My Memorable Stint with PONTA** Transport: A Turning Point in My HGV Career

In 2014, after driving trucks for over 15 years, I found myself at a turning point in my Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) career. My journey with PONTA** Transport was a short yet sweet experience that not only rekindled my passion for trucking but also introduced me to a rapidly changing industry landscape.

A Career Interruption

Before my short stint with PONTA**, my life had taken a few unexpected turns. I had committed several years to the army, serving in the high-tempo environment of Afghanistan. This demanding phase of my life was followed by civilian life and personal challenges that forced me to take a break from trucking. Little did I know that during my hiatus, the HGV industry was undergoing significant changes.

The Introduction of CPC

One of the most significant changes during my absence from the trucking world was the introduction of the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC). This was a requirement I had never encountered before 2014. To get back into the driver's seat, I needed to obtain my CPC. It was a hurdle, but it was a necessary one.

A New Opportunity with Royal Mail

With my CPC in hand, I had the opportunity to work for Royal Mail, specifically to assist with their Christmas overflow. It was an exciting prospect, and I was eager to get back on the road. A quick driving license check, and I was handed the keys to a brand-new Renault T CAB, a rental vehicle for the Royal Mail job. The cab was a sight to behold - sleek, modern, and impressively designed. However, as I settled into the driver's seat, I couldn't find the gear stick.

The Transition to Automatic

I sat there, scratching my head for a moment, hesitant to ask the office about my embarrassing predicament. Instead, I decided to call a friend who promptly stated the obvious - "It's automatic!" Of course, in the time I had taken a break from the industry, everything had shifted to automatic transmissions. No more manual gearboxes, a change that I had missed during my absence.

The Job and What Was Missing

Despite my initial confusion, the rest of the job went smoothly. It was a standard delivery and back routine, and I was doing well. However, I couldn't help but feel that something was missing. While I was grateful for the opportunity with PONTA** Transport and the chance to work with Royal Mail, I yearned for more. My time away from the industry had given me a fresh perspective, and I wanted to go further, to explore new horizons in the world of HGV driving.

Conclusion

My short part-time stint with PONTA** Transport served as a pivotal moment in my HGV career. It brought me back into the world of trucking after a significant hiatus, introduced me to new industry regulations, and made me adapt to the shift from manual to automatic transmissions. While the job with Royal Mail was fulfilling, it left me with a desire for more challenges and adventures in the ever-evolving world of heavy goods vehicle driving. It was a turning point that rekindled my passion for trucking and set the stage for new opportunities on the horizon.