To celebrate National Lorry Week 2024, we selected four members of Van Elle who wouldn’t typically work with our transport team to join one of our drivers for a day out in the lorry.
The trips provided a behind-the-scenes look into the vital role that our lorry drivers play in keeping Van Elle running smoothly, while also offering a glimpse into the daily challenges.
We asked them to share their reflections on the experience, including the insights they gained into the drivers’ role in our success.
Paris, what were your initial thoughts or expectations before spending the day with a driver?
“Before spending the day with Tony, our Rigid Beavertail driver, I was looking forward to gaining an insight into a driver’s everyday life, understanding how different sites operate, and experiencing a completely different style of work compared to my usual office environment”.
Nathaniel, what stood out to you the most during your time on the road?
“Tony, the driver, was incredibly vigilant throughout the entire journey. He wasn’t just focused on his own driving but was also carefully monitoring his surroundings, constantly anticipating what other road users might do. Drivers like Tony must be as cautious as possible, not just for their own safety but to avoid potential accidents caused by others”.
Amber, what was the most interesting and insightful thing you learned from your driver?
“The most insightful takeaway was the strict legal regulations drivers must follow regarding working hours, rest breaks, and vehicle checks, which are vital for safety. Jamie our Semi Low Loader driver, took the time to explain the embargo process and how certain regulations affect the process of the delivery”.
Hope, how important do you think it is for people within Van Elle to understand what our drivers do?
“This experience made it clear just how essential drivers are to our operations. They form the backbone of our logistics, ensuring that materials, equipment, and supplies arrive on time, often in difficult conditions. Without their expertise and quick decision-making, many aspects of our operations would come to a halt. My time with Kev, our Rigid Hiab driver highlighted that drivers are not merely transporters; they are key problem-solvers who play an integral role in the smooth running and success of Van Elle’s projects”.
Each colleague came away with a renewed respect for the work our drivers do and their vital contribution to supporting operations.
At Van Elle we value the importance of our transport team and would like to take the opportunity of National Lorry Week 2024 to celebrate all our drivers.
Thank you to our transport team for your continuous hard work – Kevan Richards, Luke Housley, Robert Docherty, Craig Harris, Richard Poxon, Stewart Meads, John Burden, Keith Prosser, Antony Dickens, Jamie Thomas, David Smedley, Liam Hubbard, Jason Proffitt, Daniel Woodward, Simon Allen, Jon Parkin, John Wright, Shane Shipman, Andrew Gregg, Martin Langrick, Bret Topley and Billie-Jo Baxter.