And Hell
Truck & Driver|January 2018

Edward Hardy quit a high-stress office job to become a professional HGV driver. Here he shares his experiences of working for an agency

And Hell

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.

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