Mat’s Musings: Trucking Great!
It is lovely to be back and writing for a magazine once again! For those who do not know me, I have made the move across from Truck & Driver, and I am really looking forward to getting stuck back into some research. I am generally more interested in the trucks of the 80s and 90s; however, I am far from adverse to modern trucks.
It is great to have found a new home that will kick-start the research once again. The list of vehicles I am looking into is currently about as long as my arm. I often discuss with a good friend of mine how many old photos are still waiting to be unearthed in a drawer or an old carrier bag in an attic somewhere.
It is always amazing what is unearthed, especially when someone is not on social media and has not been seen before or taken by others and reposted as their own, usually with the dreaded moniker 'NMP'! I do, however, also have quite an interest in alternative-fuelled trucks of the future, not just electric, but other applications, and how they will pan out. I am actively looking into this with regard to testing and reporting, because like it or lump it, we do have to move with the times.
To date, I have only driven one electric truck, a solo tractor unit off-road, because it was not registered. However, from that short drive, all I can say is that I am really looking forward to trying some on the road for real. My 'day' job is now very local.
After most of my working life being up the road all over Europe and beyond, I have been very locally based, which came as a culture shock, to say the least. Where I am currently working, I was booked to cover a week's sick leave, which has now turned into over two years' work. I transport sawdust and wood shavings for an own-account haulier.
I do, however, still go and do some other holiday cover for local companies, as well as some European work in a van, which means I do get a bit of variety. Having had two books published so far, I am deep into research on several other titles as well. I am really excited about these and where they will lead, although they do take up a lot more time.
I am really looking forward to the truck shows this year. Fingers crossed by the time you are reading this, the world has calmed down a little, and figures at the fuel pumps have not become eye-watering. At the beginning of the crisis, I went to Belgium for a weekend, and upon getting off the ferry, I was staggered to see the diesel in the Netherlands already over two pounds a litre.
It really made a change for England to be a lot cheaper than our foreign counterparts once again. I really feel for the small operators right now, and I hope they can get through this because I know I am feeling it, and I don't even run any trucks. To hear people are still prepared to head out to the shows does fill me with hope and optimism that this year could be as good as the last few have been for variety and quality of trucks out there.
Neal Townsend in front of the truck at Rungis, France.
New Podcast
Since the demise of the Truck & Driver podcast, I have also struck out on my own and created 'Mat's Trucking Great Podcast'.
I was quite apprehensive to begin with, as I was literally putting my money where my mouth is. However, it seems to have been very well received so far, and I have received a lot of positive feedback for which I am truly grateful. I genuinely enjoy recording these, and the variety of people you speak to and their stories fascinates me.
I have even managed to speak to a true celebrity, Steve Parrish, someone I never thought I would have chatted to if you had told me that twelve months ago. Although it is still in its infancy, I hope it will grow over time and possibly attract a few more 'celebrities' to talk with me. Also, if you are already a listener, thank you! - Is there anyone in particular you would like to hear me have a chat with?
I am always open to suggestions for guests, so please get in touch.
You can find the podcast wherever you get your usual podcasts, or if you are new to this world, Apple has its own podcast app, and Android users have several options; however, it is also available for free on Spotify.
