Edward Hardy quit a high-stress office job to become a professional HGV driver. Here he shares his experiences of working for an agency
After six months as a jobbing driver, I’m still amazed by how many firms are prepared to toss me the keys to more than 50 grand’s worth of truck, with another 50 grand’s worth of contents, on little more than an affirmative response to the question: “Are you from the agency, mate?”
I’m no longer surprised if there’s no one who can – or is willing to – explain the system for recording daily checks or for reporting defects. If there’s ever a problem I already know it must be me, as yesterday’s driver didn’t complain, or the one the day before that. I am now adept at making impromptu height indicators, wrapping up sharp bits of bodywork with cling film and duct tape and popping in the odd new bulb. Only once have I refused to drive my allotted vehicle – an Iveco 18-tonner with a tyre showing more cord than a 1970s geography teacher.
Denne historien er fra January 2018-utgaven av Truck & Driver.
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Denne historien er fra January 2018-utgaven av Truck & Driver.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Well forked Daf
Remember, we like to cover all sorts of different trucks here at T&D – like this impressive new CF rigid complete with Moffett Mounty forklift
King of the hill
Moving heavy equipment off road calls for a truck with plenty of power and traction, which is why M&J Plant chose a mighty 6x4 FH16 750
Time Machine 2015-2019
It’s the final part of our series on the history of UK haulage. Let’s look back at those innocent times before that pesky virus turned up
Original and best
There are few trucks which have been customised to the level of the Scania 143, but let’s not forget that the standard product was pretty awesome just as it left the factory, like this rare 420
GOING ALL THE WAY
Simon Rogers got behind the wheel as soon as he was able to, and nearly 30 years later, his company is going from strength to strength, with a striking all-black, top-spec Iveco S-Way 570 the latest addition to the fleet
Abnormal loads
In the distant past, when dinosaurs roamed the planet, truck drivers were a very different breed, made from sterner stuff than us mere mortals
Range change
After a gap of 13 years, Renault trucks have reappeared in the unique colours of MacRitchie Highland Distribution. T&D takes the high road to Inverness to meet owners, Donald and Catriona MacRitchie
Cutting a dash
Freshly showered and munching a healthy egg and cress sarnie in Gloucester North services, Chris has a Foden update
Air we go!
On Saturday 29 May at 6pm, 240 drivers gathered with their trucks at South Mimms Services for a parade to raise vital money for Essex & Hertfordshire Air Ambulance
A Cutt Above
From coal to turf to fencing and loads more, there’s not much the Calcutt fleet hasn’t transported over the years
