Dropping in to the BP Roadhouse at Tailem Bend recently, it was an absolute delight to run into Danny Dier, whom I have known for about 28 years.
We stopped for a cuppa and during this time Danny told us he had recently sold his last truck, a reliable DAF XF95 with a 1.3 trouble-free million on the clock, and after 52 years as mainly an owner-driver, he felt it was time to hang up his driving boots and enjoy life.
“I reckon I’ve given most things a go in my time on the road, from carting canned milk to water carting, hauling logs and containers, even a spell doing furniture removals, which is where we first met all those years ago,” Danny said.
“However, I never did carry general freight, sticking to the easier loads. I have been selling off my gear and trailers etc, bit by bit for a while now, and the last thing to go was the truck.”
Danny said it seemed altogether a good time to step out of the industry, which is not at all like it was when he started driving.
“Much more bureaucracy, less now a life vocation than just a job, and a stressful one at that with continual paperwork.
“No more stops on the side of the road to chat with a mate or help change a tyre, and a lot of the job satisfaction has gone.
“It is practically a full-time job keeping up with the constantly changing regulations and restrictions, and everyone is working to time slots.
“It has been a great job for 52 years, though, and I’ll miss the driving and the mates along the way, but now it feels time for some recreation and quality home time with Gail, my wife, and family.”