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A Day in the Life of a Roll-On Roll-Off (RORO) Driver

  • Nikki Prince
  • Dec 20, 2025
  • 3 min read

I got to learn about the Cartwrights Roll-On Roll-Off (RORO) with driver Curtis. It's a role that blends routine, skill, and precision. Unlike some areas of the waste industry where every day looks different, Curtis’ work follows a more regular pattern. The routes are familiar, the customers are regulars, and the rhythm of the job becomes second nature.


Curtis starts his day at around 6:45am. All of his work is local, which means he’s close to home and knows exactly when he’ll start and finish — something he values highly after

spending several years on the road as a tramper. While long-distance work offered freedom, it also took a toll on family life. Local RORO driving strikes the balance he was looking for.

On an average day, Curtis completes between six and nine runs. Because many of the jobs are repeats, he knows the sites well and understands exactly what each customer needs. The consistency makes the work smooth and efficient.


Modern RORO trucks give Curtis full control from inside the cab. Whether he’s removing a skip, positioning an empty one, or collecting a full load, most tasks can be managed using in-cab controls. The truck is equipped with cameras to help him line up perfectly, over time, he’s learned to recognise the sounds and movements that tell him when the skip is properly connected.


A typical job goes something like this: Curtis arrives on site, rolls the empty skip off the truck, moves the full skip out of the way, manoeuvres the empty one into the correct spot, and then loads the full one to take back to the yard. Everything is sheeted for safety. When tipping at the yard, he manually opens the back doors, then returns to the cab to raise the body. A banksman confirms when the skip is empty before Curtis lowers the body and closes up.


RORO work demands a particular set of skills. Good situational awareness is essential, especially when navigating tight industrial yards or busy commercial sites. Spatial awareness and precise steering are equally important, the size of the skips and the manoeuvres required make accuracy key.

The work can be physically demanding at times, especially when dealing with manual doors

or heavier loads. Being able to work well with customers is essential as drivers are required to collects signatures and ensure everything is done safely and professionally.


Driving has always appealed to Curtis. He started out van driving, then progressed to HGV work for the extra freedom it offered. Four years of tramping gave him valuable experience, but eventually, he wanted something with more predictable hours and a better work-life balance.

RORO driving fits perfectly. He enjoys staying local, working weekdays, and being part of a family-run business that treats its staff well. After a ten-hour day, he still has time to walk the dog and spend the evening with his family, something he doesn’t take for granted.


Curtis’ loads range from wood and pallets to general and commercial waste, all handled in a safe and controlled way. The combination of routine, local routes, and clear start-and-finish times creates a structure he values. For him, it’s the ideal balance between practical work, professional skill, and a life outside the cab.


Curtis says that if someone is interested in this kind of work, they should go for it. He himself was inspired by watching YouTube, particularly Luke C’s driving videos. With a positive attitude and a willingness not to stress over the learning curve, he believes anyone can develop the skills needed.

The job becomes easier with time as the routes and sites become familiar. Occasionally he still needs to think through a tricky position or tight manoeuvre, but that’s part of what keeps the work engaging.





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