Driving trucks with a smile

TRUCKLIFE

Chris Gould can think of nothing better than driving a truck.

Professional truck driver Chris Gould swapped an excavator cab for a truck cab and has never regretted it. Ever since, he has loved driving across the United Kingdom in his MAN truck for the Environment Agency.

Chris Gould, originally from the village of Watchfield in Somerset, switched to driving trucks from one day to the next. “I was working for a company called Wessex Water and was operating an excavator when the Service Manager came over to me and asked whether I wanted to drive a truck. There was only one answer I could give –  Yes, please!” says Chris when he remembers how he started driving trucks.

Has he found his dream job? “I think so,” laughs Chris, “because I enjoy my own company and when you’re on your own, you can’t get into arguments with anyone.” He adds that he’s always smiling when he’s driving.

“Driving a truck is amazing.”

enthuses Chris, “it doesn’t matter what the weather’s like, I love driving across the country and getting to know very different places.” His first such assignment was also a positive experience thanks to the MAN truck he was driving – which would have been a MAN TGA and Chris was impressed from the very beginning. This was also true of his encounters with other drivers, which formed the basis of many friendships. Gould describes the people he works with as excellent and very helpful without exception.

The 64-year-old also has fond memories of the “Trucker’s World by MAN” club. One English edition of the “Trucker’s World by MAN” e-newsletter gave club members the opportunity to win an day out with British superbikes. Since Chris was at work, his wife entered the competition and won the “wonderful day out” for Chris.

As part of his work in the environmental sector, Chris plays a key role in helping to get everything back to normal in areas affected by flooding. He uses MAN vehicles to transport excavators and tractors, as well as pumps, pipes and flood protection walls for the Environment Agency –  a national government organisation responsible for the well-being of rivers, shoreline habitats and flood protection.

We can certainly see Chris’ smiling face on the photos that he’s shared with our community. He definitely has a contagious smile and we’re delighted to hear from someone with such a passion for driving trucks as a career.