A Career in Haulage: 30 Years on the Road with Doug Duff
The haulage industry continues to rely on the dedication and expertise of highly skilled professionals who keep the supply chain moving. To understand the realities of a modern haulage career, we sat down with Doug Duff, a highly experienced driver for Emirates who has spent three decades navigating the UK’s road network.
With a career spanning 30 years, Doug offers a wealth of knowledge regarding industry evolution, equipment preferences, and the ongoing challenges of driver recruitment.
From Local Routes to National Haulage Value
Doug’s entry into the transport sector was not immediate.
He acquired his Class Two licence working on refuse collection vehicles for the South Norfolk Council. However, a deep-rooted family connection to haulage eventually drew him toward articulated lorries.
Having spent significant time in truck cabs with his uncle during his childhood, the transition felt natural.
His first major driving role was with Neil Bomford, operating a curtain sider in a DAF truck.
This foundation paved the way for a long-standing career in independent haulage, heavily defined by his preference for working within supportive, driver-focused environments rather than large corporate machines.
The Value of Independence and Respect
Before joining Emirates, Doug spent over 24 years at LPS. His decision to move on was driven by a desire to avoid large corporate takeovers, preferring the operational style of independent firms where drivers are treated as valued individuals rather than mere assets.
At Emirates, Doug operates as a ‘tramper’, living out of his cab during the week and returning to his home in Norwich on Fridays. He credits his job satisfaction to the autonomy he is given and the strong relationships he has built with the management team.
“You’re given your job, and they sort of wind you up, like clockwork, and away you go, doing the job to the best of your ability and it works really well for us here at Emirates,” Doug explains.
Furthermore, having a planner who actively listens to driver feedback is essential. When logistical issues arise, the ability to communicate with operators and have routes adjusted accordingly demonstrates a level of respect that ensures experienced drivers feel valued – another reason Doug likes working for, and with Emirates.
Understanding the Driver Shortage
A recent review card.
The industry is currently facing a widely documented driver shortage. Drawing from his own family’s experience, Doug highlights a crucial barrier to entry for younger generations: insurance regulations.
While Doug’s own son, now 30, was able to secure his licence at the age of 19 due to early exposure to the industry, many enthusiastic young drivers find themselves locked out. Doug notes that modern insurance policies often require drivers to be at least 25 years old with a minimum of two years of commercial experience. This creates a challenging paradox where newly qualified drivers cannot gain the necessary experience because operators face prohibitive insurance excesses often upwards of £3,000 to cover new recruits
Life in the Cab: Equipment and Comfort
When you spend your working week living in a truck, the quality of the equipment is paramount. Doug currently drives an MAN, which he finds comfortable and highly customisable.
He has personalized his home from home with fitted curtains and custom flooring to make the cab feel like his home in Norwich.
While he is highly satisfied with the reliability of his current vehicle, he notes that if given an unrestricted choice, he would opt for a Volvo truck, a brand highly regarded across the industry for its driver comfort and safety features.
Ultimately, however, he acknowledges that driving well-maintained, reliable kit provided by a supportive employer is the most important factor.
Thank you Doug, and all of our drivers here at Emirates. Without you, we are just an office.
Join a Team That Values Your Experience
A career in haulage can be highly rewarding when you are supported by an operator who respects your expertise and listens to your professional input. If you are an experienced driver seeking a professional environment that prioritises reliable equipment and driver autonomy, it is time to make a change.
Are you ready to take the next step in your driving career? Contact the Emirates recruitment team today to discuss our current HGV driving opportunities.