Daniel, who caught the ‘trucking bug’ at an early age talks to us about why he loves his job as a heavy trade operator in the container division. He’s based out of the Visy Board factory in Rukahia, Hamilton, New Zealand. Unfortunately (for us) he lives by the motto ‘what happens on the road, stays on the road’ so wouldn’t share his embarrassing stories with us!

Countless weekends and school holidays in the cabs of many different trucks

I grew up in a small country town called Kerepehi in rural Waikato, New Zealand. I now live in Claudlands, Hamilton with my wife and 3 children who are 8, 13 and 19. My father and his brothers have always been involved in the transportation industry, which led me to catch the trucking bug at a very early age. I spent countless weekends and school holidays in the cabs of many different trucks covering almost all applications from fuel delivery to backbush logging. After not applying myself academically I left school at 15 and proceeded to work physically demanding jobs for the next 20-odd years with a few stints in off-highway driving roles before settling on being a contract operator for a large freight company.

No two days are the same

My day begins at 4.30am for a pre-check of the truck/trailer/load safety and warming up the truck and completing my logbook. Depending on how the previous day ended, I would head to Mt Maunganui with a coastal container for delivery to shipping port or an empty to dehire at storage park. Dispatch will then advise of next job which could be several different tasks including:

  • picking up a loaded import container from port to deliver to a Visy site in Hamilton, Auckland or directly to a customer

  • transporting an empty container to a customer to load with their product which is then taken to port for shipping

  • transporting Visy or customer’s product to seaports on the North Island

  • loading waste bales and transporting to recycling stations.

Best part of my job: amazing scenery, good roads and great locals!

I started with Visy global logistics as a contract driver in March 2022. I was offered a permanent position in the container division in July 2022. I couldn't be happier with the position and the other employees/staff that I work with daily.

Aside from my day to day role in the container division I have transported Visy’s glass and board products between the North and South Islands in both truck and trailer, and b-train applications. These trips have been my most interesting as I was completely unfamiliar with the South Island, having never travelled there before.

The challenge of safely and efficiently operating these large units on unknown roads is something I really enjoy. I also think it's a good idea for drivers to have a change in destination and/or freight division every now and then to keep us fresh and engaged.

I am thankful for the opportunities Visy has made available to me. It certainly makes a difference when management recognizes employees putting in the hard yards and in turn rewards them accordingly.

There's never been a better time to join Daniel on the road

Visy is currently recruiting truck drivers across Australia—you may be eligible for a $1,250 sign on bonus. Find out more and apply.