PD Ports is proud to celebrate a remarkable milestone, as Harry Dent, one of our longest serving colleagues, marks 50 years of service as a HGV driver.
To honour his incredible achievement, Harry was surprised with a specially branded HGV that recognises his five decades behind the wheel and thousands of miles on the roads.
Harry, 73, gave up his HGV licence due to health reasons two years ago but has remained with PD Ports’ transport division as a shunt driver in the yard.
As part of the celebrations of his 50th anniversary with the company, Harry was given the chance to drive the truck liveried in his honour around the private Teesport estate, with an escort provided by the Harbour Police.
He also met with PD Ports chief executive officer Frans Calje and other senior leaders and colleagues, along with his wife, Elaine, and his three sons to recognise his years of service.
Harry, from Acklam, gained his HGV licence at 23 and started working for R Durham and Sons hauliers, based in Billingham. The company was taken over by PD Ports in the early 1990s, with operations eventually moving to the Teesport estate eight years ago.
In his younger years Harry would be away four or five nights every week – including 17 years of working Sundays – visiting every part of the UK, from Fort William in Scotland to ports along the south coast.
He said: “It would beat me now, but I loved those long runs when I was younger. My favourite places to visit were Dover and Tilbury, the really busy spots around the South East.
“Things have changed so much from when I started out. There was no thought of safety, no PPE, no tacographs – I had to plot my movements by hand in my logbook and hand it in.
“The trucks have changed so much over the years too – it’s all changed for the better. I’ve really enjoyed it, every minute.”
Russell Spink, Transport General Manager – North at PD Ports, who has worked with Harry for ten years, said: “Harry is dedicated and so professional in everything he does.
“The knowledge and experience he has in this industry is far beyond anyone I’ve ever known. Nothing is ever too much trouble for him.
“He’s been a fantastic mentor for young drivers – if we have anyone who needs help and support, Harry’s the man to guide them and look after them.”
Frans Calje added: “I’m so pleased to have the opportunity to celebrate with Harry and his family, to mark his amazing 50 years behind the wheel.
“People like Harry are the backbone of our business and his dedication to the industry and his support of younger drivers is something to be proud of. I look forward to seeing Harry’s truck on the roads around Teesside and beyond.”