Keep on Trucking !

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Introduction.

As a number of you may be aware from some of my comments, I drive a truck for a living in the United Kingdom. I have done this for the past 38 years and covered most of Europe doing so. I still enjoy the relative freedom of the open road and the chance to see new places almost everyday ...and get paid for it!

This blog will delve into the history of trucking, and some of the differences from around the world, as well as, maybe, being a short insight into the industry that affects each and every one of us.

Netherlands truck passing the tulip fields

Basics.

Everything that you own, buy, borrow or use will have at some part of it's journey from manufacturer to consumer, been transported by road on the back of a truck.

From the paperclip on your desk, to the car sitting in your drive.

The house you live in will have had it's constituent parts delivered by truck.

The food in your fridge, the fridge itself, the oven you cook in, the plate you eat off, the knive and fork you use. All delivered by truck!

Even the roads you and the trucks drive on, delivered as asphalt on a truck. The paint on the lines on the road. Delivered by truck !

Stone being loaded at a quarry
Trucks have various names to describe them. Lorry, Wagon, Big Rig, Tractor-trailer, Semi, LKV (LastKraftVagen in German), Camion in French the list goes on. 
The word "Truck" could also describe a pick-up truck, in itself a form of transport vehicle whether used commercially or privately. Vans are also used for road transport especially when delivering smaller packages and parcels to homes and shops.

The Early Years.

Goods have been transported for thousands of years, The Roman Empire built many roads across Europe that are still in use today, albeit with better surfacing and improved gradients. Food and supplies were transported by horse and waggon, oxen or even human power over great distances. In England, even as far back as the 16th century, there were services being advertised offering guaranteed timed deliveries between major cities. 
With the arrival of canals in Europe, lots of shipments were carried by water and then later by rail, but there was still a need for road transport from rail stations or canal wharfs to the end-user. 
Many of the canals originally used for transport are now used for leisure (UK )
At the end of the 19th century motorised road vehicles were becoming more common, and within a small period of years transport entirely by road was in it's infancy, but growing fast. 
The early trucks were powered by steam and slow.
Restored Steam Lorry
New inventions in road surfacing meant that highways were being built easier and it was discovered that road transport of goods became more efficient.

Instead of the journey being factory-truck-train/barge-truck-customer it was now Factory-truck-customer. Therefore cutting out the journey by rail/canal with the delays involved in transhipping and the possible damages that may occur through extra handling.

Container yard
The invention of the shipping container and the pallet revolutionised transport around the world making the movement of goods worldwide even easier and even more efficient.

Trucking Now.

From the highways of the USA to the back roads of Asia, trucks are carrying an endless array of goods from one destination to another. Almost every city, town and village worldwide is serviced at some point by trucks. The roads are as varied as the goods transported.

Typical US Interstate road
Khyber Pass between Pakistan and Afghanistan
Trucks come in many forms as well. From small 4 wheel delivery vans to the Australian multi trailer Road Trains. Refrigerated trailers and specialised trailers for heavy and wide loads. 
North America
Australia
European cabover from Czechia
Some countries trucks are different to other parts of the world. Many drivers adorn them in different ways.....
"Jingle"  Truck from Pakistan on the Khyber Pass
Japanese "Dekotora" truck 

The Life of a Truck Driver.

Most countries around the world impose restrictions on various aspects of a driver's day. Restricted hours of operation are the norm, although some countries are more relaxed than others. Weights vary with country too with some places having much stricter limits than others. Some countries even place restrictions on the type of lights that may be used. There is a myriad of regulations that should be followed, with certain goods such as livestock and chemicals having even stricter rules.
Fatigue plays a huge part in the safety of operating a truck and accidents do occur.
Different transport companies obviously have different workloads but as an example my typical day would involve delivering to up to 4 farms on the first load and then maybe a second or even third load. Some days I have over 300 miles of driving other days less than 50. No day is the same. 
The worst parts of the job, in my opinion, are traffic jams, waiting around to load or unload, and the actions of other road users.



My biggest hate of the job

But then the day can change for the better in an instant. The traffic clears, the sun comes out, the scenery is stunning, your favourite tune is on the radio, and all's right with the world.

One of my favourite roads, the A9 in the north of Scotland

Many drivers travel much longer distances than I currently do. In the past I have travelled extensively around Europe, delivering from the UK to places as far afield as Lisbon, Moscow and Ankara. The longest time I was away from home was over 4 months. This was nothing compared to some journeys that have been made.

Journeys are only restricted by governments rules and the occasional natural obstacle.

Without any restrictions it would be possible to drive from, say, Prudhoe Bay on the north coast of Alaska to Ushuaia on the southern tip of Argentina. But there is a small fact of the Darian Gap that straddles the Panama - Colombia border. A dense forested stretch of land with no roads and inhabited by dangerous drug lords. This particular stretch of land has only been crossed by a few 4x4 vehicles.

Another possible route would be from Lisbon, Portugal to Vladivostok, Russia, a distance of some 13500km or 8300 miles. The roads exist and are very driveable, however the distance alone makes transport by road expensive.

There are however, trucks delivering in these very places mentioned.....


Dalton Highway, Alaska
National Route 3, Argentina (leads to Ushuaia)
Bridge in Lisbon, Portugal
Zolotoy Bridge, Vladivostok, Russia

And so to the future....

It has just been announced that the sale of new diesel trucks will be banned in the UK in 2040. New technologies are emerging almost daily, with smaller electric delivery trucks and vans already on our roads.

In the UK and in some countries in Europe our milk has been delivered for many years by electric vehicles...

Milk delivery EV
Electric refrigerated truck operated in Switzerland by Nestle
Tesla has been building electric semi trucks for a couple of years and most European manufacturers will soon add electric options to most vehicles..
Tesla semi-truck
However the general consensus of opinion is that electric is OK for short haul, on longer and heavier operations Hydrogen fuel cells may be the best option.

What are they like to drive ?

Modern day trucks often have automatic gearboxes making them much easier to drive than a few years ago. Prior to this trucks with 16 gears was commonplace. 
Most heavier vehicles have more than one braking system, including Jake Brakes, exhaust brakes, and engine brakes. Most newer European trucks also have automatic braking, and lane guidance systems as well as cameras in all the blindspots.
Mack truck with manual gearbox
The truck I drive (Volvo FH4) has automatic emergency braking, airbags, auto gearbox, blindspot mirrors, lane warning system, secondary engine braking, internet radio, aircon and many other comfort items. Compared to the first truck I drove it is in a different league.
Similar to the first truck I drove.
Similar to the one I drive, but mines orange

I find the modern trucks very easy to drive, however you have to always be aware of the dimensions of the vehicle. I can have 3 different types of trailer in one day and all have varying heights. Some are lower than the cab of the truck but others are higher. Things can go wrong if you aren't aware as this Youtube video shows in a dramatic way.

You also have to be aware of vehicles around you, cars often try to overtake at the last minute, cyclists ride up the inside, pedestrians just step out into the road.

Often some minor roads have weight restrictions, I have to go through these most days to access farms.

But all in all it's a great job in my opinion, but it's not for everyone or for the faint hearted, some of the things I see on the road are very upsetting. You just have to put things behind you and carry on.

Media.

The image of the open road and the nature of truck driving has spawned many films.
Among these worth, in my opinion, checking out in the usual places (Netflix, Amazon, Youtube etc.) are..
Convoy starring Kris Kristofferson and Ali McGraw
Smokey and the Bandit starring Burt Reynolds
Hell Drivers (this is a British film made in the 1950s in black and white starring many great actors of the time).


Many Country songs have been written about truck driving, in fact the above film Convoy was an adaption of a song of the same name by C.W.McCall.

Conclusion

Hopefully I have given you some insight into my world. I only have a working knowledge of the UK or European transport industry. I do know some things about elsewhere but not extensive by any means.

If you have any questions then please ask in the comments and I will do my best to answer them.

Keep on Trucking !

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Level 78
Jul 18, 2021
Any questions ? Don't hesitate to ask, I'll do my best to answer them quickly and to the best of my knowledge !
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Level 65
Jul 18, 2021
Interesting. My father used to drive a semi across the U.S.
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Level 78
Jul 18, 2021
Much respect to him !
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Level 43
Jul 18, 2021
I love how you still like this work! I like to travel to new places. Sadly, I travel only to Northeast of Brazil (despite I traveled to Argentina, when I was just 1 -_-) lol! I like to see places from above, but travels from down also can be nice. The maximum I ever “traveled” by car, was 100km (62mi) for visit my aunt, my uncle, and my cousin lol.

But anyway, this blog has good information, and a nice formatting! I’d like to know how much time are you on this work, how many countries you traveled with trucks, and also your best road you already went (or is it A9 on Scotland as you said?). Hope this don’t be so much personal lol! And #KeepOnTrucking!

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Level 78
Jul 18, 2021
Hi MG. I started when I was 21 driving trucks.The earliest age you could drive them then. I am now 58 so 37 years in total. Or do you mean each day ? We have a limit in UK for 9 hours driving per day (but you can extend to 10 twice a week. Max is 90 hours in two weeks.

I have travelled to almost all of the European countries except for Malta, Liechtenstein and San Marino ! I even delivered to the Vatican once (ornaments for the gift shops if my memory is correct).

I also have travelled to Turkey (Ankara) delivering steel pipes for the cities gas.

My best road I think is the road that runs down the west coast of Italy from the north to Rome. Not the easiest drive but very scenic. But there are so many to choose from, I may do a blog on the roads I have travelled on at some point.

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Level 43
Jul 18, 2021
Wow wow wow! Really nice! What about you visit Malta, Liechtenstein, and San Marino now lol. In UK, trucking is also considered as essential service? In Brazil it does. And days, years, no problem! That answer was more than I thought to receive! And that's cool. Italy is surely a country for visit. But if I may ask, in addition to beauty, what do you think about the best road in infrastructure? Such as how constructed. Not too much holes... you know. And curiously, in Brazil, the age for drive, or even drink alcohol is 18 :)
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Level 43
Jul 18, 2021
Curiosity: we had a big truck strike on Brazil, at 2018. You can read more on the link :)
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Level 78
Jul 19, 2021
Thanks for the link, I did know about the strike. There are calls for one here but I don't think it would happen.

As for visiting those countries, probably only for holidays now😉

The best roads I think are probably in Germany, not many potholes and smooth and well built.

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Level 43
Jul 19, 2021
And driving a truck on Brazil lol! That’s really cool!
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Level 78
Jul 19, 2021
I couldn't drive trucks there, your drivers are crazy 😂 I've seen the YouTube videos of them swerving all over the road
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Level 43
Jul 19, 2021
You don’t know how many bad words my dad say in BH (Belo Horizonte)’s transit. I’m imagining on São Paulo or Rio lol
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Level 78
Jul 19, 2021
I can probably imagine. The way some have the back of the truck high up must affect the way the truck steers?
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Level 43
Jul 20, 2021
Wdym?
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Level 78
Jul 21, 2021
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Level 43
Jul 21, 2021
Oh, lol, this happen basically always when you pass a highway. Brazilian drivers are cheeky. The transit is the consulate of the hell on Brazil lol! The trucks passes in front of my house at (about) 5:30 AM (my local time) with the buses, and balance all the house. My avenue is next to be duplicated due to this. I live in the middle house of three. I imagine in the first house lol! Also, when they pass in the street while my dad is driving, is totally sucks. Slow, open holes (we have already too much in Belo Horizonte)... just isn't the worse due to the stupid mottorcycles lol
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Level 67
Jul 18, 2021
Very interesting. Although as a normal car driver we all hate trucks (no offense lol), we cannot live without them indeed.

Do you see the future of self-driving or remote controlled trucks possible?

Also I've heard that instead of getting drivers doing the long haul, say between two cities, often there's a mid point exchange so drivers can swap trucks and return home each day. Does it happen to you?

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Level 65
Jul 18, 2021
My opinion: Many trucks carry highly flammable or dangerous materials. Having a self driving car without a licensed person on the wheel is already controversial enough, but if one of those trucks is involved in an accident, horrible disasters can happen. You see with driving, every decision might be the difference between a peaceful ride to work and a devastated family short a loved one. One malfunction could be a disaster, and I certainly wouldn’t risk safety and employment for better profit.
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Level 78
Jul 19, 2021
Exactly my thoughts too Clutch, however vehicles carrying dangerous goods are subject to more stringent safety checks, accidents do happen but considering the miles travelled they are thankfully very rare.
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Level 78
Jul 19, 2021
Thanks for the comment cuotak,

we all hate car drivers too(not really lol), there are good and bad drivers in every vehicle, but we never remember the good ones only the bad because we are affected..

I think eventually driverless trucks will be a thing however I don't think it will be soon, there are too many variables on the road. I can however see a time when we have a system similar to airplanes autopilot, when you enter the motorway or highway you press a button and the truck drives itself then the driver takes over to drive on smaller roads.

Yes there are drivers changeovers on some longer runs that are between depots. Two drivers will leave their depots and meet halfway, swap trailers then return. This is more often done at night by parcel delivery companies , that way they can offer an overnight service

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Level 54
Jul 19, 2021
Interesting, I new that you will make this blog but when??? that was real question. I liked all photos especially the scotland one, ur favourite road. Have you also drove ur truck in other countries? if yes, then which which?

Also I would like to show this meme to yu that shows Pakistani truck vs Afghan General. This one

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Level 78
Jul 19, 2021
That's very funny, I cannot tell the difference. Pakistan trucks are very nice and ornate.

I have driven a truck all over Europe plus Russia and Turkey, still lots of places left to go even in the UK so not about to stop now.

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Level 54
Jul 19, 2021
Oh wow
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Level 54
Jul 19, 2021
Always a pleasure to read your blogs! We have the feeling that you really know what you're writting, you have an experience which makes your blog really interesting. Thanks again for sharing this kind of content!

It's funny, a "A9" also crosses a part of France, my departement included, and I consider it, with my very little knowledge about roads, as a nice road to cross. But you probably know it.

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Level 78
Jul 19, 2021
Thanks for the compliments mon ami,

If I remember right the A9 in France (autoroute) does that run from near Orange towards the Spainsh border ? Beautiful part of the world, I used to drive down that route when headed to southern Spain. I also loaded wine out of Narbonne a couple of times, can't remember exactly where though it was over 20 years ago.

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Level 54
Jul 19, 2021
Your description is perfect: you're completely right for the Autoroute 9.

And yes, I live around 40 minute by car from Narbonne, and it's true that some parts of this region are known for their wines.

It seems awesome to have the chance to visit our whole Vieux Continent!

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Level 78
Jul 19, 2021
I must have visited France the most, almost every week from the UK for about 10 years.

Often en route to somewhere else, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, but I enjoyed travelling through and visiting some of the really nice towns and cities. I often parked at weekends somewhere that I could visit. My favourite cities in France would be..

1. Reims

2. Grenoble

3. Clermont-Ferrand

Always had a friendly welcome in many small "routiers" and many bars and cafes throughout the country.

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Level 54
Jul 20, 2021
Nice to hear it! Most of the time, non-French people say that we're rude... It's true than in Paris, everyone must go fast, and it can be boring, but I think the generalization shouldn't have to be.

And it's funny because it seems you know France better than me! In the three cities you mentioned, I've only visited the third one, but it was probably my favorite travel through France. Auvergne is a beautiful region, in term of natural landscapes, cultural monuments, and also cuisine! The aligots and truffades I ate there were delicious.

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Level 78
Jul 20, 2021
The only place I saw rudeness was in Paris, just a big city same as anywhere. And the only place I didn't feel safe parked up was on the docks in Marseille. Too many shady characters wandering round.

The region I liked best I think was between Macon (my home towns twin town BTW) and the Italian border. I used to use both Mont Blanc and Frejus tunnels.

I love most of the French food, just couldn't get to like escargot🤢 the best is though the baguette and croissants fresh from the boulangerie first thing in the morning😋😋

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Level 74
Jul 20, 2021
I enjoyed the blog a lot! And watching the definitive 11 foot 8 bridge video has been entertaining.

You said above that you haven't travelled to Malta but it's marked off on your map!

What's the most common way you get your truck across the English Channel? The Channel Tunnel or by boat?

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Level 78
Jul 21, 2021
Both ways are equally used, Dover to Calais ferry and tunnel are most popular because its a shorter route so therefore quicker, however longer ferries are also used so that the driver gets his daily rest whilst still moving
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Level 78
Jul 21, 2021
I haven't travelled to Malta in a truck. But I have had a holiday there, on Gozo to be exact. Beautiful place and lots of old trucks, cars and busses. Well there was then back in iirc 1989.