Driver Jatt

Blackpool – It’s not fair!

Yesterday was a bit weird. First of all, it was super cold again. Brass monkeys down here. I then found myself somewhere in Gloucestershire after an early job, engine idling, admiring some spectacular winter greenery. All frosty and crisp. Very pretty. However, with my self imposed daily targets not met, it meant I wasn’t able to mooch around. No time for it. Rules are rules. With the board looking quiet, I decided to just head back to the Birmingham depot early and tackle the mountain of admin. Thrilling stuff.

That was the plan, until my phone buzzed mid afternoon. A quote for a job was accepted. It was offered by one of those rare firms who simply get communication. A quick, clear brief. What a godsend. Last minute, but you don’t say no to that, especially when it helps hit the target. The run was a classic. A collection from an industrial unit in Birmingham for a drop off up north, just shy of Blackpool. You know the type of place I mean. I won’t say where out of respect. It’s all the same grey boxes anyway.

The drive up was the usual M6 grind, made longer by zig zagging across the road network to avoid everyone and their crashes. You learn the alternative routes quick in this job, or you spend your life stationary. By the time I’d found the drop point, got the signatures sorted, and the van was empty, the day was gone. It was time for the post job routine. Gym to undo the sitting, dinner, and a walk. In that strict order. No messing.

Now, listen. This is the bit that’s not fair.

Their air temp was 7 degrees Celsius. Seven. Up north. In winter. I stood on the promenade after the drop and could only vaguely describe it as warm. Balmy, even. I’d left Birmingham in a proper coat and was now carrying it. I couldn’t believe how lovely the weather was up here. I was so gobsmacked I sent selfies next to the sea to my own wife. Me, in just a jumper. Even she couldn’t believe how warm it is up here. We’re down there freezing, and Blackpool’s having a mild evening. Can you believe the variance in temperature around the country on a single day? I can. This job teaches you that. You don’t just drive miles, you drive through different climates.

A short stroll to stretch my legs after being in the cab ended up as a very long one. Blackpool is a strange beast without the tourists and the life. Out of season, after a delivery, it’s like a ghost town. All the shutters are down, lights are off, and there’s this eerie, quiet vibe about the place. The sea just hisses in the dark. Some of the few people walking around with their hoods up moved almost zombie like, shuffling along the empty fronts. It’s a bit spooky. A world away from the daytime noise.

I decided it was best for me to leave now. The job was done, the van was empty, and the quiet up here was making me jumpy. I’ve got a good audiobook I need to finish for the long drive back south to the proper cold.

Happy days. Another drop completed, another lesson in British weather.

So, do you need a courier? Ideally one that isn’t ‘that’ cold anymore?

Click on www.frigate-express.co.uk  and use the calculator to quote you.

If you have any questions???? Get in touch.