Time for a new entry into the trucking diary!
It had been an eventful week after having driven from Germany to France. And then to Spain. Unplanned, but hopefully worth it’s while.
I took the last two days to drive back from Madrid to Cologne. Then the next day, I headed to the office to have that talk with my boss. The talk where I should be rewarded handsomely. Not like some pizza party after making millions of profits. Big corporations bad!
So I sat down with my boss to speak on what this major leap for the company, meant for me personally going forward. Thus far I’ve been very loyal and provided the necessary work to deserve more.
The contract with FLE has gained the company new capital to invest. They have chosen to expand the company. Opening up a second location in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Close to the port and looking to expand into new territories. They are hoping that work will come in from the UK, and even more so from Scandinavian countries.
They have offered me a contract as assistant manager of that new location. The manager above me will only be in charge of the financial side of things. Good news is, my boss will become that manager there. So a good working relationship is already there. I will be in charge of hiring the drivers, selecting new trucks and trailers, and still drive myself.
A significant increase in salary as well, making my life more comfortable. This could be the opening I’ve been looking for in my career. Who knows what’s next? My own company? One can always dream!
I’ve been sent to Rotterdam already to trial a possible route. I’m one of the few that’s allowed to drive certain categories of cargo. Boric acid to Rostock in northern Germany. Used for all kinds of things. Work as an antiseptic, insecticide, but also is a flame retardant material.
The Europoort is the biggest part of the Port of Rotterdam. It has chemical plants and oil refineries for example. The port of Rotterdam is also the biggest in Europe, followed by Antwerp-Bruges and Hamburg. So it makes sense to expand business to there.
To get in and out of, there are many security checks. It’s very reasonable considering what’s going in and out. One of the biggest types of cargo coming in there is drug smuggling. So of course they try to prevent as much as they can.
I have to go through similar security checks. They check my personal papers, then my transport papers. It takes a while, but I understand it’s necessity.
I then started to drive eastwards to Germany. The German Autobahn still remains my favourite. Despite all of the burst concrete and asphalt. Best have been to the toilet before going there. It’s going to vibrate. And your bladder doesn’t like it.
In going north, we passed through the city of Osnabruck. Around 40 kilometres past Osnabruck, we have to switch lanes. Goes down from 3 to 2. Two cars have crashed. Police, fire department and ambulance are all present. Let’s hope nobody got seriously injured.
Beyond that, nothing seriously has happened on this journey. No rest time needed because I’m way before my mandatory stop.
I get to Rostock and go to the small harbour there. It’s an industrial harbour, mostly used for goods.
Today is not my day it seems. Considering that driving went well, parking is a different skill.
I need to do a couple of attempts before I’m parked in the right spot. Bit of a waste of time, but what can you do?
I’m happy I got there in time. I called the boss and let him know that everything went fine. He tells me he’s happy as well.
And so that means I’ll be departing Cologne soon. A new job. Still the same European roads. But more responsibility and most of all, more money in the bank. The dream of my own company is on.
From Cologne to Rotterdam. Who knows maybe soon, my own company across the whole globe.
I will take you on my journey on the way to having my own company. It will be a rough climb for sure. But one who doesn’t dare to dream will never achieve his dreams. That sounded more philosophical than I initially thought.
Next time I’ll be seeing you in Rotterdam. Who knows where the roads will take us then.
Thank you for reading this new trucking diary entry.
Drive safely and responsible, stay healthy and I will see you in a new entry.
Possibly with a new truck and trailer. But it will be very hard to replace my current Mercedes.
We’ll see about that.
I'm Amethyst, 31, and from the Netherlands. I've always had a passion for adventure in roleplaying games. Being able to immerse myself into these universes allowed me to escape the trauma's of my youth. Now I want to share my gaming passion with all of you!
