National Lorry Week – LHT Logistics
Emin has been a collection and delivery driver at LHT Logistics for the majority of his career and has gained a wide range of skills and experience over the years. With logistics being such a dynamic sector, his career has changed and evolved since the beginning, showcasing the opportunities available for those in the industry.
When did you begin your career in the transport industry, and what job roles have you worked in previously?
I’ve been working with LHT for 25 years so it’s hard to remember! Before LHT, I worked for a local courier company multi-dropping in a van for a short time. I then joined LHT as a van courier driver and then got my Class 2 when we moved from parcels to pallets. Before the transport industry, I worked for a short time as a painter and decorator.
What skills have you learnt since being in your current role?
Mostly navigating London. As I’ve been working for LHT for so long, our area of coverage has changed a lot throughout the years. We never used to have sat navs to rely on, so routing was done via a map. Over time, I have learnt to navigate Central London, East London, North London and now Enfield and Essex.
What does a typical day at work look like for you?
I always start my day with a cup of tea and some toast at the depot. Then, I check my run and my vehicle, get strapped up and then head out for my first run. I come back around lunchtime to have some food and my break, then go back out in the afternoon for the second run. Usually, I make some collections on the way back from the depot and then once back, it’s a final cup of tea before the drive home.
What may surprise people about your role?
I don’t think people realise the manual labour that is involved with pallet network collection and delivery driving. I think I do a lot more exercise in the day than what the average person expects a HGV driver to do. I think we tend to do a lot of walking because we can’t always get parked up that close to where our delivery point is.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy being out in the fresh air. Even in the winter when the job is much more difficult with battling the elements, I love being outside.
Have there been any challenges you’ve faced in your role?
Of course. Most deliveries come with their different challenges, such as finding somewhere to park and unloading oversized or large pallets. Over the years though, you do become used to these challenges and the experience helps you deal with them. Since Covid too, the rise in residential deliveries has increased these challenges.
Why do you think the transport industry is so important?
It’s essential for keeping the whole economy moving. Although I think most people that work in transport understand the importance of it to the country, I think a lot of the general public don’t see it this way. However, since Covid, the driver shortage and being labelled as “key workers”, I have definitely seen a positive change in public opinion towards us.
