Joel Mendez
@Mendez_BT
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I drive a big bendy thing for a living This is for all things HGV Main account: @JoelDMendez
Stafford, England
Joined February 2012
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Pinned Tweet
Finally passed my Class 1!!!!! In the big leagues now 😁😁😁😁 🍾🍾🍾🍺🍺🍺🍺 Get in!!!
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I've seen a lot of news regarding driver shortage in the UK recently. Not enough drivers wanting to work, not enough new blood coming in etc. Me being a young Class 1 HGV driver at 28, my honest thought is; WHY ON EARTH WOULD YOU CURRENTLY WANT TO BE A DRIVER? (Thread)
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I think
@theJeremyVine
should spend a few days as a drivers mate just to see for himself what HGV drivers have to deal with everyday. Maybe with an open mind he can gain a bit of understanding. I'd take him out with me for the day!
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On a more positive note, this beauty will be my new motor in a couple of weeks 🎉🎊 570hp, fully spec'd out. Wasn't expecting at all to be offered it, but they've seen how good I've kept on top of the DAF and think I'm the best choice to look after the flagship truck. Woop!!!
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The bus passengers if Jeremy Vine had his way
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I'm honestly so overwhelmed by the response to me passing my test, thank you everyone! I start artics Monday! I'm getting a bit emotional, I've dreamed of doing this ever since my dad used to take me in his truck during school hols.... Was only 8. Now I'm doing it for real 😁😁😁
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Potato quality image, but we had a real tight squeeze getting into site in Rochester today. Just made it, had to lower the wind deflector and dropping it to its knees. Full air ftw! Somebody forgot to mention the height restriction 😬 (not my work, who we subbied for)
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I'll be honest if you're getting fed up of truck pictures you probably should unfollow, I'm not stopping 🤣🤣🤣
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How many truck pictures does it take to be on your camera roll before it starts to become an unhealthy obsession? 🤣
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A week today I will be heading to
@Truckfest_Live
Peterborough for my first EVER truck show. I can't tell you how excited (and nervous) I am, doing something like this a bucket list moment! Looking forward putting faces to some names I know on this app. See you there!
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Morning all, today we'll find out if I can carry on being a driver or not. Nerves are shot 🤣 Let's hope there's a good treatment for me 👍🏿
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Done for the week, off tomorrow. Had a couple hours free this afternoon for a much needed spruce up! It's no show pony but that doesn't mean I can't pretend it is!
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1) No respect from other road users.
We drive vehicles that are 17 metres long, and weigh 44T and over. Yet cars, vans,& cyclists expect us to work miracles. We get undertaken, cut up, swore at, brake checked and more for simply doing our jobs. We're an inconvenience to them.
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Bit frustrating we've been put in the far corner out the way but we're all here and it's been a great day so far!
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Been stuck at Sainsburys Stoke on for 2 hours on a rare bay job, good time to give the DAF a tidy up. Used
@diomyx1
4n1 on the cab, Zephyr on the tank and Ritorno on the arches. Few funny looks from others but couldn't care less, I take pride in it! Living the dream mate! ✨️
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Done for another week! The Fiat has had a full bath, Duras sponged & tyres slicked, all ready to be caked in grime approx 10 minutes into Monday's shift. Roll on the summer!
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All loaded Warrington.... Next stop Cardiff. Time to test the Big DAF out 😁😁😁
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Also, I don't know if I'm gonna be posting S-Way pics anymore going forward, I think we've peaked with these! It really doesn't get much better than this 🤩
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I've gone full saddo and penned the Pirelli tyres 🤣 Been parked up for over 30 hours between different sites this week, I got bored 😬
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Enjoyed an extended break off social media. I don't think I'll delete it for good as it can be useful, but limiting my useage and putting my time/energy elsewhere has worked really well for me. Anyway, I'm still cracking on, even though it's noticably quiet.
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Well I made it in one piece, so glad I went in last night and tied it all back, relatively stress free drive over. Think I've just seen Mary Poppins fly past ☂ 🌬
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Here it is, the
@DAFTrucksUK
XF is now full
#DutchSpec
😍 it's about 90% done, still got a couple things like add spotlights on the Kelsa bar and wind deflectors etc. Absolutely buzzing! And yes, those are super singles 🤣🤣 off to Stockton-On-Tees now 🙌🏿
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3. Limited food options.
Want to know why big bellies are synonymous with drivers? Because only junk is available in most services. Most who are out all week have no choice but to go takeaway. Get the healthy food accessible and affordable. The drivers will happily eat it
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Waiting to tip at London Gateway this morning. Once done, Ipswich bound 💨💨💨
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What an amazing weekend! Felt like holiday blues driving back yesterday afternoon. It was a pleasure to put faces to people I know on here, met some great people and amazing motors! Already looking forward to Donington in August!
#truckfest
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If you've read all this, you must have a lot of time on your hands lol. But it took a lot for me to share this, its something not many know about, I am the type to hide my problems. Thank you for reading, and I will keep you all updated, good or bad. 👍🏿
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Back home after a nice trip abroad to the Netherlands this week. Got to say the DAF is a class above. A little bit underpowered at times, but it is unreal in terms of comfort. Feel like I've been driving on a cloud. Very impressed so far!
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2. Severe lack of secure parking.
Pretty self explanatory. Motorway services charge £30+ for overnight parking but you can still wake up curtains slashed, load stolen. HGV theft is at rife currently. There needs to be much more secure parking areas, eg Rothwell, Truckhaven.
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Nearly 10k likes. Flip me 🤣🤣 My Mrs said I got so many because I look special needs 💀💀
Finally passed my Class 1!!!!! In the big leagues now 😁😁😁😁 🍾🍾🍾🍺🍺🍺🍺 Get in!!!
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Been asked to a radio interview discussing the thread I made on
#DriverShortage
! Watch this space.... 😉
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I think the interior is pretty much done! Fitted in some dutch style curtains and a pelmet too, handmedowns from the racing teams Eurostar. Not quite sold on the tassles tbh but considering I got them for free I can't complain! Ignore my feet lol.
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You've gotta laugh, not left Stoke in a month being on the locals, and now I'm straight off to France 😂
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EuroMendez is it again 😂 and got a new truck to do it in! DAF XG 🇳🇱
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4. Disrespect from other workers.
"You're just a driver." Heard that one before?
Many staff at RDCs and other loading points treat drivers like scum. Long wait times, poor facilities, and when you raise concerns you basically get told to deal with it. Much worse now since COVID.
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Well snip my sausage and call me Caitlyn! Sponging the alloys with fairy liquid worked like a charm! Got that mirror finish back. Thanks for the tip fellas
@CuddySplatter85
@Bigphilclarke
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Slowly & steadily getting more confident driving an Artic 😁 taking your time is key. Who cares what others think, I'm the one who's behind the wheel of a 16 metre 44 Tonne death machine, not them
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Big annoyance of mine is when I'm overtaking another truck and they insist on dragging it out to the death. All it would take is just knocking the CC down to 88/89kms and it would be done in seconds. Is it pride? Or stupidity?
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7. The BLAME GAME.
When things go wrong, no matter what, it's ALWAYS the drivers fault. Freight damaged on a trailer you picked up from the Port, drivers fault. Incorrect paperwork, drivers fault. Immigrants breaking into the trailer, drivers fault (somehow)
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5. Unsociable hours.
Some drivers end up divorced due to being away for so much. Missing the kids growing up, seeing family and more. Many roles offer good money but want you away 5 nights/60+ hours a week. 4 on 4 off shifts are the way forward.
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I'm back trucking 🔥 I'm on the TPN night trunk all week.... But honestly don't mind after what has been nearly a month away. Should be a smooth week to get myself back up to speed
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I decided to become an HGV driver because I fell in love with it at a young age going along with my Dad. But if I didn't have that, no way in hell I'd have been one. Why would you? Simply, the money isn't worth it. It's deeper than just 'driver shortage.' The industry is broken.
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Roof off at 3°C outside, either this lady driver has Baltic blood in her veins or the menopause must be hitting like prime Mike Tyson 🤣🤣🤣
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Our garage has put on a new front DAF faceplate in the style of the newer gen XF 106's. Handpainted. Looks great I think 👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿
@DAFTrucksUK
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Nice early one today, of to the Iske Of Sheppy. Let's get on it 👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿
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A quick rinse turned into a full wash, couldn't help it. Oh and btw I have a Lorry Loader license now! Excited to try some of the heavy lifting work. Excuse my ugly mug lol
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How class is this sticker! I reckon more will notice this than the usual 'Angles Morts'.... Brilliant idea
@LukeVernon
Thank you!!!
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Fuel ✅
Ad-Blue ✅
Coupled ✅
Ready for my first job out in an Artic on Monday, 3 of us down to South Wales on a rail job. Excited!
#44TonArmy
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Tipping in the Port of Barrow this morning. Love being in the Lakes with weather like this!
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Best looking haulage fleets for each country, imo:
England: Harrisons of Preston
Scotland: Stuart Nicol Transport
N Ireland: Mulgrew Transport
ROI: O'Toole Transport
Wales: Gerry Jones Transport
Honourable mentions: Hannon, WS, Ray Whites, Maguire, Dixon, Fagan & Whalley
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Parked up early.... Took the chance to get a shine on after a day of being a twist lock hero.... If it rains tomorrow, it's my fault
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Car drivers - learn this AWESOME driving hack! To the left of the steering wheel there is a lever, pull it down, and an amber light will flash on the left side of the car, and same on the right when you pull it up! Use this to let other road users know where you're going!
🙄
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Was having a nap, but my spider senses started tingling 🤣🤣 (He made it on ok)
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Well, this has genuinely made my day! 😊
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That's the last one done this week, back to base then weekend time! Have a good weekend all 👍🏿🍺🍺 Still loving how good the DAF looks 😍
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Do I smell bad? No one wants to be in the first lane with me 🤣🤣🤣
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I could go on, and on, and on. My point is, drivers have so much to deal with on a daily basis. It is a tough job made even harder by so many unnecessary things. The way things are, it is not enticing to people. A big reason why theres so few drivers about now.
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Yeah sex is cool but have you ever managed to park up right outside your delivery point with 4h26 on the clock, knowing all you got to do is unstrap in the morning? 😂😂😂
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6. Apathy from management.
Many firms are simply too big to care about their drivers.
Who has heard 'just try your best' when raising a concern about tight access? This mindset makes drivers feel not cared about, which leads nicely to....
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Car drivers who overtake you and then slow down to the point you have to overtake them is probably the most frustrating thing about trucking in my opinion
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2.9k likes & 125 shares on Facebook.... Mental really. But motivation to keep the standards going 💪🏿
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Some new flooring for the S-Way. Not bad considering I paid a grand total of £0.00 for them! Love a freebie
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Immingham to Meer Belgium in less than 9 hours, pinched the last space in Joost Truckstop and now enjoying a beer waiting for my tea, after a shower in an immaculate booth. Best. Day. Ever!
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Morning all, just loaded out of Crewe and now for a nice run down to Essex to deliver tomorrow morning. Weathers a bit of a let down but it sure feels good to be truckin'!
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Well, this is something a bit different! About to get my first taste of European trucking! We're off to The Netherland 🤠💨🇳🇱
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Cheeeeeeeky bit of money grabbing before my holiday next weekend 😉🤑👀
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Hi all, just wanted to ask something. I'm really keen on starting my own business, a mobile valeting service for HGVs. Do you think any of you/your employers would potentially be interested in my services, should I start up? Just want to gauge if it is viable or not
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Not often you get greeted with applause when you pull up to a delivery, glad these residents can get some water while the mains are being repaired!
#IsleOfSheppy
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The old guard have put up with these issues, but the new generations won't. They'll simply find better wlrk for themselves. Until conditions drastically change, this shortage will get worse & worse.
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Awesome weekend at
@ConvoyTruckShow
where I became a temporary racing crew member! Shattered but had a great time!
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Well... Not got the news I hoped for, unfortunately I'm not suitable for the treatment. But they explained clearly why. It's not all doom and gloom, I'm getting a new type of contact lens fitted, one that will be more comfortable & I should be able to wear longer.
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Sky News are here, 1000 likes and I'll jump in and shout Truckers keep Britain alive
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Morning all, loading out of Stratford-Upon-Avon this morning, looks like it's gonna be a chilly but sunny day, perfect 👌🏿 added a few little things to the
@DAFTrucksUK
of late, what do we think?
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All checks done, all straps twanged hero lights ON, now for a Whoosh!! 💨💨 to sunny Lanarkshire. Let's Tang 🤙🏿🤙🏿
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Had a week with this new S-Way now, my only real gripe so far with it (other than the brakes) is this particular one is LOW down. Having to raise the front air at every site which has bumps/dips in, out of fear of damaging the bumpers/sideskirts. Other than that, It's spot on!
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