HGV driver: having eyes everywhere
Jean is a HGV driver in a transport company based in Nantes. Here's what he says about his daily life...
What did you do to become a HGV driver?
I'm 23 years old, but as far back as I can remember, I've always had a passion for trucks and the road. This comes from my father, who was also a truck driver. So I started with a BEP CSTR, driving and service in road transport, and then I covered my tracks with a bac pro XT, i.e. transport operations. This diploma is a safety net in case of a problem, and in this profession, problems can happen very quickly. hgv medical
What does the job of a lorry driver involve?
Not just endless driving. In fact, our job is commercial, administrative and technical at the same time. Commercial because we are in direct contact with the customer and we represent our company. You don't have to look for the cliché of the truck driver of years ago, it's on the way out. The customer has to be satisfied, and we also represent him to some extent. Satisfying them means seeing them come back, and we are on the front line. Administrative, because we fill in a lot of paperwork when we move around, when we take goods away or deliver them. Finally, technical, of course, because it's not just about driving. We also have to know how to organise our cargo so that it fits well in the truck. For example, at the moment I'm transporting rolling scaffolding. I have various types of chains to secure them on my platform. It's the same for all of us: we have to bring the goods as we found them, so we have to calculate things well to avoid "accidents". Finally, and of course, I drive. My most precious possession is my driving licence and the twelve points on it.
How many hours a day does a lorry driver work?
I work between 10 and 12 hours in a row, from Monday to Friday. I'm up to about 180 hours a month. When the busier times come, I can drive 200 to 250 hours a month. My employer knows this and keeps track of me thanks to the electronics in the truck. There is a lot of electric, digital technology. I have mixed feelings about technology. It makes a lot of things easier, but it shouldn't take everything away from us either.
What qualities do you need to be a lorry driver?
I think that above all you need to be passionate: to love these trucks, to love driving, to love discovering. You can't work such heavy hours without a real passion. You have to be vigilant, have eyes everywhere, because, with a reduced field of visibility compared to the car, you have to be very careful. You also have to be resourceful and think on your feet, especially when manoeuvring or setting up your cargo. Calmness and courtesy are also required. The road is a very particular environment where it is better not to get excited and to remain in control. Besides, you can't really get excited at the wheel of vehicles like ours. Mine weighs 17 tonnes when empty: driving this kind of behemoth is not something you can improvise and, above all, the lorry does not tolerate being rushed.
Is a lorry driver still a male profession?
The overwhelming majority of drivers are still men, but women are gradually coming on board. With the new tools and machines for moving goods, they are not as physically disadvantaged as before. I've known one for a long time, who is neither tall nor strong and doesn't look at all like the caricature of the "truckers". But beware, she doesn't let it bother her and when she has something to say, she says it. It is better to be among her friends than her enemies.
Are safety and the environment concerns?
Safety is a major issue. We have more and more regulations in this area, and then there are the timetables which must be scrupulously respected to avoid fatigue and falling asleep. The pace has been slowed down considerably. As for the environment, some high-end brands are thinking about electric or hybrid trucks, we're getting there, but for the moment, my tank is still filled with 1000 litres of diesel. However, I have been trained in eco-driving and I use it a lot.
Skills and requirements to be a HGV driver:
Visual acuity of at least 15/10, good hearing and no history of heart disease are checked by a medical examination. A good nervous balance, attention span and reflexes are essential. The truck driver also has to carry out basic administrative formalities and be able to master new technologies, such as the satellite guidance system. Finally, mechanical knowledge and the ability to speak a foreign language are an asset.