“I should have done this ten years earlier”

Richard Pieters never had to wonder what he wanted to do. Growing up in a trucking family, he knew by the age of ten that his future was on the road.

He made that dream a reality, spending many years driving international routes. But over time, his priorities shifted. “I still wanted to do what I love most, which is being out on the road, but I also wanted to be home every evening. At Schenk, I found the perfect balance.”

Behind the wheel by day, home every evening 

Since 2018, Richard has worked as a fuel tanker driver from Zwolle, the Netherlands, alternating between day and night shifts. “I actually like that. You know well in advance when you’re working, so it’s easy to plan around. It makes balancing work and home life much simpler.”

He also values the way colleagues at Schenk look out for one another. When Richard was once asked to work on Father’s Day, he suggested sending his wife a bunch of flowers to make up for it. Soon afterwards, a bouquet really did arrive, along with a card for his children, who had to do without their dad that day.

“When people go out of their way for me, I’m happy to go the extra mile too. It has to work both ways, and here it does.”

No day the same

“Many people assume fuel transport simply means driving from one petrol station to the next. In reality, there’s far more variety to it.”

One day Richard is delivering to a petrol station, the next to a building site, a farm or a spot deep in the woods. “You get to go everywhere. No two journeys are the same, and that’s exactly what I enjoy about the job.”

That variety comes with responsibility. Richard works independently, keeps careful records of what he loads and unloads, and makes sure every delivery is safe and fully compliant. “You get a lot of freedom, but it comes with responsibility. That’s what makes the job so interesting.”

From newcomer to mentor driver

When Richard joined Schenk, he had no experience in fuel transport. That turned out not to be a problem.

“There’s a lot to take in at first. You get to know the equipment, follow clear procedures and learn what to look out for on the road. An experienced colleague rides along with you, and you only head out on your own when you’re ready. These days, I could do it in my sleep.”

Richard is now a mentor driver himself, helping new colleagues get to grips with the job. “I remember well what it’s like to start with little experience. That’s why I think it’s important that people feel able to ask questions and can grow at their own pace. We start out doing things together, and then a new colleague gradually takes on more independence.”

A career worth being proud of

For Richard, the job brings a lot together: working independently on the road, taking on responsibility and handling specialist equipment. Yet he never feels alone. “If something comes up, you can always count on your colleagues. And when my shift ends, I’m simply back home with my family. That’s exactly the combination I was looking for.”

To drivers considering a move, Richard has some clear advice:

“Just go for it. You get the chance to learn a great trade here without your personal life suffering for it. Honestly, I wish I’d done this ten years earlier.”