Andrew has been a qualified HGV driver for more than 24 years, having grown up surrounded by the haulage industry as his Dad was a lorry driver too.
Over the years, Andrew gained experience across a wide range of haulage work. He began his career in fridge work before moving on to low loaders, walking floors and flatbed trailers. For 16 years he worked for local haulier Dave Ford in Wem, a role that allowed him to travel extensively while developing valuable skills, including the traditional art of roping and sheeting. Despite the variety of work and the many skills he acquired, Andrew always knew where his true passion lay, the timber sector.
Family support played a huge part in helping Andrew take the leap into becoming an Owner Diver. In particular, he credits his wife, Jo, with giving him the push he needed to start his own business. While Andrew focused on driving and operations, Jo took charge of the management side of things and successfully applied for the operator’s licence. With additional encouragement and support from former employer Allen Rowlands, ACS Timber was established in 2022.
Timber haulage places unique demands on both the truck and driver. Vehicles must be durable enough to handle rough terrain, remote forest tracks, busy sawmills and tight working spaces. Andrew’s current truck was previously used for tipper work, and after purchasing it he immediately fitted new tyres and repositioned airlines to better suit forestry operations. Experience has taught him exactly what modifications are needed. Dense woodland and low-hanging branches can easily damage paintwork and airlines, especially when the cab sits too high.
He also speaks highly of the support he receives from Paul Hughes at Volvo Shrewsbury, who oversees the truck’s maintenance. Andrew values Paul’s hands-on mechanical background, saying it gives him a genuine understanding of what working trucks need.
Andrew explains, timber haulage is certainly not a job for the faint-hearted. Every day presents different challenges and drivers must constantly think on their feet. Remote forestry locations can quickly become difficult, particularly when weather conditions change. Trailers can unexpectedly sink into soft ground, often with no mobile signal available and no easy way of calling for help.
Loading and driving also require precision and experience. Proper weight distribution is essential, especially when navigating bends or uneven terrain. No one wants a Final Destination moment.
The sector also comes with additional safety requirements. Drivers need Hiab certification, forestry first aid qualifications for Forestry Commission sites, full PPE and fire safety awareness training.
Despite the challenges, Andrew enjoys the flexibility that comes with working for himself. He can choose the jobs and routes he takes, although he admits the industry demands adaptability, as weather conditions and stock levels can change plans at short notice. On a typical day he completes three to four runs, mainly transporting softwood and firewood.
For Andrew, one of the best aspects of the job is the independence. Many forestry sites are unmanned, meaning drivers spend much of the day working alone. He also believes timber is one of the most impressive-looking loads on the road. Of course, there are downsides too, like getting stuck on sites, battling bad weather conditions and occasionally encountering snakes or hidden wildlife among the log piles.
Andrew openly admits that without their support he would not be where he is today. Starting the business required sacrifice too, including selling his beloved car to help raise funds, but he says every bit of it was worthwhile.
Having already worked within the timber industry, Andrew found it easier to secure work when he first went out on his own. The biggest challenge was learning what worked best for the business. By maintaining multiple contracts, covering mainly South Shropshire and being willing to spend nights out when needed, he has been able to keep work consistent and operations cost effective.
Today, Andrew drives a Volvo FH540 finished in a stealthy red and black livery. Although he admits that Scania trucks may look more attractive, reliability is the deciding factor for an owner-driver, and in his experience Volvo delivers exactly that.
Away from work, Andrew enjoys attending truck shows. This gives him the opportunity to catch up with friends, whilst also promoting the business. Displaying the truck at shows has helped raise awareness of ACS Timber and has even led to new work opportunities from people who spotted the vehicle there.
His dedication and attention to detail have also earned recognition at shows. At The Shed Truck Show, he won trophies for 3rd Best Volvo and 1st Best Combination, while at Whitchurch he took home Best Timber Lorry and Best in Show.
Beyond the business itself, Andrew has also supported local community projects and sponsored the HGV Charity Globe Truckers Calendar.
Looking ahead, his main focus remains growing the business and eventually investing in a newer truck. When the time comes, Andrew says he will almost certainly choose another Volvo, citing their reliability and the fact they have never let him down.
The future of haulage may also remain firmly in the family. Andrew’s youngest son already has ambitions of becoming a driver and is currently completing an apprenticeship at DAF. Whether he eventually joins ACS Timber remains to be seen, but the passion for trucks clearly runs in the family.
Seeing Andrew’s day-to-day work first-hand, from navigating demanding forestry sites to presenting a spotless show truck at events , it is a testament to the hard work and determination behind the business. His journey proves that with commitment, resilience and the right support around you, building your own successful business is possible. Sometimes, the only limitation is believing you can do it.
Interesting Fact
England is the only place cricket bat willow grows. Once harvested and shaped it is stacked on to pallets and shipped abroad.
