At Sulphur Point in Tauranga, Mike and Alison Verran noticed three trucks parked in a row at Marine Park. Daniel Lewin, Daniel Collier and Sybil Gibbs were having a break while waiting for their booking times at the Port of Tauranga. The Verrans found three very approachable, enthusiastic drivers, willing to spend their break having a great chat.

All three truckies are company drivers for Visy Global Logistics, based in Hamilton. They cart containers from Sulphur Point to Visy Board in Hamilton, usually each completing two runs a day.

Daniel Lewin

Daniel drives a 2022 Scania R620. He loves driving and taking in the view through the windscreen. Over the years, he has travelled as far north as Kaitaia and south as far as Queenstown.

He finds a great sense of community within the industry. He started driving 19 years ago, and “I’ve never looked back. There was a large shortage of drivers back then. I was unemployed at the time, so WINZ put me through my licences and training to end up with a trade.”

Daniel’s main concern with the industry is the lack of education of car drivers. “I see all the unsafe passing and behavior these days,” he says. “There should be a lot more education on sharing the road with trucks.”

Alison asked Daniel the vexing question, ‘Apple or Samsung?’ “Definitely, Samsung,” says Daniel. “I don’t like Apple.”

Daniel Collier

The stunning ANZAC-themed paintwork on this 2015 Kenworth K200 makes Daniel proud to be behind the wheel. He started driving trucks six years ago but has been around them all his life.

“My Dad is a 57-year veteran of the industry. I grew up with countless weekends and school holidays in the truck, travelling all around the North Island. Dad was an amazing man to learn from. Before driving, I had worked in many trades, but decided it was time to work in a job that I had a passion for.

“I love the family aspect of the trucking industry. I like the mutual respect of the good operators who are here because of a lifelong passion. A good example of that is the day we all got together at Hart Haulage in Hamilton last year for the ‘Convoy for Ollie’.

“I get a bit annoyed, though, with the unskilled operators who are put in positions they are not yet ready for, which in turn, causes safety issues. It’s both unfair and unsafe.”

Alison’s vexing question for Daniel was, ‘wrap or sausage roll?’ “Sausage roll, definitely … I’m a trucker!” laughs Daniel.

Sybil Gibbs

Sybil is stoked to be driving a 2021 Scania R620. “I’ve been driving for 17 years now, and I love it. I like the people … those I work with, the customers, everyone!

“Back in 2005, we were living in Australia and my hubby suggested I get my truck licence. Our family circumstances changed, and we ended up coming back to New Zealand in 2006. I decided to go through WINZ to get on a course and get my licences.

“I went for a ride with hubby one day and was at his work. I got offered a job while I was there! I started out with them on my class 2 and worked up from there.” Sybil hasn’t looked back and it’s evident from her enthusiasm that she is an asset to the industry. She exudes confidence and passion.

Although, there are a couple of issues that dampen her spirits.

“The lack of drivers puts pressure on the current drivers in the industry,” she says. “It makes it harder on everyone. It can affect drivers’ mental health and the pressure on everyone is a chain reaction.”

Alison lightened the mood with the vexing question, ‘smoothie or milkshake?’ “Milkshake,” says Sybil, “because smoothies have bananas in them, and I can’t eat bananas. I’m allergic to them.”