Transport management isn’t for the faint-hearted. One day you’re juggling driver schedules like a circus performer; the next, you’re explaining to a customer why their pallets of widgets are still in Wolverhampton. It’s a bit like spinning plates—except the plates are 44-tonne articulated lorries, and the floor is on fire. 

Here’s a peek into the whirlwind of my week.  

Monday: A Mucky Start 

The week kicked off with a phone call at 6:07 a.m. Driver Paul rang to report a “bit of an issue” with his truck. By “bit of an issue,” he meant his cab smelled like someone had parked a skip full of rotting fish in it. Turns out, a rogue sandwich from last Friday had been left behind. No surprise—it was Paul’s “lucky sandwich.” He’s convinced it wards off breakdowns.  

While he aired out the cab, I was left scrambling to reassign his load. A quick shuffle of the rota, and Dave stepped up. Of course, Dave’s truck wasn’t where it should’ve been (because why would life be easy?). A mad dash on our tracking system revealed it parked outside a Costa. Priorities.  

Lesson learned: Always check what your drivers are leaving behind—lunch or lorries.  

Tuesday: The Compliance Game 

Ah, Tuesday—the day of doom. It’s when our tachograph data gets downloaded, and I brace myself for the barrage of infringements. This week, it was Peter who excelled. He managed to accrue a three-hour driving violation by missing two laybys and a services stop. His reason? “They didn’t have a Greggs.”  

I spent half the morning walking Peter through the importance of compliance (and the cost of DVSA fines). Then, as if summoned by my misery, our local traffic commissioner called. Nothing serious—just a friendly reminder about the importance of keeping maintenance records up to date. By “friendly,” I mean I aged three years during the call.  

Highlight: Compliance isn’t optional—but it sure feels like a full-time job.  

Wednesday: Customers Always Have Questions  

Wednesday brought the curious case of the “missing freight.” A client was insistent that 25 pallets of garden furniture hadn’t arrived. “We tracked it leaving your depot,” they said. Cue panic. I searched through tracking data, manifests, and driver notes. 

Finally, a call to our driver revealed the truth: the pallets had arrived, but the customer’s warehouse staff were looking in the wrong bay. It took three phone calls and a picture of the goods to convince them they’d been sitting there all along. 

Moral: Customers aren’t always wrong—but they’re not always looking in the right place.  

Thursday: A Rare Victory 

By Thursday, things took a turn for the better. We secured a last-minute load for one of our regular customers, which earned us a glowing review. It’s rare for things to go this smoothly, so I made a note to reward the team with a few doughnuts.  

Driver Jamie, of course, claimed dibs on the pink ones. “If I don’t get my sugar fix,” he quipped, “you’ll be explaining to HR why I’m shouting at roundabouts again.”  

We laughed it off, but the truth is, moments like these remind me why I love this job. Even when things go sideways, the camaraderie is second to none.  

Friday: The Flat Tyre Finale 

The end of the week didn’t disappoint. Mid-morning, my phone buzzed: “Got a flat,” the driver reported, along with a photo of the shredded tyre. We arranged a roadside repair, but not before the driver sent a selfie with a sheep that had wandered into the layby. “Could be worse,” he joked. “At least the sheep’s cheerful.”  

By the time the tyre was fixed, he was running three hours behind schedule. Yet, somehow, we managed to appease the customer, who appreciated the honesty and updates.  

Takeaway: When life gives you flat tyres, find a friendly sheep.  

Weekend Reflection  

As chaotic as the week was, it’s all part of the job. From smelly sandwiches to sheep selfies, no two days are the same. It’s a career that keeps you on your toes and constantly learning. Sure, there’s pressure—from customers, drivers, and compliance officers—but there’s also satisfaction in knowing you’re keeping the wheels of the economy turning.  

Would I trade it for a quieter life? Not a chance. But if anyone invents a self-cleaning cab, I’d pay good money for it.  

Final Thoughts  

Being a transport manager isn’t just about logistics; it’s about people, problem-solving, and patience. It’s the little moments—laughs with drivers, satisfied customers, or even just a problem solved—that make it worthwhile.  To my fellow transport managers: hang in there. Keep your records clean, your drivers happy, and your sense of humor intact. It’s all part of the journey.  

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