As three-time winners of the coveted Pall-Ex Group ‘Member of the Year’ award, Severn Transport Services demonstrates the hard work and commitment required from drivers to ensure the success of transport businesses. For this year’s National Lorry Week, we spoke to three drivers from the depot to discover their pathways into the industry.
Josh Howells
When did you begin your career in the transport industry, and what job roles have you worked in previously?
I previously worked in catering but began my career in the transport industry when I obtained my Class 1 licence at 18 years old and I’ve now been driving HGVs for two years, having just turned 20.
What skills have you learnt since being in your current role?
The main skills I’ve learnt so far are time management and teamwork but I’m still fortunate enough to be learning something new every day.
What does a typical day at work look like for you?
My day starts at 7 am and my first job is to collect my loading sheets from transport for the loaders and wait my turn to be loaded. I supervise the loading of my truck, then wait for my load to be scanned out before strapping the load and completing my daily walk round checks.
Then it’s out to deliver the freight before starting my daily collections. When back on site, I label any freight that is not labelled and wait for the loaders to tip to go onto the trailers destined for Pall-Ex. If there are no more collections for me, I park my truck, head into transport for the debrief and that’s my day finished.
What may surprise people about your role?
I think a lot of people are surprised when I turn up in an artic to deliver or collect with me being so young, but as I am told, employees my age are the future of this industry.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love my job and enjoy every day, I work for a great company with a great team and I couldn’t wish for more. I have always been into trucks from an early age, my hobby is truck photography, and I have a truck photography Facebook page.
Have there been any challenges you’ve faced in your role?
Some delivery points can be challenging depending on if I am driving a 26-tonne or an Arctic, but I manage fine.
Why do you think the transport industry is so important?
I think the transport industry is vital for keeping the economy and day-to-day essential services running, including my future because I intend to be in this industry for many years to come.
Alasdair Moore
When did you begin your career in the transport industry, and what job roles have you worked in previously?
I am Ex-Forces and after leaving the RAF, I began my career in the transport industry gaining my Transport Manager CPC, Class 2 and then my Class 1 licence. I have been a Class 1 C&D driver for STS since its inception in 2019.
What skills have you learnt since being in your current role?
I’ve gained experience in planning, being customer-focused and being an ambassador for the company.
What does a typical day at work look like for you?
My day starts at 6 am when I complete my daily vehicle checks, collect my loading sheets from the transport office, locate my pallets and supervise the loading of my trailer. I deliver all pallets in a timely manner, then start my collections, return to depot and label any collected pallets that are not labelled and supervise the unloading of my trailer. Then if required, I’ll head back out to collect from our customers.
What may surprise people about your role?
How much I enjoy my job and the team spirit at STS, it’s like working with one big family.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The freedom of my job and being almost stress-free due to the operation being so slick.
Why do you think the transport industry is so important?
The transport industry is critical, without it, the country would be in turmoil.
Sean Power
When did you begin your career in the transport industry, and what job roles have you worked in previously?
My main career was in the military and since leaving the army in 2017, I have been a HGV driver. I joined STS in January 2023 as a Class 1 Collection and Delivery driver.
What skills have you learnt since being in your current role?
I am a very disciplined person, but I’ve learnt to be more at ease and connected with customers and my work colleagues.
What does a typical day at work look like for you?
My shift starts at 6.30 am and my first task is to couple up to my trailer, then do my walk round checks on the vehicle and trailer, collect my loading sheets from transport and supervise loading. Once my load has been scanned, I secure the load and await clearance from transport to depart the site. I complete between 26 – 30 deliveries per day, and when completed I await my collections from the office.
What may surprise people about your role?
Because of my military background, the people who know me best wouldn’t think I’d have made a new career in the transport industry, but I love it and would recommend it to anyone.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Getting out and doing my job to the best of my ability. I meet some interesting people whilst delivering and collecting and like any driver, I love my truck.
Have there been any challenges you’ve faced in your role?
Manoeuvring the Arctic in small areas at delivery points can be quite challenging at times, but I like a challenge.
Why do you think the transport industry is so important?
There are so many products transported by road, too many to list, and the transport industry is critical around the world.
Interested in joining the Severn Transport Services team? Visit: https://severntransportservices.com/careers/