Behind the Wheel
Now, with 36 years behind the wheel holding his HGV Class 1 licence, Mark has built up a wealth of knowledge and experience. In 2023, he took the next step and established his own company, Smidr Trans Ltd.
Since then, Mark has specialised in UK, European and Scandinavian transport, taking on both temperature-controlled and general haulage operations.
Running his own business has also given Mark something he values highly, independence.
“I love being in control of my own workload. If the money’s right, the truck works; if not, it stands still. Any fool can work for nothing and, trust me, that’s a fast race to the bottom. Over the years I’ve seen plenty come and go just as fast.”
Mark runs his very own custom truck, THE VARANGIAN, a truck that has been built to be far more than simply a working vehicle.
Every aspect has been individually customised to create a distinctive Viking-inspired show truck, bringing together Mark’s passion for haulage, craftsmanship and Scandinavian heritage.
The result is a highly individual DAF that reflects more than 36 years behind the wheel and a lifetime spent connected to the haulage industry.
DAF XF 106 530 – 2020
The truck has undergone an extensive bespoke transformation, combining a striking appearance with a distinctive Viking theme.
Exterior Specification
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Full Metallic Pearl Red paintwork
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Black mudguards
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Black side skirts
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Black front bumper
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Black under-bumper splitter
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Rear quarter of cab painted and fully pinstriped
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Full custom exterior detailing
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Custom Viking-themed airbrush artwork
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Airbrushed artwork by a specialist
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Custom catwalk
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Custom A-frame with artwork
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Custom bull bar
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Laser spotlights
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Full DVS kit
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Air horns
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Beacons
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Custom side steps
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Perimeter kit
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Laser lighting
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Custom side skirts with light bars and artwork
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Custom Aircon pod on roof
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Custom rear chassis top artwork
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Custom Dutch Style rear lights and rear end
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Custom rear of Cab artwork
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Cab lighting
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Top bar
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Two Viking figures airbrushed into the design
Interior
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Full custom interior
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Bespoke Viking-themed styling
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Extensive custom detailing throughout
Additional Lighting & Audio
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Upgraded strobe lighting system
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Upgraded speaker system
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Custom subwoofer installation
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Full underglow lighting system
For Mark, however, the truck is only one part of a much bigger story. After decades working across the UK and mainland Europe, trucking has become firmly woven into his way of life.
“This isn’t just work, it’s a way of life. I’ve been trucking UK and European routes my whole driving career. My plan is to keep going until retirement, and hopefully one day pass the business to my son and daughter.”
It is clear that Mark has no intention of walking away from the industry anytime soon. Despite that, he admits that running a haulage business today can be a challenging move.
“The industry today is getting harder by the minute. Rules and regulations keep piling up, the government keeps squeezing us, the law’s a nightmare, and fuel costs are completely out of control. My heart goes out to anyone who’s taken out finance on their vehicles, I bet they lie awake worrying.”
For anyone considering a career in trucking, Mark’s advice is straightforward: think carefully before taking the plunge.
“It isn’t just a 9-to-5 job. Trucking will take over your life. Weigh up your work-life balance because this job will break your heart, more often than you’d expect.”
There are certainly plenty of challenges from red tape and ever changing regulations to fuel prices and financial pressures, but despite it all, Mark still enjoys what the job gives him.
The freedom to make his own decisions, the independence of being his own boss and, importantly, the ability to choose work that pays fairly are all reasons why he continues to do what he does.
After 36 years in the cab, Mark has seen plenty of changes across the industry. Yet his passion for trucking remains, and with THE VARANGIAN turning heads wherever it goes, it is clear that there is still plenty of road ahead for this experienced haulier.
Name: Mark Smith
Age: 57
Nickname: “Scoob”
For Mark, haulage has always been more than just a job. Growing up around the industry, he learned the trade from his father and other family members, gaining an insight into trucking from an early age.
