automotive specialist for commercial vehicles. Our apprentices benefit from an innovative environment that motivates and supports them and prepares them specifically for the demands of the modern working world.
Jobs with a future
In line with our guiding principle of "Jobs with a future," the Academy aims to help trainees discover their own strengths, find their personal path, and happily become part of the Galliker family and the exciting transport and logistics industry. With Galliker Academy World, we are consciously investing in the next generation of our employees.
It is clearly evident that vocational training in Switzerland remains a successful concept and provides one of the best foundations for a diverse and attractive career. Well-trained, motivated, and long-serving employees form the foundation of our company. With a growing number of inspired and focused young professionals, loyal and dedicated experts, and the right level of automation, we can continue to develop successfully as a company in the future.
Every year, 30 to 40 apprentices successfully complete their training at Galliker, and 80 percent of them remain with the company afterward. Why is your apprenticeship program so popular, and how do you foster this strong connection to your company?
The close connection to the company is fostered through early responsibility, direct involvement in day-to-day operations, and a strong team spirit. Our apprentices are part of the Galliker family from the very beginning and experience firsthand how much their work is valued. This is complemented by supportive mentoring from their trainers, a diverse work environment, development opportunities after the apprenticeship, and attractive career prospects within the company. Furthermore, we encourage and support our graduates – as we do all our employees – in further training after their apprenticeship. This is an integral part of our employee development strategy.
Programs for career changers
They also offer programs for career changers, for example for junior drivers. This gives people without a transport or logistics background a chance. What experiences have you had with this, and how important is it for the future of logistics?
The transport and logistics industry faces a major challenge. In the coming years, numerous experienced drivers will retire, while at the same time too few new skilled workers are entering the field. This makes it all the more important to make the profession attractive and accessible. With our Galliker Junior Driver Program, we offer motivated career changers the opportunity to acquire the necessary practical and theoretical knowledge to obtain a truck driver's license (category C/CE). The training combines practical driving instruction at the company's own driving school, theoretical lessons, and preparation for the mandatory professional driver qualification (CZV) exams. Upon successful completion, the Junior Drivers work as qualified road transport specialists within the Galliker team.
Automotive mechatronics technician at Galliker
We have had very positive experiences and are grateful that, in addition to recruiting trained professionals, this approach allows us to attract new employees who serve our loyal customers both domestically and internationally. Only by inspiring new drivers to pursue this profession and systematically developing their skills can we ensure that goods are transported reliably, efficiently, and on time from point A to point B in the future. Securing qualified personnel is therefore a key success factor for a functioning and stable logistics operation.
What does sustainability mean to you at Galliker? You are the first transport company to have set yourself a scientifically verified climate target: You aim to be CO2-neutral by 2050. Are your projects on track?
For us, sustainability means developing and implementing long-term, meaningful, and effective solutions. It means rethinking things and investing in modern technologies. Courage, entrepreneurial spirit, strong partnerships, and an innovative environment help us achieve this. Sustainability is much more than just environmentally responsible practices for us. It also includes valuing and respecting our customers, as well as cultivating long-term customer relationships, partnerships, and loyal employees
I had good experiences
We can only achieve our goals together. At this point, I would like to mention the partners of the Galliker Green Logistics Support Association – customers and suppliers – who actively support us in our endeavors. We are currently on track with our projects. On our website, Greenlogistics.galliker.com, we regularly report on our progress and keep interested parties informed about our implementation.
With 111 electric trucks and six hydrogen vehicles, you are a pioneer in new drive systems. Which technology do you believe has a better future in the coming years: batteries or hydrogen? And why are you pursuing both?
Much has changed in the development of vehicle technology over the last five years. We have been using alternative drive systems since 2020 and 2021, and have extensively tested and deployed them .
Both drive systems have their merits, but it depends on the application. We currently operate 92 electric and six hydrogen trucks for national transport. Internationally, we have eleven electrictrucks on the road. At the same time, we are increasingly using HVO fuel – a renewable synthetic diesel fuel produced from waste and residual materials – for national transport. This allows us to save up to 85 percent CO2. In 2027, we will take things a step further: the first liquid hydrogentrucks are scheduled to begin operating. Ultimately, there is no single solution. What's important is testing different options and driving development forward.
present at the trade fair
What can visitors expect at your stand at «Logistics & Automation» 2026? What special innovations will you be presenting?
We are already looking forward to welcoming our customers, visitors, and interested parties and acquaintances from the transport and logistics sector to our booth for a mutual exchange on current topics . This year, in addition to the Galliker Academy World concept, we will be presenting our latest e-mobility infrastructure project. At the beginning of 2025, we launched the "Zero Emissions Network" to consistently drive the electrification of our own vehicle fleet and the expansion of a sustainable energy infrastructure at our locations. The network's goal is toenable the transformation towards emission-free logistics and simultaneously make a significant contribution to CO2 reduction in Swiss freight transport. At our booth, we will demonstrate how we intend to achieve this.
What are you personally most looking forward to in Bern?
Congratulations to all the customers who have registered! When I see who will be visiting our booth again this year, I'm already looking forward to the great conversations. These meetings are always a personal highlight for me. It shows that people are taking the time for us, and I truly appreciate that.
What message do you have for the visitors to the trade fair? What would you particularly like to say to them about promoting young talent and the future of the logistics industry?
My message is: Let's tackle this together! The logistics industry offers a wide range of exciting careers with excellent development opportunities. We don't complain, we take action: in training, sustainability, and collaboration. If we remain open to new ideas and put people first, this industry has a bright future. And to the younger generation: Take a close look at what logistics has to offer. Here you can make a difference, learn a great deal, and become part of a team shaping the future.
TO PERSON
Corinne Galliker belongs to the fourth generation of the Galliker family. She heads sales and marketing at Galliker Transport AG. There, she and her team manage existing customers, develop new business, and contribute to the company's strategic direction. Galliker employs over 3,500 people from 48 countries. The company offers transport and logistics services at 33 locations in Switzerland and abroad
The interview and further information about the trade fair will soon beavailable at www.logistics-automation.ch/de/logistics-talks/.
Free entry worth 30 francs is available with the voucher code «1600» on the «Logistics & Automation 2026» website , which is also valid for the parallel «EMPACK» (www.empack-schweiz.ch )
