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Rikki Chequer, and the TruckNet UK forum users, recall when drivers had a bit more freedom...
Drivers' diaries have always been popular on the forum — and not just those from domestic drivers.
Memories of the past from around the world are widely read, and they can offer some enlightening insights into how the industry has changed and evolved over the years.
Some drivers still hanker for the days of being given a run and told to call in when they were empty. Booking-in times were not even thought of.
As one older driver put its, the booking-in time for his load was, "„.Tuesday and don't be any later than Wednesday, or they'll refuse it-.
Also not pressured by timed deliveries were drivers working in the Middle East.
TruckNet UK forum regular Ashley Coghill has spent years scouring the internet to trace the history of one of the most iconic companies working in the region: Astran.
The results of his labour — The Long Haul Pioneers — features more than 350 photos.
The book will be published on 26 June by Old Pond Publishing.
One driver lucky to have any recollections at all comes from the US. His story on BigLorryBlog reveals how his Volvo VN780 was struck by a train at Alabama State Docks. The train, travelling at 20mph. pushed the tractor and trailer 200ft down the track, and smashed it into a loading dock. Once the truck had come to a halt, the driver crawled from the cab miraculously unharmed — with nary even a scratch.
Tommy Johnson, safety director at Big M Transportation, says: "The damage to the cab was so severe you could barely tell it was a Volvo. It looked more like a cab-over. I always thought Volvo trucks were the safest trucks on the road. This incident justifies our dedication to Volvo."
The picture (at http:/)bitly/truckcrash) reveals the full horror of the accident.
Be warned, though, the image is not for those of a nervous disposition...