From the SU Bar to the Open Road: My Journey with Parcel Force and Tufnell Parcels During University

In the vibrant and exciting world of university life, where students relished their free time at the SU Bar, I found myself in a different predicament. It was the year 1997, my second year at university, and I was struggling to make ends meet. My student loan combined with a modest student grant simply weren't enough to cover all my expenses. The idea of working while attending university became a necessity, and I was determined to find a job that offered more than just a paycheck.

Having earned my driver's license back in 1991, I had an unexpected advantage – grandfather rights to drive a 7.5-ton lorry or a "baby lorry." This unique opportunity opened the door to jobs that involved some form of travel. With this in mind, I decided to explore opportunities through an agency to work for Tufnell Parcels.

Tufnell Parcels provided me with a small lorry and sent me up and down between Birmingham and Newcastle. It was my first taste of long-distance driving, and I quickly realized that this was more than just a job; it was an adventure. The open road stretched out before me, offering new experiences and challenges with every mile.

However, it didn't stop there. I continued my quest to secure work that allowed me to balance my university commitments. That's when I stumbled upon Parcel Force, which offered local work in a 7.5-ton truck. This job didn't interfere with my academic responsibilities, making it the perfect fit for my situation.

During my time at Parcel Force, I had the privilege of witnessing professional drivers in action. They navigated larger and more complex lorries, including rigids and artics, with skill and finesse. I couldn't help but admire them, but a nagging doubt lingered in my mind – would I, a skinny Asian boy from London, be cut out for such a demanding job?

Eventually, my curiosity and determination got the better of me. I decided to take matters into my own hands and self-funded a course to obtain my Class 1 license in 1999. Despite popular belief, this endeavor was entirely self-financed. I was ready to take on the challenge of driving larger vehicles and exploring new horizons.

Little did I know that my journey through the world of parcel delivery and long-distance driving would serve as a stepping stone for a much bigger adventure. Shortly after obtaining my Class 1 license, I made the decision to join the British Army, where my newfound skills and experiences would prove invaluable.

From those early days of juggling university coursework with lorry driving, I never stopped pursuing my passion for the open road. My stint with Parcel Force and Tufnell Parcels laid the foundation for a career in the world of logistics and transportation, a journey I continue to this day.