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Stuart Murray recently celebrated his 5 year anniversary with Gregory Group. Having started with the business when he was fresh from his C+E test, Stuart’s career has led him to the role of Transport Operator. We spoke to him to understand more about that journey and what his role as a Transport Operator entails.

Tell us about your journey to Transport Operator…

I started as an HGV Driver on general haulage in 2014 and then moved on to walking floors. After a couple of years I took on some other driving jobs before returning to Hayton Coulthard in 2020. I added Chipliners (curtain sided bulkers) to my bow until a Transport Operator role at Twynholm caught my attention. I got the job and so began my office-based career.

How did you find your transition to the office?

I have enjoyed my career behind the wheel and behind the desk. I think the first-hand knowledge of driving really helps me in my current role because I know how challenging it is out on the road, hitting the customer targets.

Throughout my career I have constantly been learning and evolving and I thrive on that. To quote Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger of US Airways Flight 1549: “A good pilot never stops acquiring knowledge”. (Although admittedly, I have never had to land a Hayton Coulthard unit and trailer on an icy river!).

The move into the office definitely had its challenges – particularly from a technology point of view! But I’ve always had brilliant support from my peers, and it definitely helps that the Twynholm team has a good level of ‘craic’! It makes the stressful days much less stressful.

What does your job entail?

My job is about keeping everything running smoothly. I look after 13 drivers and a fleet of 13 vehicles, and also liaise with customers.

In a typical day I will make sure the correct trailers are loaded at customer sites, ensure the fleet is roadworthy, organise pallet returns and onward shipping to the Orkney, Shetland and Western Isles, organise roundwood collections and deliveries, handle customer calls/emails, and help out with any issues that arise during the day.

What does a successful day look like?

For me to count it as a successful day I want all the cogs to have turned at the right time. That means all loads covered on time and delivered (or enroute), trailers due for service or MOT to be booked in or dropped off, drivers knowing exactly what they are doing and confident they can achieve it, and all issues successfully resolved.

How do you contribute to the profitability of the business?

I ensure my trucks are profitable and our customer’s needs are met or exceeded, by ensuring my fleet is on time, the loads are achievable and issues developing are dealt with smoothly. For customers I ensure that the work planned is organised and loaded in good time to ensure both drivers and customers have minimal waiting time for the next trailer to arrive.

When describing your job to people outside of Gregory Group, is there anything that surprises them?

People don’t expect there to be so many elements to my role. Many believe transport operators just give drivers their next job, but in reality this is just part of my day.

What do you know now that you wish you knew earlier in your career?

It’s important not to make any assumptions about issues that crop up. Instead, stay calm, gather the details and the sensible decisions will follow.

What advice would you give to someone considering this role as a career?

It can be overwhelming and stressful until you get your bearings, but it gets easier as time goes on. Talking to my colleagues and thinking about matters with their guidance has really helped me personally.

What did you want to be when you were a child?

I wanted to drive buses or trains as a child. But I’m pleased with my choice to go into haulage because the contents of the vehicles don’t talk back!

What might people not know about you?

Away from work I enjoy coaching Advanced Driving. I hold Heavy Commercial Advanced Driving and Master Car Driver qualifications. Coaching others can involve any walk of life – I am currently coaching a Primary School Teacher. My youngest associate was 18 and the oldest was a gentleman in his 70’s looking to improve. I have also coached a substantial amount of Blood Car drivers locally.

If you're interested in joining our team, have a look at our Current Vacancies to see if we have the perfect job for you.