Truckers: Life on the Road

The trucking industry has seen huge changes, as those who've been in it for the long haul can testify. One of the company's longest-serving drivers is Jason Bennett, aka Block, who's from a long line of truckers. His nickname came from ‘chip off the old block', after he followed his father into the industry, and his grandad, who drove trucks across the middle east in the 1970s.
Today he's on a special mission, meeting up with best mate and veteran ex-trucker Duncan. They've got a busy day ahead, getting Duncan's collection of vintage trucks in tip-top condition ready for one of the highlights of the trucking calendar - the Builth Wells Truck Show. But when it comes to old mates, there's always time for a bit of banter.

Keeping the modern fleet of over 400 trucks on the road is a constant battle. So the company recently set up its own in-house repair centre, staffed by 14 mechanics. One of them is Mark Murphy, aka Murph. Today Murphy's on the hunt for a faulty valve. But it's the other mechanics who are giving him the biggest headache. They're convinced he bears a striking resemblance to a certain Tiger King.

Night driver Dai is another veteran trucker who followed his dad into the industry. After a 40+ year career, he's now content to follow the same regular nightly route to Burton-on-Trent. The solitude and peace of the night is time to reflect on the happy memories of his time as a trucker, as well as some really difficult times. But there are also the recent recruits to the industry, like newly-qualified driver Laura. She's loving the life of a trucker, whatever the weather.