From driving coaches to driving lorries

Bev Scott is an LGV Driver who is part of a team that keeps delivering day and night. She came from a world of driving coaches so we spoke to her to find out more about her move to lorries.

What does a typical day look like?

I usually work Monday to Friday during the day shift and start anywhere between 4am and 6am. Each day is different which I like because otherwise I'd get bored. One day I might do lots of local drops, the next I could be travelling for 3 or more hours before doing my first drop.

What led you to being a truck driver?

I started my career in pharmacy and then ran a coach company. Getting my Class 1 licence felt like a natural progression from driving coaches.

How does this career compare?

The people skills from pharmacy have proved useful because you meet all kinds of people in this job and often have to defuse stressed out situations.

I prefer driving lorries over coaches because your load doesn’t answer you back!

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I like working on my own and have a real sense of pride in what I do and I always try my best to do a good job.

What’s the biggest challenge in your role?

Usually, other people… particularly pedestrians! Sometimes they just aren’t paying attention so I’m always hyper alert if I’m delivering somewhere that also has pedestrian access.

That and navigating times and traffic. It’s a constant juggle because you can’t predict what you’ll encounter on the road.

What’s it like working in a male orientated environment?

It’s good. I feel like I’m treated as an equal in my depot which I like. I do have some physical strength limitations sometimes, but I will always try. As long as you are seen to be doing your best, people give you respect and are usually happy to help.

What keeps you with Gregory Group?

The way the depot is run. The management team use common sense and look after you. You’re allowed to use your initiative and just get on with the job. For example, to accommodate docking times, as long as driving regulations allow and I’ve had sufficient rest, sometimes I’ll choose to start at 2am to avoid traffic. They are happy for me to make that call and crack on.

I was also asked to carry out new driver assessments and I like the fact I am able to learn transferable skills such as this.

What advice would you give to a new driver?

Be willing to listen to advice. The guidance of experienced drivers is invaluable.

And find a company that will support you in the early days rather than throw you in at the deep end and expect you to do the same job as somebody who’s been in the role for years. It just won’t happen and all it will do is destroy your confidence.

You’re pictured next to an electric truck, what did you make of it?

Aside from the brilliant number plate, it was great. Really comfortable and easy to drive but I’ll be sticking with my DAF CF for a while because the electric units don’t have the range in them just yet. But it’s great to see the kit that is being developed.

If you rolled back time and did a different job, what would it be?

At school I wanted to work with horses and be a saddle fitter. Though now if I did anything different, I think I’d be a train driver.

Tell us something people might not know about you…

I rode pillion on a motorbike on the Wall of Death… multiple times! After doing it you can’t see properly for about two minutes. It’s a crazy experience!

If Bev's role sounds interesting to you, have a look at our Current Vacancies and see if we have your perfect role.