Grab drivers play a crucial role in construction, waste management, and landscaping projects, ensuring materials are delivered and waste is removed efficiently. Their days are a mix of navigating busy roads, operating powerful hydraulic arms, and working closely with construction teams to keep projects on track.
But what does a typical day look like for a Yorkshire Grab driver here at RJC Plant Services? We caught up with one of our Grab Operators, Jamie to find out:
Q: How does the day start for you?
My alarm goes off at 5:45 bright and early to help sort the kids out before I head off to work. It’s never a quiet morning in this house!
Q: What time do you arrive on site?
I arrive to the yard at around 7am everyday ready to get out on the roads.
Q: What is the first thing you do on site?
First thing I do is insert my driver’s card and do my daily walk round of the wagon (check tyres, lights, levels etc) to make sure everything is safe. The taco (driver’s) card is what will record my driving and vehicle data every time I go out.
Q: Â How do you find out what jobs you have on that day?
All out jobs are sent out the night before, so we know exactly what we’re doing when we get to site.
Q: Can you give an example of a recent job you attended?
I recently had a job for an over-the-wall collection of building rubble. I always like to greet the customer with a warm welcome and work out what they need doing. After the job I always check the customer is happy with the work and take some before and after photos of the work for management to use. This was a short job only about 20 minutes but the customer was really happy and left us a 5 star review on Google which we love to see.
After I finished, it was time for lunch. A hot meal is essential in the colder weather, so I usually bring a heated lunch box with me and eat it in the cab. After lunch I’ll have a catch up with the bosses. I liaise with management throughout the day and let them know any important details about the job and send them the before and after pictures.
Q: What time do you finish for the day?
There’s not a set time to the day finishing really, we won’t leave until the jobs set for that day are finished so it varies day to day.
Q:Â Â How do you relax on an evening?
With a busy house and a busy job, I can’t lie -relaxing is rare in my house although I do like belting out a tune on the old karaoke when I can.
Thanks Jamie!
A day in the life of a grab lorry driver is busy, rewarding, and filled with opportunities to make a difference in construction and waste management. At RJC Plant Service we’re always looking for enthusiastic individuals to join our team of dedicated drivers supplying grab services across Yorkshire. If you like the sound of Jamie’s day and the chance to work with a supportive crew, we’d love to hear from you. Drop us a line at sales@rjcplantservices.com or call 07563 244913.