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Truck and Track
Winter 2018
www.truckandtrack.com38
Logistics is an area where equality is improving rapidly,
especially in the crucial role of HGV Driver. As an industry that is
in the midst of a nationwide driver shortage, there has been no
better time for women to take the wheel and choose a career
on the open road.
The attributes of HGV Drivers are varied and the role itself more
demanding than 10 years ago. A Sense of Responsibility – Alertness
- An Ability to Work Independently - An Impeccable Driving
Record - Customer Service Skills - Knowledge of Truck Mechanics -
Maintenance Skills - Physical Stamina - Stress Management Skills
– and Time Keeping are all key skills to being a successful driver on
the busy UK highways.
Culina Group is an organisation that has enjoyed tremendous
growth since entering the UK marketplace in 1994 and now has
a turnover approaching £600 million. The food & drink logistics
specialist has over 60 sites across the UK and Ireland and operates
a fleet of more than 1000 trucks. To ensure that our vehicles reach
their designated delivery locations on time, we require the best
drivers in the business. Culina Group are hiring nationwide and
embracing the recruitment of female drivers into our winning
team. Today, the title of ‘HGV Driver’ is now a universal one with
more and more women joining the profession.
Vicki Collins and Rebecca King are two superb examples of women
succeeding brilliantly in this once ‘male dominated’ profession.
We sat down with them to find out what they enjoyed most about
being an HGV Driver and working for Culina Group.
Vicki Collins
is based at Culina Bristol; she took her Class 1 HGV
licence in 1991 and is now in her 27th year as a professional driver,
12of thosewithCulina Logistics. Vicki says that shewas not content
with a job working indoors. She wanted to be
out of the office and on the open road. She
knew she had what it took to do the job and
so that’s exactly what she did.
“I passed my Class 1 in 1991 with a previous
company. My father played a part in my
decision to takemy Class 1 in the first place. He
was a lorry driver many years ago and backed
me all the way when getting my licence. I’ll
never forget his facewhen I got home the day I
passed my test, he was really proud.”
Being an HGV driver is a challenging role,
meeting deadlines, dealing with road and
traffic conditions, it’s an on-going test of resilience and mental
adaptability. No two days are the same.
“S
ince I began driving, the day to day challenges have remained the
same. We all have those days where weather and traffic conditions
can test one’s ability or resources. Then, on the other hand, there are
days when it all ‘goes to plan’. Your mind-set has to be to ‘take the
rough with the smooth’ in this job.”
Vicki and the other Drivers leave the Culina Logistics depot in
Bristol each shift with their manifest for the days’ deliveries and
collections. Operating with the latest vehicle tracking technology,
the transport staff can track loads at any given time and, as long
as the Drivers call in to keep the Transport Team updated, they are
trusted to get the job done. For Vicki, becoming an HGV Driver was a
natural career choice, as it allows her to be on the open road whilst
feeling like she is her own boss.
Spotlight on Female HGV Drivers –
‘Queens of the Road’
SPOTLIGHT ON FEMALE HGV DRIVERS
Vicki Collins