Along the busy A4 motorway connecting Brescia and Padova, where thousands of trucks pass every day carrying the goods that keep Europe moving, a different conversation took place this June. It was not about freight volumes, delivery schedules or logistics costs. Instead, it focused on something far more fundamental: the wellbeing of the people behind the wheel.
On 5–6 June 2026, Truck Park Brescia Est – the largest and one of the most advanced secure truck parking facilities in Europe – hosted the Wellbeing Days, a two-day flagship event of the European Wellbeing Initiative (Ewellin), a growing movement powered by ESPORG and supported by the European Commission and more than 150 stakeholders committed to making transport safer, healthier and more human-centred.
The Wellbeing Days at Truck Park Brescia Est were opened with welcoming remarks from Pier Giovanni Pisani, Director of A4 Trading, followed by an institutional address from Alfredo Baldi, Senior Project Manager at RAM S.p.A., the company of the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport responsible for supporting strategic mobility and logistics projects.
Dirk Penasse – ESPORG General Manager presented the European Secure Parking Organisation, dedicated to shaping the future of truck parks and setting new benchmarks for excellence in the industry. “Truck parking has become a key issue in Europe,” Dirk Penasse noted. “Professional drivers spend countless hours on the road and need safe, welcoming places where they can properly stop, rest, eat, sleep, use clean facilities, and take their mandatory breaks.” He described secure parkings as evolving “from places to stop” into “service hubs” that are “safer, greener, smarter and more human.”
The European Wellbeing Initiative(EWELLIN) was presented by Druselia Betea, Head of EWELLIN , who outlined the European vision behind the campaign Drive Safe, Park Safe, Work Safe, Live Well. Druselia Betea emphasised: “This event at Truck Park Brescia Est marks an important milestone in our wellbeing campaign, which aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by the backbone of our industry: professional drivers.” Around 90% of drivers experience significant stress, while obesity, musculoskeletal disorders, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, anxiety and depression continue to affect large parts of the profession. She pointed to Truck Park Brescia Est as a true model for the entire sector that perfectly embodies the EWELLIN philosophy, offering drivers not just safety and security, but genuine comfort, dignity, and restorative wellbeing.
The first panel discussion, moderated by Druselia Betea, explored the Secure Parking as the place for Drivers’ Wellbeing. Panelists included:
- Alessandro Peron, Secretary General, FIAP – focusing on operators’ needs, driver retention, costs, and business impact.
- Manuel Picardi, Vicepresident and Secretary General, European Driving School Association (EFA) – addressing training, education, and building good habits.
- Dirk Penasse, General Manager, ESPORG
The panel examined driver retention, training, mental health, operational pressures and the role of infrastructure in supporting professional drivers.
Isabel Prieto and Erik Ribé (Abertis) presented the campaign “Hola, soy Juan y te invito a un café”, focusing on fatigue management and sleep apnea prevention.
Dirk Penasse argued that secure parking areas simultaneously benefit drivers, transport operators and the entire logistics ecosystem: “Secure parkings protect drivers and goods while making transport safer, stronger and more reliable.” He explained that EU Parking Standard certified facilities reduce risks associated with cargo theft, improve route planning and help transport companies comply with driving and rest-time regulations, while also providing drivers with the conditions necessary for quality rest and recovery.
Secure Parking as Essential Infrastructure
The second panel, moderated by Mirjam Frakulla, ESPORG EU Funding Specialist, focused on the strategic importance of secure parking infrastructure and showcased real-world experiences with contributions from:
- Pier Giovanni Pisani (Truck Park Brescia Est)
- Andrea Ballarin (PASS4CORE)
- Alessandro Geroli (AirPullman / SEA Milano)
- Luca Arosio (Milano Serravalle – Milano Tangenziali)
- Giuseppe Dall’Asta (Interporto Bologna)
The discussion highlighted the increasing pressures on European logistics networks, including cargo theft, migration challenges, military mobility requirements and growing freight volumes.
Against this backdrop, Brescia Est was presented as a practical example of how modern secure parking can simultaneously improve safety, operational efficiency and driver wellbeing.
Truck Park Brescia Est – Wellbeing Ambassafor in Italy
Located at a strategic crossroads of European freight transport, Truck Park Brescia Est spans more than 173,000 square metres and offers 265 secure parking spaces, hotel accommodation, restaurant and catering services, showers, fuel facilities, washing stations and 24-hour security. Managed by A4 Holding Group, the facility has earned the prestigious EU Parking Standard Gold Certification for Safe and Secure Truck Parking Areas and is widely regarded as one of Europe’s leading examples of driver-centred infrastructure.
Throughout the event, the facility was repeatedly described as a genuine “Home Away From Home” for drivers — a place where professional drivers can not only park safely, but also rest, recover and feel welcomed during long journeys.
One of the most emotional moments of the event was the Wellbeing Ambassador Ceremony, when the representatives from Truck Park Brescia Est, including Pier Giovanni Pisani, Nelly Girlanda, Jessica Turato and Roger, joined the stage to receive the Wellbeing Ambassador Certificate.
On 6 June, Truck Park Brescia Est became an open wellbeing hub where drivers stopping along the A4 corridor could participate in informal activities, awareness sessions and conversations dedicated to health, safety and quality of life on the road. Drivers were invited to have a Health Check-Up and discuss fatigue management, healthy nutrition, hydration, sleep quality, stress reduction and the importance of regular health monitoring. Visitors also experienced first-hand the facilities that have made Truck Park Brescia Est a recognised benchmark for driver welfare. The restaurant, hotel accommodation, modern shower facilities and secure resting areas demonstrated how infrastructure can directly contribute to physical and mental wellbeing.
