A Day in the Life of a Skip-Loader Driver

I got to go out for the afternoon with Mick to find out more about what he does. For Mick, being a skip-loader driver isn’t just a job, it’s a rhythm, a routine, and a way of life shaped by years on the road. In this industry, the licence is everything, and Mick treats it with the respect it deserves. With it comes responsibility, independence, and the constant challenge of navigating work that rarely looks the same from one day to the next.

Mick’s day begins at around 7am. Before he even climbs into the cab, he reviews the list of jobs assigned for the day. In skip work, there are no fixed rounds; each morning brings a new set of tasks and locations. Some days involve visiting long-standing commercial clients, while others mean helping domestic customers with renovation waste or garden clear-outs.

One of the first decisions Mick makes each day is choosing a suitable midway point to drop his trailer. It needs to be accessible, safe, and practical, somewhere he can return to throughout the day. The job demands quick on-the-spot assessments: checking the ground surface, watching out for overhead wires, estimating the skip’s weight, and ensuring the route ahead is viable.

Although the machinery is remote-controlled, Mick’s role is anything but simple. He

constantly plans ahead, mindful of the strict 28-tonne gross weight limit and the possibility of sudden job additions. The job isn’t physically heavy, but mentally it requires full attention. He’s always adjusting his driving to allow for other road users, anticipating mistakes before they happen.

A typical job for Mick involves arriving at the site, photographing the skip’s contents for record-keeping, sheeting it securely, and then lifting it onto the back of the truck. Double sheeting is standard practice for him, it improves safety and saves time later. The trailer is secured with hydraulic clamps and ratchet straps, keeping everything in place no matter the terrain.

Ask Mick what keeps him in the industry, and he’ll tell you it’s the driving. He genuinely enjoys being on the road, discovering places he never knew existed. Some routes offer unexpected beauty: long climbs that end with wide views that make the early starts worthwhile.

He also values the camaraderie. His colleagues look out for one another, offer help when needed, and bring a sense of humour to even the longest days. It’s a workplace culture built on shared experience and mutual respect.

Despite all the positives, Mick acknowledges the tougher parts of the job. The waste

industry becomes more tiring with age, not because the work is physically demanding, but because long days and constant focus can wear on you. Bad weather is another challenge: winter brings cold winds, persistent rain, and the discomfort of working in waterproofs that never quite feel right.

There’s also the occasional smelly skip. And when trucks go out of action or multiple jobs are added unexpectedly, Mick’s day can become more complicated. Still, he takes it in stride, adapting to whatever comes his way.

The yard Mick returns to is often filled with soil, rubble, and the general debris of construction and landscaping. Having some driving experience helps when navigating uneven ground or tight spaces. He follows certain rules religiously; like always taking the Anderson lead so the trailer stays secure when being left in between jobs, a lesson learnt early in his career.

Despite the challenges, Mick believes the waste industry is a solid career choice. Alongside food and death, it’s one of the sectors that never stops. There’s steady work, good living to be made, and plenty of variety to keep the days moving quickly.

He often says that anyone willing to learn can be trained. You don’t need to be an expert on day one. If you show up, do what you’re asked, and take guidance from those with experience, opportunities will follow. There are many branches within the industry, and finding the one that suits you can lead to a strong work-life balance and long-term stability.

For Mick, the job has its ups and downs, but it’s an industry he stands behind. In his view, it’s worth giving a try, you might just find yourself enjoying it more than you expected.

https://cartwrightswastedisposal.co.uk/

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