Behind the Wheel
Name: Aaron Brader
Age: 26
Nickname: Azza
Location: Lincolnshire
From a young age, Aaron has always had a passion for anything with an engine, the bigger the better. Add in a love of driving, and it’s no surprise that when the opportunity came along to gain his HGV licence five years ago, he knew he’d found the perfect career path.
Today, Aaron works for T&B Containers Ltd within their Recycling Division, travelling the length and breadth of the country collecting and delivering recyclable materials.
‘I’m up and down the country collecting and delivering recyclable materials eg. Cardboard, plastic, pallets daily. It’s all transported by curtain-sided trailers, which we run 4.7m Lawrence David tri-axle trailers. These are perfect due to the extra space for loading the recycling/pallets ensuring we maximise loads, meaning we are more efficient.’
Based in Boston, Lincolnshire, T&B Containers Ltd is a long-established family-run business with more than 50 years of experience in corrugated packaging. Over the years, the company has grown into one of the UK’s leading specialists in corrugated cardboard packaging, designing and producing everything from fruit and vegetable boxes to packaging solutions for a huge range of industries. They also manufacture cardboard punnets, offering a more environmentally friendly alternative to plastic packaging.
The company operates a sizeable fleet, running a mix of Scania and Volvo trucks, 16 in total. Alongside more than 100 trailers dedicated to the box manufacturing side of the business. In the recycling division, they also operate a Volvo hook-loader (RORO), which Aaron drives as part of his role.
His current truck is a 2021 Scania R540 6x2 Next Gen. While largely standard, Aaron has added a handful of tasteful custom touches to make it his own without taking away from the company’s distinctive livery. Extras include a grille bar, halo lights in the grille, slim side bars, step bars and a chassis bar, all creating a clean “less is more” look.
Inside, however, the truck becomes far more personal. The curtains feature his boys’ names, while leather floor mats and a few home comforts help make life on the road that bit more comfortable.
When asked what he enjoys most about the job, Aaron’s answer comes without hesitation.
‘Being out on the road for sure! Some of the places I get to see and have driven past on my travels is one of the best bits! Not only that but what more could you want to do than sight see and get paid for it!’
Of course, like many drivers, there are frustrations that come with the job too. Poor driver facilities, heavy traffic and the UK’s pothole-ridden roads all make the list.
For anyone considering a career in haulage, Aaron is keen to
encourage newcomers and believes communication is one of the most important parts of the industry.
‘Enjoy it, no question is too silly. If you’re struggling, always ask for help that’s how I've learnt a lot of what I know now! It’s a lot easier to ask someone who’s done a delivery previously, as they can assist with directions and routes to avoid any problems on the way! This makes the job a lot easier and it also helps with
overall communication between drivers, which has certainly reduced over the past 5 years!’
Away from work, family life is firmly at the centre of Aaron’s world. Whether it’s bike rides with his children or weekends away in the caravan, he values the memories made with his young family. Truck shows are another passion, with summer weekends often spent catching up with friends and making memories.
When asked who has supported him throughout his journey, Aaron is quick to recognise the people around him.
‘My partner Emilia for supporting me when I’m at work putting in long hours, they do say a good woman makes a successful man! None of it would be possible without the continued support from T&B containers and in particular my Boss Andrew. He allows me to attend the truck shows and looking after me within the business! It makes a huge difference working for a boss who treats you as more than just an employee, and I’ll always be grateful to him for that! Also all the hard working people within T&B containers keeping the cogs turning. We all play a very vital role in the business and it’s great to be a part of that team.’
It is great to see a young driver in the industry full of passion for his job and a dedication to the business he works for. All whilst maintaining a work life balance allowing him to enjoy his family time too.
