Seriously.
For all the carping and whining I’ve done over the years about the job (and I’ve done my share… and I still am) there are times when I’m deeply, properly grateful I’ve been (and still am) a wagon driver.
I’ve learnt umpteen skills, none of which are taught in universities, including:
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how to drive properly, no matter what it is I’ve been handed the keys to - bikes, cars, 4WDs, vans, lorries - and no matter where I’ve been sent;
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how to handle all sorts of loads, from furniture removals to print, paper, board, general freight, fragile goods, antiques etc. etc.
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how to load anything from a van to a removals wagon to a tautliner to a flatbed. Properly;
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how to rope and sheet. Properly;
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how to navigate - hand on heart, I’ve never, ever been seriously lost. Not in Britain or Europe or Australia or SE Asia. Give me a map (or a satnav, if you can’t lay your hands on a street map) and I’ll find it;
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how to tell transport managers and despatch controllers where to get off (and godnose some of them need to be told) without swearing or shouting;
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how to deal with people - as a driver I’ve met and mixed with all sorts. Good, bad and indifferent. The one thing I’ve learned is to never assume anything based on how someone looks or how much money they’ve got (my years in removals showed me more about people than anything).
I may have no letters after my name, no I haven’t earnt a pile. But I’ve done stuff and got skills I wouldn’t trade for anything, because the job has helped me handle whatever life throws at me. And for that I am truly grateful.