The results are in from Driver Hire’s national driver survey. Run during National Lorry Week, we asked our drivers what they most liked and disliked about being a professional driver.
Over 330 drivers responded. As well as likes and dislikes, drivers were also asked what they wanted to be when they were younger and give other budding drivers advice on getting into the industry.
Nearly half of respondents (43%) said the thing they most liked about their job was the freedom of the open road; 22% said it was pride in delivering a vital service.
As for dislikes, for almost a third of drivers their least favourite aspect of professional driving was the lack of decent roadside facilities – providing further support for the RHA’s ‘Facilities Campaign’. Second on the dislikes list was “lack of respect for what we do”.
The question of what drivers wanted to do when they left school showed that 22% were in their perfect job – driving. One respondent said that he wanted to be a pirate and another “a coffin lid polisher”. As they say, it takes all sorts…
“Overall, I think our survey has come up with some really positive results,” says Chris Chidley, Driver Hire’s Chief Executive.
“If we are to attract new blood into the industry, clearly there’s work to be done to improve facilities for drivers and in raising the industry’s profile as an essential service. A lot of drivers who responded clearly take a real pride in what they do – 41% saying they’d be interested in being an ambassador for Driver Hire and the road transport industry, educating potential new recruits on the career possibilities it offers.”
A ‘merri’ winner
As part of the survey, Driver Hire ran a free prize draw to win a Winter Hamper filled with driving goodies.
Alison Merriman, on the books with Driver Hire Luton, was the lucky winner picked at random and is pictured with Chaz Parhar, franchise owner.
Alison had always wanted to be a HGV driver and said she “loved everything” about the job. When asked about any improvements that could be made, she said facilities for female drivers. Providing advice for those thinking about a career as a HGV driver, she finished with, “just be prepared for general driving issues. Learn to be patient, make sure you are always organised. No one is going to do it for you!”
Are you considering a career in professional driving? Find out more about gaining your HGV licence on our training site, or contact your local Driver Hire office.
The UK’s largest specialist supplier, Driver Hire provides temporary and permanent drivers and other logistics staff to local and national organisations in both the public and private sector. If they’re short of staff – perhaps because of illness, holidays or seasonal demand – Driver Hire will supply them with a suitable replacement.