Long distance lorry driver - AMA

[firsttimedad79]

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

I love this thread and I'm not sure why!

I’m not even sure why, but I think this is my favourite AMA thread so far! Also, you are so right, the behind the scenes workers who have been working so hard do not get enough recognition.

Do you know any truckers who live a double life? When I was young, there were loads of stories about truckers having multiple families in different states (I grew up in America) and/or having kids by multiple women all over the country.

@JorisBonson

I love this thread and I'm not sure why!

Snap!

What do you transport?

@NormaLouiseBates

This is my industry too not in same way as you, I work for one of the larger agencies supplying drivers to many of the supermarkets and suppliers. I take it you're a core driver, not agency?

Aye, done my time on agency but hate umbrella companies :(

@TashaTik

Have you met any of the ridiculous TikTok Truckers? One lives opposite me and he's arse who appears to cheat on his wife regularly who is far more attractive than him which has skewed my view of truck drivers somewhat

Thankfully not lol

No cheating here. Too much fear of bits being chopped off lol

Do you drive during the day or night? What time do you start/finish driving on an average day? Have you ever felt yourself nodding off at the wheel? If you felt too tired to continue but were still within your official hours would you get in trouble for stopping?

@Demitri

I’m not even sure why, but I think this is my favourite AMA thread so far! Also, you are so right, the behind the scenes workers who have been working so hard do not get enough recognition.

Do you know any truckers who live a double life? When I was young, there were loads of stories about truckers having multiple families in different states (I grew up in America) and/or having kids by multiple women all over the country.

Noooo, I've heard stories from the older generation though that often had a girl in their regular overnight stops!

@JorisBonson

I love this thread and I'm not sure why!

Also agree! It's so fun!

@petshihtzu

What do you transport?

Absolutely anything. Anything you buy in a shop. I've delivered concrete, insulation and bricks to building sites, concrete barriers to hs2 in central London.

@firsttimedad79 Do you ever notice electric cars following right behind you? My DH has an electric car and we have have done this a couple of times especially when there is a long stretch between charging points! Being behind a lorry helps with wind resistance and means we can travel further/save some charge!

@CreamFacedLoon

Do you drive during the day or night? What time do you start/finish driving on an average day? Have you ever felt yourself nodding off at the wheel? If you felt too tired to continue but were still within your official hours would you get in trouble for stopping?

I drive days, usually start around 5-6am and finish at around 8-9pm.

If I get tired then I'll have a red bull. If that doesn't work I'll pull over in the next safe place and have a break :) we have to have 45 mins after 4h30m of driving. Max 10 hours in a day.

[quote Charm23]@firsttimedad79 Do you ever notice electric cars following right behind you? My DH has an electric car and we have have done this a couple of times especially when there is a long stretch between charging points! Being behind a lorry helps with wind resistance and means we can travel further/save some charge![/quote]
Never noticed! Just remember not to get too close as our trailers have solid bars at the back, not crumple zones so they make a mess if we have to stop suddenly and someone goes into the back of us!

Are you a snacker? Or do you stick to meals? How much do you spend eating out? What meal allowance do you get?

@petshihtzu

What do you transport?

Add to my previous reply, we also deliver to factories as well. Basically if you can think of it we transport it.

Do you ever get sick of driving? When you’re home for the weekend, do you just want to not get in the car until your next shift?

@Goodbye2020Hello2021

Are you a snacker? Or do you stick to meals? How much do you spend eating out? What meal allowance do you get?

I am a snacker and need to stop.

Meals vary in price. In some services we get a £10 voucher with our parking. Others we pay full price. Some truck stops do free food :)

@Demitri

Do you ever get sick of driving? When you’re home for the weekend, do you just want to not get in the car until your next shift?

Nope, i love driving.

If we go away I'll sometimes get the mrs to drive for a break :)

What are the best and worst parts of your job?

I’m loving this thread too, thank you!

@RAOK

What are the best and worst parts of your job?

I’m loving this thread too, thank you!

The best and worst bits are both the same. Being in me own. Sometimes it's great, just singing to the radio, others it's very lonely with no one to talk to.

My DH is a class one driver... what I don't know about working time directive and drivers hours ain't worth nowt.
I also know every obstacle that needs to be avoided at every M&S in the midlands and northwest...😐

Are you also a butty van officionado too? My DH points them out as we drive past and gives me his review. He has taken me to a few and says 'see I do take you out for lunch'

OP are you married / attached? I think they should come on and do a 'I'm a lorry drivers partner AMA'.... we could talk about you lot not getting home when you should be, and the lovely smell of adblue.

DHs fave truck stop - Tebay truck stop .. not the posh one. Best breakfast.

I’ve loved reading your replies! Thanks OP! Safe driving!

How often would you stop on a 15h day?
What radio stations do you enjoy?

I think they should come on and do a 'I'm a lorry drivers partner AMA'....
Do it ‘Intheshadow*!

@InTheShadowOfTheMushroomCloud

My DH is a class one driver... what I don't know about working time directive and drivers hours ain't worth nowt. I also know every obstacle that needs to be avoided at every M&S in the midlands and northwest...😐

Are you also a butty van officionado too? My DH points them out as we drive past and gives me his review. He has taken me to a few and says 'see I do take you out for lunch'

OP are you married / attached? I think they should come on and do a 'I'm a lorry drivers partner AMA'.... we could talk about you lot not getting home when you should be, and the lovely smell of adblue.

DHs fave truck stop - Tebay truck stop .. not the posh one. Best breakfast.

I've not done m&s yet! Ask him what he thinks of the new Chorley one as it looks a pain!

Definitely a butty van fan, hence me weight lol. Took the mrs to a truckers cafe in the midlands once when we were off somewhere.... she wasn't impressed.