For Rick Stepney, his role as a LGV Class 2 driver and Fork Lift Truck operator with Pall-Ex shareholder member John Bywater Transport is a real family affair.
Rick works alongside his father and brother at the logistics business in Dover, Kent, and really enjoys the work he does as well as the opportunities he has for career progression.
After being recognised by the management at John Bywater Transport, other Pall-Ex members and their customers for his hard work, it is no wonder that he was chosen as January’s Featured Driver of the Month.
What made you chose a career logistics and how did you come to work at John Bywater Transport?
"I’ve always loved driving and, in all, there are three members of my family working here at John Bywater Transport.
My father, who was in the Army previously, has been here for 12 years working as a Class 1 driver and that’s who I followed into the business when I joined three years ago.
Since I joined the company, it has supported me so much to develop myself personally and professionally.
I started as a van driver and it has funded me to get my Class 2 licence and I am hoping to gain my Class 1 in the not too distant future. That’s one of the other reasons why I joined the industry, because I know there are opportunities to start at the bottom and work your way up through the ranks.
My brother has also come into the business recently and he is hoping to follow my journey, starting in vans and working his way up with the business."
What does the average day look like for you working as a Class 2 driver?
"I arrive at the depot for a 7 AM start and the first hour is usually spent checking pallets for issues and any that are oversize.
Once I have done this, I get given my run sheet, which tells me where I am delivering to that day. I then find my pallets and help other drivers find theirs before loading up and heading out onto the road.
After I complete my first run, I will occasionally come back to the depot for a second delivery run of the day, but if there are no more to make, I will head out and make a start on my collections."
What do you enjoy most about your role?
"I love driving and the freedom it gives you. Getting out and seeing new places everyday is something that you just don’t get with any other job. I also enjoy meeting such a wide range of people when making my deliveries and collections.
Also, I know it sounds like a cliché but no two days are ever the same. There are always new challenges to overcome and that means there really are no dull days in this job!"
We have been told that you regularly receive positive feedback from customers. Why do you think that is?
"I don’t know really; I certainly don’t go out of my way to earn praise from customers.
I just always try to be as helpful and as polite as I can be and treat everyone how I’d expect to be treated. It is always nice to hear that it is appreciated but I don’t do it for that. That’s just how I am."
Did anything surprise you about the job and the industry as a whole when you first joined John Bywater Transport?
"I think the thing that surprised me most was how much I personally can achieve, as well as the business and industry as a whole, in such a short period of time.
So much can happen in just one shift and I think that is testament to the hard work of everyone involved and the efficient processes developed over the years. It makes me proud to be part of such an important and busy industry, especially in these current times.
The job also means you meet such a diverse range of people which I love. Like I said before, no day, or even customer, is ever the same!"
Finally, is there anything you dislike about your role?
"Absolutely nothing at all!
I genuinely do love my job and enjoy coming to work every morning. The whole team are great to work with and having my dad and brother here is an added bonus."
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