Behind Barnes: HGV Class 1 Driver
We recently caught up with another of our Barnes employees, Alessandro David Rustigini, who is an HGV class 1 driver for us. We delved into what lead Alessandro to undertake his dream job with us in logistics, as well as what he recommends to anyone looking to start out as an HGV driver.
1. What does your role entail?
I am employed as an HGV Class 1 driver with Barnes.
2. Can you tell us about your journey, how did you get your job at Barnes?
I actually used to be in the armed forces before beginning my career in logistics. After many years serving, my path led me to my first transport role. The company I worked at previously unfortunately went bankrupt, which left me with no job. Luckily there was a quick turnaround when starting my new role at Barnes! I left my old job on the Friday and began my journey on the Monday working my first job as an HGV contract driver. I’ve never looked back since. All the skills I learned over my years of work in the army really helped me secure the job so quickly, as well as helping me to settle in easily to the role as I had transferrable traits to utilise.
3. What does a typical day (or week!) look like for you?
I have a strict routine I like to follow, after being in the armed forces my life must have a routine! My week starts with me getting up at 9am and having an hour gym session which always starts my day off right. I then begin doing regular household chores before heading off to work. Once I’m at work I get assigned a vehicle and some paperwork before setting off for deliveries and collections. Some days my role has me on the road for 8 hours straight
(with regular breaks scheduled in), from collecting trailers at Ramsbotham and Stoke then head on down to Leeds before making my way back to Ramsbotham. I then finish off the day with some more paperwork!
4. What would you say to others looking to join the industry?
What would I say to anyone interested in a role in transport is to do your homework. The job has lots of ups and downs, you need to be prepared for long days and nights alongside unsociable hours. On the other hand, the job can be really rewarding, and an HGV licence is like gold dust! The role of a driver is mostly mental with some physical work, but you make what you put in and enjoy the journey at the end of the day.
I would recommend it to anybody.
