A Day in the Life of a Grab Lorry Driver

I got to spend the day out with Noel who works for Cartwrights on the Grab truck. Noel has more than 30 years of driving experience across multiple sectors of the industry. His work combines practicality, skill, and a deep understanding of how to handle heavy machinery in environments that change every single day.

Every afternoon, Noel receives the job sheet for the following day. It lists the sites he’ll be visiting, the type of waste he’ll be collecting, and any specific instructions he needs to be

aware of. By the time he starts his shift the next morning, he already has a clear picture of where he’ll be heading.

His routes take him across Shropshire, sometimes stretching into Wales or down towards Birmingham. The variety of locations means no two days look the same.

Driving is in Noel’s blood, his father was a driver and Noel followed naturally in his footsteps. Over the past three decades, he has done everything from moving trucks on trade plates to delivering remix, working tippers, operating brick grabs, and even working for Shropshire Highways and Severn Trent. That breadth of experience shows in the confidence and skill he brings to the job today.

A grab lorry may look intimidating, but as Noel explains, “the truck does the work.” His role is to operate the controls safely and accurately, ensuring he doesn’t damage cables, lampposts, pipelines, or the ground beneath the vehicle. Learning the movements of the bucket, the timing, and the best angles for lifting all come from experience, a skill he has mastered over time.

The number of jobs he completes daily varies dramatically depending on location and workload. Some days he might complete just two jobs; on others, he might manage up to nine.

While much of Noel’s work centres around construction waste, old kerbs, mixed materials, hardcore, and building site debris, he has encountered just about everything. Burned-out cars, fly-tips, dumped caravans: the job brings plenty of unexpected challenges.

Regardless of the load, each pickup must be positioned carefully so it can be lifted and transported safely. Once loaded, the truck sheets the material automatically, preventing loose debris from blowing off during transit.

Noel holds the necessary grab operator licence, along with his HGV qualifications and CPC. But beyond the paperwork, the job demands quick thinking and strong situational awareness. Many sites have tight entrances, uneven ground, and hidden obstacles. It falls to the driver to keep damage to a minimum and make the right judgment calls in the moment.

He emphasises the importance of learning from experienced drivers, being aware of surroundings, and staying willing to develop year after year. Much of the skill comes from practice, repetition on real sites under real conditions.

Safety is a constant thread throughout Noel’s day. Outriggers are lowered with pads to spread the pressure over a wider surface, especially important near pavements where cables and pipes lie underneath. Walk-around checks are routine. Keeping the truck clean and in good working order is simply part of the job.

The company has an in-house workshop, a welder-fabricator, fuel pump, and wash facilities on site, giving drivers the support they need to keep their vehicles running efficiently.

For Noel, the best thing about grab work is the challenge. Every site, every load, and every day is different. It keeps the work engaging and prevents the routine from feeling repetitive. Summer months make the job even more enjoyable.

The hardest part? The weather. Cold, wet conditions can make operating the controls uncomfortable and navigating muddy sites more difficult.

Most of the waste Noel collects is taken to a quarry where it’s tipped, sorted, crushed, and eventually recycled. Old kerbs, for example, are processed and resold. A cycle Noel plays a key role in by ensuring materials are collected safely and efficiently.

Noel speaks highly of Cartwrights he explains they are supportive, well-equipped, and organised. Even when jobs get complicated or loads become stuck, there’s always a team member willing to help.

With decades of experience behind him, Noel continues to enjoy the variety, independence, and challenge that come with driving a grab lorry. For those willing to learn and stay aware, it’s a rewarding and ever-changing line of work.

https://cartwrightswastedisposal.co.uk/

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