Port truck driver honoured for 50 years of service

A port operator has honoured a truck driver’s half-century of service.

PD Ports has presented Harry Dent with a branded HGV to recognise his five decades behind the wheel.

The 73-year-old gave up his HGV licence due to health reasons two years ago, but has remained with Teesport operator PD Ports’ transport division as a shunt driver.

As part of the celebrations, Harry was given the chance to drive the truck liveried in his honour around the private Teesport estate with a Harbour Police escort.

He also met PD Ports’ chief executive Frans Calje and other senior leaders and colleagues, with wife Elaine and his three sons in attendance to recognise his years of service.

Harry, from Acklam, near Middlesbrough, 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 personal protective equipment, no tachographs – 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.”

Russell Spink, PD Ports transport general manager – north, who has worked with Harry for ten years, said: “The knowledge and experience Harry has 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 look after them.”

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