Mick Crump has worked for Quinns for 25 years, which is a huge achievement in this industry. We interviewed Mick to find out how things have changed during his 25 years with Quinns, from an ill-fitting Mondeo to avoiding trees and Maccies and Greggs.
What is the biggest change that you have seen in the industry since you joined Quinns in 2000?
‘The biggest change is electric cars, and the fact that over the years vehicles have got much bigger. I remember back in 2008 when I had a Renault with TE +11 trailer and the new Mondeo wouldn’t fit on deck 1!’
What was the first truck you had when you joined Quinns?
‘Volvo FL10 9 car transporter with manual ramps and screw threads to lift the decks! I think the reg was J512 GNH’
What is the most memorable load that you have transported?
‘There’s been so many memorable loads. I was given a 10-car transporter with a ‘cake stand’ – I got some impressive loads on that. The tri-decks were impressive, and the Rolfo 12+. I’ve had many 13 car loads on the TE. Today’s cars and transporters are awesome; the way they swallow up JLR, Volvos, Vans etc. So no, I can’t pin-point a specific load.
What is your favourite truck that you have driven?
‘I’ve mainly driven Volvo, which is a very good truck. Far better than the Renault – RIP (lol)’
What is the biggest challenge as a transporter driver?
‘The biggest challenge is to get the load right first time when you have multiple cars and vans of different size. If the load sequence is wrong, it can mean taking all the cars off and starting again, which means lots of wasted time☹. Another challenge is trees! You can avoid low bridges, but trees omg! I’ve spent many a time in the middle of the road to avoid trees to ensure the load doesn’t get damaged. Also, you have to juggle being low enough to run, AND still have room to turn, which is another challenge.
What is your ‘must have’ driver aid/comfort/luxury that you can’t do without in your truck?
‘My must have luxury is slippers; take those hob nail boots off and bliss 😊. My driver aid must have is knowledge – e.g knowing you can’t go down a road fully loaded if its made for a mini. And ultimate comfort is leaving the truck on overnight rest and walking to the local supermarket to chill out from the day’s work’
What has kept you in the industry, and specifically at Quinns for 25 years?
‘I love cars, vans, 4×4’s, old and new. I like the variety of work that I get working at Quinns. Quinns move unregistered vehicles, new vehicles, auction vehicles so I could load new vans up, then pick up old works vans – variety you see! Some firms just move new, and I’ve been loads of contracts like that but always glad when they end to get back to some variation.
What’s your favourite truck stop/café in the UK?
‘It used to be Colsterworth Truck Stop, but its gone downhill. Years ago, cafes were everywhere, but nowadays there isn’t so many; its mainly Maccies and Greggs. Lesmahagow Truck Stop is good. I would go to Leemingbar Truck Stop if I was up North. BP truck stops were great in their day, but there’s none left now. Junction 23 on the M1 is a great place to stop. Many truckers are cooking in their trucks now.
