A Journey Down Memory Lane: My Stint with John McGrath and the Golden Era of Driving

As I reflect on my past experiences in the world of trucking and logistics, one particular chapter of my career stands out vividly in my memory. It was during my short stint with Parcelforce, a time when I had the privilege of working alongside the legendary John McGrath of Midland Driveforce. John, a former agency driver who had ventured into starting his own agency, played a pivotal role in shaping my perspective on the industry.

John had recently found work with Birdseye-Walls, operating out of the Hamshall Depot. However, the operation itself was conducted by a company called FriggoScandia. While FriggoScandia may have faded into obscurity over the years, the memories of my time there continue to linger.

I was tasked with driving a Fridge trailer adorned with the iconic Birds Eye livery. The truck was a DAF CF 85, equipped with a 16-speed manual gearbox and boasting a "V Reg" license plate, indicating its newness in the year 2000. The presence of a carbon manual tachograph hinted at the era we were in, showcasing old age of the industry.

The regular route took me from Hamshall to Lowestoft via the A14, passing through picturesque towns like Diss along the way. It was a journey I had never embarked upon before, and I quickly fell in love with the mesmerizing landscapes of the east Anglian side. While today's trucks come with all the comforts and conveniences, such as cruise control, that we can imagine, the scarcity of such luxuries in those days was compensated by the sheer joy of the journey.

What stands out even more vividly from those days is the pay scale. It's astonishing to think that 23 years ago, the pay for such trips was significantly better than what we see today. It serves as a stark reminder of how times have changed in the industry.

One of the most intriguing aspects of my time at Birdseye-Walls was a unique safety feature that I have never encountered again. The factory was experimenting with enhanced safety measures, and as a result, they had equipped two bays with fifth wheels. Each trailer corresponded to a specific bay, featuring a rear secondary Kingpin. When reversing into the bay, the trailer would lock securely in place until it was released from the inside. While the effectiveness of this technology was debatable, I have never come across a similar system since.

In hindsight, my stint with John McGrath and Birdseye-Walls represents a golden era in my driving career. The journey down the A14, the camaraderie among fellow drivers, and the unique experiences of the time have left an indelible mark on me. As I navigate the roads of today, I can't help but think back to those days when the open road was an adventure waiting to be embraced, and every mile was filled with memories.