“The reason I stuck with Driver Hire is simple – they kept me busy”

– Chris, Driver Hire agency driver for 25 years

In early 2024, Chris Ralph, a Category C+E driver on the books at Driver Hire Southampton, decided it was time to hang up his HGV ignition keys. The retirement he’s now enjoying is well deserved.

Chris had clocked up a remarkable 25-years with Driver Hire. However, his obvious love of life as an agency driver didn’t get off to the best of starts. “I’d signed up with another agency in Southampton,” Chris recalls. “They kept giving me the crappiest of jobs – one of which was collecting pig swill. And the work was really hit and miss – one day on and then nothing for a week.”

So, Chris decided to try his luck with Driver Hire. The office had just opened in Southampton. “It was owned by a guy called Greg Walter,” Chris recalls.

“He very quickly got me regular work, driving container lorries. Then there was Calor Gas and Flogas. But the best of all was Mr Kipling cakes. They had a factory in Southampton and I did an overnight to the Midlands, a trailer swap, get some food at their canteen and back home. I always came back with a bag of their goodies. Loved that job!”

Chris got his HGV licence whilst serving in the RAF as an aircraft refueller. That was where he drove his favourite truck – an old Bedford RL. “They were just lovely to drive. And they’d climb up a cliff for you with a full load. Mind you, Mercedes makes seriously nice trucks. Volvos are another matter. I had a nasty experience with one. I switched the electric handbrake on, but it didn’t stick. I’d hopped out of the cab and saw the wheels move. Managed to get back in to rectify it. But I’ve never trusted one since.”

Chris is enjoying retirement which has enabled him to spend more time on his hobby – photography. “I have access to a local studio and help out charity shops taking pics of quality fashion items they have in stock,” says Chris.

“The reason I stuck with Driver Hire is simple – they kept me busy. The current owner, Ash and his team in the office, used to go out of their way to find work for me.”

If you’re considering work with Driver Hire, get in touch with your local office today. Thinking about upgrading your licence to become an HGV driver? Take a look at the Driver Hire Training website.