Goulburn truckie Riley Topping has experienced some “wild, crazy” days delivering supplies during COVID-19. Photo: Supplied.
Goulburn truck driver Riley Topping has emerged from “wild, crazy” days of delivering groceries into panic-stricken Sydney with one goal – to be allowed more time for driving big rigs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the public’s recent mad scramble for toilet paper and groceries, the spotlight landed on supermarket staff and police who were trying to maintain order. But truck drivers have also stepped up, easing panic-induced demand by keeping a cool head among frantic motorists and maintaining their health and hygiene to stay on the road.
Riley drives Kenworth K200 trucks for line haul company Collins Transport, which arrive in Goulburn from South Australia bound for Sydney markets and distribution centres. “A big night is 30 trucks coming into Goulburn from Adelaide, another night 15-18 trucks into Goulburn,” he says.
“We broke records for the most trucks during consecutive nights in a week – 42 trucks coming up from Adelaide every night and 42 going back. They had 84 trucks on the road every night to meet supply and demand out of Sydney.”
The 27-year-old driver, who began working for Collins Transport in January, arrives at Sydney Markets in Flemington before the 4 am cut-off for trucks and B-doubles. “They are very professional at Sydney Markets,” says Riley. “As we get to a security gate to enter, they take your temperature. If it is too high or you have other symptoms of being sick, you won’t be allowed into the markets. That’s good because the markets are full of produce.”
Each time Riley climbs in or out of his truck’s cabin, he uses hand sanitiser. He also sanitises the cabin when his shift ends.
Unloading a Collins Transport B-double in Sydney. Photo: Supplied.
He also drives to Sydney distribution centres for Woolworths at Minchinbury, Coles at Eastern Creek and Aldi at Prestons, hauling everything from melons from Darwin, refrigerated produce, pallets of toilet paper, and dog and cat food.
Some of Riley’s friends who drive store delivery trucks tell stories of having arrived at destinations to find cars parked illegally in loading bays because regular car parks were full, making it impossible to unload. “They were approached to buy things directly off the back of the truck,” he says. “People asked if they had toilet paper on the truck and if they would sell it directly. It all went a bit crazy for a few weeks there.”
Departing Sydney via either the M4 or M5 motorways at the height of the frenzy, he often encountered motorists more frantic about getting to work and not allowing trucks to join the traffic. “They were visionless to their surroundings and not switched on at all,” says Riley. “They were all worried what they were doing. It was a wild time on the road for a few days.”
He believes young drivers should be allowed to work seven days a week to help meet demand and to give older drivers a break during the COVID-19 crisis.
“I can only work six days one week and five days the following week,” he says. “We have plenty of hours, we are in a routine and we are not doing anything else so we can continue to work,” he says. “The trucking industry is made up of a lot of guys 60 years or older. Many of them would think that was great [to have a break].
“They are very concerned about this virus and the effects it could have on their health. A lot of them are ex-smokers who have done a lot of kilometres and spent a lot of time on the road. They are very worried about their immune systems.”
When he’s not driving trucks, Riley keeps fit by riding motorbikes or his push bike and generally keeping busy. “I hope my immunity is up to this,” he says.
Seven years ago, Riley worked as a shearer. During persistent rain when wet sheep prevented him from working, he got his truck driving licence. He loves being behind the wheel of big rigs, listening to country music – especially American duo Florida Georgia Line – podcasts and e-book stories.
“Most of the people you come in contact with are good people,” he says. “They are out there having a crack and just enjoying life.”
Original Article published by John Thistleton on The RiotACT.
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