Weird Encounters on the Road: A Hauler's Tale

As a hauler, I have seen some of the most peculiar and bizarre events while driving. Growing up in the 80s and being exposed to the unconventional activities of my family members – who were HGV drivers, range racers, and occasional thieves – my experiences are somewhat surreal. I will share some of the most unusual things I have witnessed while driving, providing a slice of life from the lesser-discussed aspects of HGV hauling.

Backyard Vehicle Burials and Hauling Spirits

One of the weirdest things I have experienced involves watching my father and brothers bury stolen trailers and cars beneath leaves and hedges, covering them with tarps. It was a regular occurrence and something quite common in our household. This was akin to scenes from 'Smokey and the Bandit,' where vehicles were hidden in the most unexpected places. This experience has lingered with me, making my childhood adventures quite extraordinary.

Towing Livestock and People Alike

Recently, I encountered something entirely unexpected. Someone was towing a livestock trailer full of sheep with a pony crammed in the back. Just a few days later, another individual was being seen towing a single horse trailer that was filled with human beings. In fact, there were actual human faces peeking out from the top of the trailer where a horse's rear would normally be.

I would speculate that they were trying to circumvent admission fees at show grounds by cramming people into the back of the trailer. Event organizers have long been aware of such schemes and now check horse boxes and trailers as part of their admission process.

The sight of those faces was truly shocking. I recall the moment vividly, thinking, "WTF? Are those people? Holy shit, there are people in the back of a horse trailer and no horse!" It was a moment that took me aback.

Free Pebbles and a Willowing Adventure

Another noteworthy event involved collecting two tonnes of pebbles someone was giving away free. My old paddock had drainage problems, and the pebbles seemed like a godsend. When a friend and I decided to collect the pebbles, we were also offered a partially dug-out willow tree. While the willow tree seemed like a challenge to haul, we decided to take it all.

So, we loaded the willow tree and the pebbles onto a borrowed trailer, driving down the motorway at highway speeds. The way the willow tree looked, screaming for its life, was quite comical. It was a mix of terror and laughter as we tried to keep the speed going, reaching the exit before the police could pull us over. The more terrified the tree looked in my rear-view mirror, the more I laughed, but we had to get out of that stretch of road incredibly quickly.

Driving with an 8-foot willow tree haphazardly tied to the back of a trailer, it was a challenge to maintain a straight line. Despite the risks, it was a necessity due to the free offer and the unique situation we found ourselves in. After a few days, the tree had calmed down and was enjoying a few shots of brandy to settle the nerves. The campaign was successful, and the paddock had beautiful pink and purple pebbles and a well-relaxed willow tree.

These instances highlight the unexpected and sometimes bizarre situations that can arise in the world of HGV hauling and driving. They are a testament to the creativity and resourcefulness of haulers and the occasional unpredictability of the road.

Through these experiences, I have not only built upon my hauling skills but have also fostered a keen interest in the various peculiarities of driving and the fantastic adventures that can come with it.