Goodaye all, a quick visit home for my daughters birthday, most of the family around, a few drinks and then find a bed. You often wonder how it all worked when we had 7 all at home? Now when they all visit, the bunks are all gone and with partners and kids, the house is not big enough. But they are all unique individuals and the best that has come from my life.
I have actually seen the new TIV through the fence, it has made it to Wagga for some work, but still has to get to Brisbane for the remainder, so a few weeks yet. Did some changeovers during the week, hard to transition into from normal linehaul, and worse when you have to try and fit in drops and reloading, but with some luck and help got it all done, so stopped and had a good sleep on the way home Friday night.
Still managed an online meeting with the NTC and two others from NRFA, we will submit some suggestions for hours and have specifically sought to be involved in the review that will occur for penalties etc with the new HVNL when it comes.
Had another hook up with Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds, involved with the Gold Standard Rest are project with another NRFA member and have to send a position to the NRFA board for approval and then to them, (next job).
Also a hook up with Freight NSW who are working on some rest areas in NSW and that is welcome news for the future. I even ran out of green reflectors during the week, so will have to restock. So having come back to work to smooth my way back in, have now had I think, four or five days home in nearly 6 weeks. Lucky I am taking it easy!!!!!!!!
I even got to listen to the ABC evenings one night who did an interview with Health in Gear CEO Darren Black and even replayed it on Saturday, discussing drivers and surviving on the road at the moment. Asking for some empathy and recognition of the task we have done, recognising we are all flat out and will likely be till well after Christmas.
I must say it has been a bit of a lonely return. One of my mates of many years has been unwell and off the road. We used to speak each week when he was on the road, the usual solving of all our own and the industries and worlds problems, not that we fixed anything, but he was always a good sounding board and often kicked me along when I was getting frustrated with one thing or another. Our longest phone chat was well over 3 hours and I would like to think we helped one another survive on the road. I wish him all the best, take care Chris.
This has been my new home for the last 6 weeks. It is a 2003 I think from the fuel tanks, K104, one of two Rod Pilon bought new at the time. Next year with be 50 years of RPT and I cannot thank Rod and all there enough for their support. I used to say to those who asked, there is stuff on this truck, (the last TIV) that Rod does not even know about, simply because I was given a fairly free hand to add things from my sponsors. The other comment I often made when asked about the trailer curtains (and some even said” Who stitched you up with those, you won’t be able to hide anywhere with them?”) was, “I designed them and how many company owners would let a driver do that?”
So having seen the new truck, I want to thank all who have hassled me as well as those who have thanked me, more the later than the former. But to those who whinge, much more behind my back than to my face I am told by others, I say, instead of whinging about what I do, do something to make a difference yourself. Some have whinged, why do I write for Owner Driver, or speak on the radio, or have such a nice truck? Alll of these have come from making an effort and there are only a small percentage of those I speak with who have any remote idea, how much time behind the scenes goes into all this stuff.
I wish in ten minutes a week I could do all this, but it takes hours each day and perhaps even hundreds of hours a month to keep it all going. I offer this not to show about me, but to show none of it pays me anywhere near the time and effort my family have given up and lost. There are times when you sit and think, is it worth it? The cost is not just money and effort, it is and becomes your life. The cost to your family is inestimable and can never be recovered or repaid and as with others I thank, they deserve even more thanks for the support given and the completely over the top allowances made for what I do, above driving full time. Thank you to my family. Safe Travelling, Rod Hannifey.
TRUCKRIGHT 