A Day in the Life of a Specialist Vehicle Operator

Wednesday 5th March

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A Day in the Life of Richard Shonk: Specialist Vehicle Operator

Affectionately known as "Shonky," Richard Shonk has been a Specialist Vehicle Operator at Maydencroft for 12 years. His role is vital to the Landscape and Environment team, ensuring the efficient transportation of materials and equipment across the UK. From early starts to strategic route planning, Richard's day is filled with precision, efficiency, and logistical expertise.

Early Start and Daily Planning
I arrive at Maydencroft's Hitchin head office every weekday at 6:30 AM to start my day. Before setting out, I meticulously plan my weekly driving schedule, ensuring timely delivery of essential materials such as building supplies for footpaths, bridges, and heavy machinery to teams engaged in various environmental and landscape projects nationwide. In the mornings, I also check the vehicle I'll use for the day.

On the Road: Navigating the UK
My job requires me to drive nationally, making organisation and time management crucial.

I operate a 32-tonne DAF hook loader HGV, ensuring it runs efficiently. I use a tachograph to track my driving hours and breaks. A strict 56 mph limit guarantees safe and legal transport, and I adhere to industry regulations by:
- Driving for 4.5 hours before taking a 45-minute break, allowing for another 4.5 hours of driving afterwards.
- Staying within the standard 9-hour daily driving limit, with an allowance of up to 10 hours twice a week when necessary.

Delivering More Than Just Materials
In addition to transporting building materials, I also move heavy-duty machinery such as telehandlers. My role extends to assisting Maydencroft Manor Farm, where I help transport manure for arable farmers—an essential contribution to sustainable farming practices.

End of the Day
After a long day on the road, I return to the head office to debrief, check vehicle conditions, and prepare for the next journey. Often, there are changes in jobs, cancellations, or last-minute additions that I incorporate into my schedule.

I genuinely enjoy working with everyone at Maydencroft; they are all wonderful people. The diversity of the job keeps it interesting—no two days are ever the same. I love driving and exploring new locations. It is incredible to see how much Maydencroft has expanded all over the UK since I started.

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This job requires a balance of skill, endurance, and adaptability, making Richard a key player in Maydencroft's operations. Richard's dedication ensures that the landscape and environmental teams receive their essential materials on time, helping to keep projects running smoothly and efficiently. His role highlights the importance of logistics in environmental conservation and sustainable land management.

If you would like to learn more about careers like this one at Maydencroft, take a look here: https://www.maydencroft.co.uk/careers.html

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