111 Eddie angers drivers
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• Edward Stobart, head of Eddie Stobart, has caused a storm of protest by describing truck drivers as tramps when he was interviewed on the Channel 5 programme Truckers. Angry drivers up and down the country contacted CM to complain about the comparison following the programme on 22 February.
Stobart, whose high-profile company turns over £20m year, made the comment while talking about his own smart, uniformed drivers and distinctively liveried trucks.
Joe Walker, owner of Nottingham-based Joe Walker Haulage, was typical in his reaction: "Until today he was just another haulier working for 2% profits but now he has accused the rest of the industry on national TV of being low life."
Owner-driver Kelvin Purcell said: "This is out of order," he says. "It is really an over-the-top snub. I know he owns an efficient organisation but there is really no need to talk down to the driving industry."
However, Stobart says he's surprised by the outrage because it was clear that his comments had only related to the past.
"Twenty-five years ago they might have looked like tramps but drivers are now looking smarter and more professional," said Stobart, who did not watch the programme.
I-1 Truckers is a fly-on-the-wall documentary series which examines the life of drivers.