Long distance lorry driver - AMA

[firsttimedad79]

Like the title, but boring I know, but ask me anything :)

@NearlyTheHolidays2

What do you do about going to the toilet when sleeping overnight in your cab? What do female drivers do?

If your in a lay-by then for a pee you go to the bushes. For a number 2 then we wait for a toilet.

Female drivers I presume do something similar! I've never asked one!

@Nikhedonia

What are you meant to do if you suspect/know that migrants have got into the back? Do you call the police? Are you meant to carry on driving?

Just carry on to the port and at the first security point inform them and they deal with them :)

Do you pick up hitchhikers?

@PeteringOut

Is drug use rife to stay awake and do long journeys (as per ice road truckers)?

Same as anywhere else you have idiot drug drivers, but it's not rife thankfully. The most we can drive in a day legally is 10 hours so I just use red bull :)

How much does it cost to fill up a tank and how far can you get on that tank?

How do you go for a wee when stuck in traffic?

@Muchtoomuchtodo

What and how do you cook when you’re away for several nights.

What about toilets and showers, especially during the first lockdown.

Do you need sat nav or do you know all the motorways and main routes?

Some people have microwaves in their cabs or little camping cookers. I've just got a new truck a few weeks ago so haven't set anything up yet. Am relying on services and truck stops!

Services at the beginnning of the pandemic shut the showers etc... but now all fully open. I personally have shower towels which are like massive baby wipes so I can have a full wash if no access to a shower :)

I know most places to get to via motorways, but have sat nav on just to know arrival times and delays etc.. my sat nav has live traffic.

@SeasonallySnowyPeasant

Are you UK only or do you go abroad too?

I'm mostly uk, but Christmas week I did my first European trip. Went overnight on the ferry to Rotterdam, drove to Coevordon in Holland where I loaded. Then drove to Genk in Belgium for my over night stop and then into Calais the following day for the train home :)

@ketosavedmylife

Do you pick up hitchhikers?

Definitely not, most companies forbid it :)

@Loz90333

How much does it cost to fill up a tank and how far can you get on that tank?

Filling the tank is approximately £480 on my truck, and I do that 3 times a week. I've no idea on how far I get as I don't record it, but I do roughly 2500-3000km per week.

What truck do you drive?

@sherrystrull

How do you go for a wee when stuck in traffic?

In a bush at the side of the road just like everyone else, or hold it in if at all possible!

@DriftGames

What truck do you drive?

I currently drive a 70 reg Scania R500 with 10,500m on the clock :)

Are you a member of TruckNet as well as Mumsnet?

Did you follow the horrendous Essex Lorry Deaths case, and have you ever been approached to smuggle people or goods?

How do you keep fit?

Do you get lonely?

Oh following i have always been interested in these questions.

How many days on/off do you work?

Do you manage to get fresh air/exercise? When and how?

@RainingBatsAndFrogs

Are you a member of TruckNet as well as Mumsnet?

Did you follow the horrendous Essex Lorry Deaths case, and have you ever been approached to smuggle people or goods?

How do you keep fit?

Do you get lonely?

I use truck net when I need info, but I'm more active on Facebook groups.

I did follow that story as I'm in tilbury docks often :( very very sad loss of life.

Never been approached to do anything illegal. I wouldn't do it as I can't risk losing my job. Have 5 kids here to support!

Are you lonely?
Do you chat to other truck drivers on the road?

I was on an accident when I was little. A burst tyer and the car was out of control across all of the motorway lanes. A lorry driver pulled across th so no one could get past and us hit them. I've always had a fondness for lorry drivers cos of this. Also I like my food so recognise how important what they do is! Also well done for pulling into a lane to help the broken down. I feel like you have a good vantage point for seeing stuff going wrong on the road.

@firsttimedad79 it’s annandale waters that has maccies.:: abington is Burger King 🤮

@RainingBatsAndFrogs

Are you a member of TruckNet as well as Mumsnet?

Did you follow the horrendous Essex Lorry Deaths case, and have you ever been approached to smuggle people or goods?

How do you keep fit?

Do you get lonely?

Keeping fit is hard, hence you see a lot of overweight drivers. After working a 15 hour shift, you only have 9 hours to eat, shower, relax and sleep before starting again so it's hard to find motivation to exercise as well.

You do get lonely. Thankfully with the advances in technology i can ft my toddler every night and the mrs so it doesn't seem that bad.

Does it pay well?

Do you get bored?

Is it lonely or is there a truckers community at services ?

@TheBitchOfTheVicar

How many days on/off do you work?

Do you manage to get fresh air/exercise? When and how?

I work Monday to Friday away all week, sometimes roll in on a Saturday or leave on a Sunday to get a head start.

Exercise is difficult to get. After working15 hours you only then have 9 hours off to eat, shower, relax and sleep before starting again, so not much motivation to get out and go for a walk :(

What is your favourite lorry drivers slang that non lorry drivers wouldn’t understand?