Tell me what appealed to you about driving trucks originally?
Well I’ve driven tractors since I was very young. One day I was driving with a friend in his truck and I just knew that it was for me. I caught the bug. At that point I decided this is what I wanted to do.
So it all came from a drive with your mate?
Yeah, we went out for a drive and I became addicted to it then. Every second week he’d be down and I started to go looking to drive the trucks so I was nearly harassing him to let me into the cab!
What do you enjoy most about being on the road?
The open road and the freedom. You’re not sitting in an office and I think it’s the best way to see the country.
Sometimes the route won’t go to plan and it gets cancelled. Are you happy enough if it’s a case where you’ve to be gone by 7 o’clock in the morning and you might not be back until late in the evening?
Normally I start on a Sunday and I’m not back until the following Friday so I don’t mind that aspect. Whatever has to be done during the week, be it 11 hours or 15 hours it doesn’t matter, I’ll do it. I manage my own time well which means that I’m seldom late even though there can be a small bit of pressure every now and then with deliveries. If there is a delay it’s typically because there’s a hold up at the port or someone has crashed on the road.
Do you pull mostly from the port?
I pull from Dublin port the whole time. I’m at it for two and a half years now with the containers. It’s what I like because it’s good clean work. You open the back doors and let them do their work. You can go asleep then and after that you go again when you’re ready.
What’s your fondest memory from your 5 years driving experience? Is there anything that stands out?
When I first started driving this truck it had no side skirts or anything. Around 3 or 4 weeks ago someone commented on how clean my truck was. I explained to him that I’m the only one driving it and I mind it as best as I can. It reflects well on me as well as the boss. So I am proud of the few additions I have made to the truck.
So you think your favourite thing about the last 5 years is having ownership of this truck?
Definitely, the Actros 2445 is my favourite truck. I don’t even like sending it in for a service because I might not get an exact like for like replacement. You just cannot get comfortable in another truck. I’ve this one set up nicely. The curtains and the seat are set right which keeps me happy! So yes, my favourite thing about this job is my truck and it stays at home with me.
What if Dungarvan put you in a new one?
As long as it’s a new Mercedes I don’t mind. Comfort-wise they’re perfect.
What do you like most about the truck? You’re obviously very proud of it.
The sun visor and the side-skirts. I’ve spent some of my own money on it but it’s for my own comfort. From the curtains, the side-skirts, the sun visor, I’ve a light board there also. I added all of that in. I like a few little toys! People complement it and say it looks well.
It’s very interesting that you take such pride in your truck.
I love it. If I was offered a job where I had to drive them all day long doing deliveries I’d go from A to B a happy man. I’d actually love to visit the factory and see them being made.
So you’re definitely very fond of this truck, would you like your next truck to be the same?
Oh I love Mercedes. I’ll drive anything but considering my first truck was Mercedes-Benz it’s going to stay that way. I’m looking forward to the mirror cameras coming out on the new trucks.
Would you have any advice for a young person that’s interested in becoming a trucker?
Think strongly. Think strongly if you want to do it. It suits some people and it doesn’t suit others. I’ve seen people crying over not getting home. For me, I don’t care if I don’t get to go home. I stay out from Monday to Friday and sleep in the cab. You meet people on the road and there are always people to talk to. I’ve my iPad and can watch T.V. along with a fridge. I could be parked up for 13 hours. So my advice to anyone is to think strongly before choosing to drive artics especially if you have a girlfriend. There’s long hours and there’s a lot to it!
Lastly Darren, you were saying you’ll always meet other truckers out on the road. Is that community still out there?
You’ll always meet someone. You have to love it. The bug was always in me and I’ll be doing it for the rest of my life. I’ll even buy my own truck in about 6 or 7 years and I know what I’ll be buying, it’ll be a Mercedes. I’ll do the truck shows then as well as a hobby.
