“Out on the road, looking down on everyone else from my cab – seeing what’s over the hedgerows, watching the sun rise. It was brilliant.”
– Greg Haynes, Driver Hire agency driver
It’s an industry fact that the average age of a UK truck driver is 53 – a statistic that really shines a light on the need to bring new talent into the industry. There’s work to do here, but there is a new breed of younger drivers coming through. A prime example is Greg Haynes. Still very much in his early 30s, category C+E driver Greg is helping to pull the average down.
“I love driving,” says Greg. “Once you’re in the cab, you’re your own boss. When I’m at work, I’m playing an important role. I pride myself on getting it right first time. Getting the job done to the best of my abilities.”
Greg has got his dad to thank for what, tongue very firmly in cheek, he describes as his “illustrious driving career”.
“In my early 20s, I did some work in schools, but it wasn’t my thing,” Greg recalls. “My dad said: ‘You like driving – why don’t you do that?’ Before I knew it, he’d booked me on a licence acquisition course. I took to it straightaway and passed my Category C test within the space of a week.”
To gain experience, Greg signed up with a driving agency. “It was coming up to Christmas, peak delivery time. They got me a job with Hermes. It was great. Out on the road, looking down on everyone else from my cab – seeing what’s over the hedgerows, watching the sun rise. It was brilliant. Couldn’t believe I was getting paid too.”
Come January, Hermes’ business had the usual post-Christmas lull. So Greg signed up with Driver Hire. Wisely, Greg had chosen to add additional skills to his licence – in his case, HIAB. It paid dividends. A Driver Hire client needed a HIAB qualified driver to work for a timber yard.
Greg’s positive attitude and outstanding customer service earned him the offer of a permanent job – which he accepted.
“The hours suit me,” comments Greg. “I’m done by 3.30 in the afternoon. The money’s good. I can do all the things I want to do and I’m managing to save money too. Driver Hire recently used me as a model for a photoshoot which was great fun.”
Back in the cab, over the past few years, Greg’s experience has given him a good idea of what he likes in truck terms. “I’ve a real soft spot for the Mercedes I drove at Hermes. The vision was good; the seating was great; cruise control too. I guess I was spoiled but it was a lovely truck,” he remembers.
“My timber job is a nice mix of residential and business-to-business. Alongside the skills side of it, this job is all about earning people’s trust. When you do that, it’s a great feeling and that’s why I like working in road transport.”
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.