TruckNet UK's Rikki Chequer is proud to find that there
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are still plenty of good men (and women) working in haulage.
On a Sunday morning, a group of truck drivers met up and, closely marshalled by police, set off on a slow drive through Norfolk's roads.
Given the recent fuel price rises, it's a surprise that fuel protests are not happening in more cities.
However, this 'procession' of trucks wasn't a fuel protest, but the East Coast Truckers Club flagship annual event the Children's Convoy. Drivers and owners gave up a major part of their Bank Holiday weekend to give disadvantaged children a day out to remember.
Owner-driver Rob Billman, assistant convoy director, recounts the day.
"This was the convoy's 24th year. It started in 1986, and the first convoy had 22 trucks. This year, there were 85 trucks carrying 80-plus children (supported by 10 police outriders).
"Leaving County Hall in Norwich at 10am in brilliant sunshine, they were led out of the grounds by a marching band, and travelled through the streets of Thorpe and out onto the A47, passing Acle, Great Yarmouth, through Gorleston and into the Pleasurewood Hills theme park near Lowestoft.
The route was lined by thousands on both outbound and homebound journeys, and Great Yarmouth seafront was packed. We have never seen such a gathering of well-wishers, waving banners and balloons.
"Grown men and women, including drivers, were fighting back the tears. I am immensely proud of all those who played such an important part in this incredible journey."
Credit has to go not only to the members of the club who have been planning this all year, but also to the drivers from around the country who turned up to offer support as marshals along the route.
Many were enticed to take part via postings on the TruckNet UK forums.
Next year will mark the convoy's 25th year and already Billman and his associates are planning the biggest convoy yet.