Giovanni Musto shares his journey at Torello, reflecting on sacrifice, memories, and a retirement marked by gratitude.
After years of dedication and millions of kilometres travelled, Giovanni is bringing his journey at Torello to a close, taking with him not only an extraordinary professional legacy, but above all a wealth of human experience built on relationships, values, and personal growth.
His story captures what this profession truly means: commitment, responsibility, and the ability to build something over time that goes far beyond work itself.
THE INTERVIEW
What is your name and where are you from?
My name is Giovanni Musto and I am from Solofra, in the province of Avellino.
When did your journey with Torello begin? Do you remember your first day?
My relationship with the company began 33 years ago. I remember my interview with Umberto Torello very clearly. He told me, “I’ll let you know,” but before I even got home, I received the call. They needed someone immediately. That’s where it all started.
Alongside the job, something much deeper developed: a genuine human relationship. Umberto and Antonio Torello were not your typical employers; they were people capable of building trust. They were demanding, but also profoundly human.
Over time, a bond based on mutual respect was established. Because work matters, but it is human relationships that truly make the difference.
I also remember Nicola Torello, the company founder. Once, I spoke to him about my son and, years later, he still remembered him. That says a great deal about the attention they have always given to people.
Did your passion for this profession come right away?
Not immediately, but it developed naturally. It wasn’t a planned career choice; it was a path that gradually took shape over time. It is a demanding profession that requires sacrifice, but I was fortunate enough to share the experience with the right people.
For me, it was part of a life project: to give my son an education, support my family, and build stability. That was always my goal.
Was this your first professional experience?
No, I had previous work experience.
Then, in the early 2000s, I stepped away from Torello for a period because the job was difficult to reconcile with family life, especially due to international assignments. Despite that, my relationship with the company never ended. We stayed in touch, and whenever support was needed, there was always mutual availability.
That is also why I wish Torello and the younger generations all the best, because it is a company with every quality needed to continue growing in the right direction.
How many kilometres do you think you have travelled?
I would say somewhere between three and four million kilometres.
On average, I drove around 150,000 kilometres per year, reaching peaks of up to 200,000 kilometres during particularly busy periods.
Is there a specific episode that has stayed with you?
Yes, a difficult moment that helped me understand what it truly means to work for a company like this.
Between 1997 and 1998, I suffered from serious back problems. During a trip to Spain, I became completely immobilised and could no longer drive. They suggested that I stay there, but I did not want to leave my travelling colleague on his own. In the end, Antonio Torello and another colleague set off to support me. It was a gesture I will never forget. At that moment, I understood what it really means to feel part of a family.
We managed to make it back almost as far as Cassino before I had to stop and go to hospital. It is a memory I carry with deep gratitude.
Of all the places you visited, which one do you remember most?
One night in Paris.
Back then, there were no navigation systems, only paper maps. I took a wrong turn and ended up in the city centre, completely disoriented. I asked some young newspaper distributors for help, and one of them simply said, “Follow me.” He guided me out of the city.
The next day, I was stopped by the French police for exceeding my driving hours, but once I explained the situation, they understood.
Today it makes me smile, but at the time it was pure panic.
Was there a truck you were particularly attached to?
Yes, a Mercedes-Benz Actros.
It was a standard vehicle with no special features, but it was incredibly reliable and easy to handle. It allowed me to do my job exceptionally well. I was very fond of it: it had covered hundreds of thousands of kilometres, yet it was always in excellent condition.
How has the truck driving profession changed over the years?
In the beginning, it was all about sacrifice. You worked hard and spent long hours behind the wheel to earn a satisfactory income.
Today, everything is different. The profession is more organised, more structured and, in many ways, more people-oriented. Technology has improved many aspects of the job, but it has also introduced new responsibilities. There is less room for error, and even greater attention is required.
Being a truck driver is not—and should never be—a fallback option. It demands skills, character, adaptability, and the ability to build relationships. It is a genuine and important profession.
Has the mindset changed as well?
Very much so.
Today, people often focus on immediate results, whereas this profession requires a long-term perspective. Consistency is essential.
Throughout my career, I made certain choices, sometimes giving up higher earnings in order to preserve time with my family. You have to know how to strike the right balance and manage your path with awareness and responsibility.
Why is it so difficult to find drivers today?
Because times change and priorities change. Younger generations seek a better work-life balance, while this profession requires a great deal of commitment and availability.
I chose this job to build something meaningful over time, with a clear objective in mind. There were significant sacrifices, especially for my family. But today, I can honestly say it was worth it.
What has the Torello experience given you?
Working at Torello is a true school of life.
It is an experience that shapes you, prepares you, and equips you with the tools to handle any situation. Above all, it has given me significant personal growth: I have become a better person.
One final thought?
I was fortunate to have a family that always supported me. Without them, none of this would have been possible. In fact, I believe this recognition award should first and foremost be dedicated to them, because they have always stood by my side.
Today, I continue to make myself available to others through volunteer work with the Food Bank. Whenever they need someone to drive, I am there. Because in the end, helping others benefits the person who helps just as much as those being helped.
Stories like Giovanni’s are measured not only in the kilometres travelled, but in the relationships built over time, the choices made, and the determination to keep moving forward, always. It is through experiences like these that the most authentic value of Torello takes shape every day, together with the vision we sum up in two simple words: Feel Transport.
Thank you, Giovanni!
