Lee - Truck Driver
Lee wanted a career that would keep him on the move. Being a truck driver gives him those challenges. Lee has worked a driver since the age of 21 and has yet to spend a night in the truck.
Lee has worked at Chalmers Industries for 11 ½ years and for the past five years has been the workplace health and safety representative. He is currently involved in inducting new drivers joining Chalmers ensuring that they learn all procedures related to paperwork, occupational health and safety, and working practices.
What drew me to truck driving
“I began my working life at 16 in a factory and quickly realised that I could not spend my working life under the same roof in the same spot day after day. When I was 21 my parents paid for me to train for my truck licence. Before moving to Australia I did work in the construction industry, but since moving here I’ve always worked as a truck driver. I’m 39 now and have never spent a night in a truck which has meant I’m always able to go home each evening.
Working here at the port has meant constantly building on my skills as we handle a huge range of cargo, from refrigerated containers through to break bulk such as steel coils and machines. As a driver I constantly meet different people and I take pride in the level of professionalism demanded of me, to do the job efficiently and to drive safely.”
Career highlights
“Over the past three years I’ve been the driver in charge of delivering the EToll Cruiser to locations around Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. Working at Chalmers has given me the opportunity to learn a range of skills, and in recent years I’ve had the responsibility of helping new drivers learn the ropes here. I’m also the occupational Health and Safety representative and I’m proud of the changes I’ve helped introduce which ensure each driver goes home safely after each shift.”