Personal Account Of The Working Life Of Lorry Driver From The 1960s Onwards

My name is John Smith and I have been a lorry driver for over 50 years. I started out in the early 1960s, driving a small van for a local haulage company. Over the years, I have driven all sorts of lorries, from small vans to large articulated lorries.

The work has changed a lot over the years. In the early days, there were no motorways and the roads were much narrower and more dangerous. Lorries were also much smaller and less powerful than they are today. This meant that journeys took much longer and were more tiring.

THE SMELL OF DIESEL: A PERSONAL ACCOUNT OF THE WORKING LIFE OF A LORRY DRIVER FROM THE 1960S ONWARDS

by Carolina Rose

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4004 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	152 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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In the 1970s, the first motorways were built and lorries began to get bigger and more powerful. This made journeys faster and easier, but it also meant that there was more traffic on the roads.

The 1980s saw the of new technology, such as satellite navigation and electronic logging devices. This made it easier for drivers to find their way around and to keep track of their hours.

In the 1990s, the European Union introduced new regulations on the working hours of lorry drivers. This meant that drivers could no longer work as many hours as they had done in the past.

In the 2000s, there were further changes to the regulations on lorry drivers. These changes included a reduction in the maximum weight of lorries and the of new safety features.

Today, the work of a lorry driver is still demanding, but it is also much safer and more regulated than it was in the past. Lorries are now much more comfortable and drivers have access to a wide range of facilities, such as rest areas and truck stops.

The Good Old Days?

Some people say that the good old days of lorry driving are over. They talk about the days when drivers could work as many hours as they wanted and earn a decent wage. They also talk about the camaraderie between drivers.

I agree that there are some things about the old days that I miss. I miss the freedom to work as many hours as I wanted and the camaraderie between drivers. However, I also appreciate the changes that have been made to the industry over the years. These changes have made the work safer and more regulated, and they have also improved the working conditions for drivers.

The Future of Lorry Driving

The future of lorry driving is uncertain. There are a number of challenges facing the industry, such as the rising cost of fuel and the shortage of qualified drivers.

However, I believe that the industry will continue to adapt and change. New technologies, such as autonomous vehicles, could have a major impact on the way that goods are transported.

I am optimistic about the future of lorry driving. I believe that the industry will continue to play a vital role in the economy and that there will always be a need for skilled and experienced drivers.

I have been a lorry driver for over 50 years and I have seen the industry change a lot over the years. I have also seen the challenges that the industry faces. However, I believe that the future of lorry driving is bright. The industry will continue to adapt and change, and there will always be a need for skilled and experienced drivers.

Thank you for reading my personal account of the working life of a lorry driver from the 1960s onwards.

Image Credits

• Image of a lorry driver from the 1960s: Alamy
• Image of a lorry driver from the 1970s: Getty Images
• Image of a lorry driver from the 1980s: National Archives
• Image of a lorry driver from the 1990s: Alamy
• Image of a lorry driver from the 2000s: Shutterstock

THE SMELL OF DIESEL: A PERSONAL ACCOUNT OF THE WORKING LIFE OF A LORRY DRIVER FROM THE 1960S ONWARDS

by Carolina Rose

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4004 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	152 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE