Day in the life of a Jet driver

Louis Stephens

In the fast-paced world of road planing, adaptability and commitment are key. For Louis Stephens, a Transport and Tipper Driver at Jet Plant, these qualities come naturally. Since joining the team in August, Louis has quickly established himself as a reliable and dedicated member, embodying Jet’s ethos of going above and beyond. 

Louis’ role is far from ordinary. It demands hands-on individuals who thrive on being part of the action rather than watching from the sidelines. “I didn’t know what planing was before I joined,” Louis admits. “But I thought I’d give it a go. I was offered another job, but it seemed boring. Here, I get to work with machinery and engines which is something that fascinates me and I really enjoy that.”.

Louis’ previous experience with tankers and haulers gave him a strong foundation, but joining Jet opened the door to something far more rewarding: variety, flexibility, and exciting challenges. “I’d worked with general tankers and haulers before high demand, low pay but Jet is completely different. The flexibility here is fantastic. We work on five-week shift patterns with the option of days or nights, which really suits different lifestyles. It’s a role that keeps you engaged and offers opportunities to learn every day.”

For Louis, night shifts are a favourite. “I actually prefer nights they’re efficient and rewarding. With road closures on motorways, there’s no sitting in traffic. Everything runs smoothly, and the time really flies. It’s a great way to make the most of your working hours”.

Louis’ day starts with loading and unloading plant equipment for jobs across the UK. On-site, he works as a tipper driver, delivering planings to designated tips. His responsibilities include:

• Coordinating with the transport team to plan efficient routes.
• Complying with Road Transport and Tachograph regulations.
• Securing loads for safe transit.
• Performing daily vehicle checks and minor maintenance, such as oil, coolant, and bulbs.

One job that stands out for Louis was his first night shift on the A49 near Hastings. “The village was so small we had to close the entire road, causing an hour detour for others. It was pitch black with no lights, and the road was narrow and bending nothing like a straight motorway. Lorries were getting stuck because there was only one entrance and nowhere to turn. It was challenging, but the best way to learn. I was the only tipper there straight into the deep end.”

“Great teams create great morale. At Jet, the drivers really support each other to get the job done efficiently and safely. That sense of teamwork makes every job more enjoyable and rewarding.”

For Louis, Jet isn’t just about the work it’s about the culture. “It’s a friendly environment. You can have a chat and a cup of tea when popping into the office. If you put the work in, they notice. For example, I helped with a weekend shift, and in return, they gave me a flexible working week. I definitely feel like a valued member of the team.”

Louis’ experience highlights what makes Jet Plant stand out: a dynamic role, genuine flexibility, and a supportive team culture. From challenging night shifts to learning on the job, every day brings something new and Jet ensures its drivers feel valued and appreciated. For Louis, it’s more than just driving; it’s being part of a company that invests in its people and rewards hard work.