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Pat Tautu suggested Faye Lougher invest in a CB radio to get drivers‘ attention after she resorted to standing on the side of the road to wave him down for a Just Truckin‘ Around profile.

Driving a 2012 Renault Premium Lander for Kerry Clare of Palmerston North, Pat was on his way to Wellington with a load of courier freight for Post Haste.

Before he became a truck driver five years ago, Pat had worked in security and also had his own sandblasting business. As he got older he said he needed to find something that wasn‘t such physically hard work.

“I got my class 2 licence but then found there wasn‘t much I could drive with that so I got my class 4. Kerry hired me and I love it.”

After Pat‘s trip south to Wellington he would then return to Palmerston North airport with another load.

When asked what he enjoyed most about driving, Pat was quick to answer.

“I get to meet some good people and I‘m not stuck in an office.” 

The driver shortage was Pat‘s response regarding the biggest problem facing the industry.

“I can‘t understand why there is a driver shortage when there are so many unemployed young people. I pushed my children into education, but I‘d be happy to see them driving trucks. It‘s a good job so why aren‘t people doing it?”

Pat didn‘t like the first vexing question he was asked, so went for the one about whether Elvis was alive or dead.

“Alive. At least in my truck he is,” he replied. “My mum was a big Elvis fan so there‘s always a bit of Elvis in my truck.”

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