Truck drivers show us inside their workplace, home and playground

THEY spend weeks and even months on the open road, alone and far from their loved ones. So how do the men behind the wheel survive?

Inside the secret life of truckies

EVER wondered what it’s like to be a truck driver, living your life on the open road for days, weeks or months at a time?

These illuminating photographs take a look inside the cabins of the giant vehicles where men eat, sleep, work and drive: usually alone.

Photographer Cory Wright, from the Gold Coast, began the project after watching trucks speeding down the freeway and wondering about the person inside.

He says he soon learned that truck-driving is not just a job, it’s a lifestyle. And one that comes with many challenges.

These include spending extended lengths of time away from home and family, the stress from tight deadlines and breakdowns and the mounting number of rules and regulations that drivers are required to obey.

Despite this, says Mr Wright, every one of the drivers he encountered was approachable.

“We have this preconceived idea of what truck drivers are like,” he said. “But they were all very obliging and willing to have a chat.”

It was for this reason that when he spotted a truck with a bug deflector that read “Gentlemen in Disguise”, he knew the series had its title.

The series shows just how diverse truckies really are. Bearded, vest-wearing Mark was originally a pastry chef, and took up the profession just 12 months ago.

Malcolm had a serious accident last month that completely destroyed the truck he is pictured in.

He escaped with only a “scratch on the head and a sore neck” and was back on the road within a week.

They are all impressively resilient.

One common tale among the drivers is of the strain the job puts on relationships, and how the family dynamic is affected by having to spend so much time away from home.

A few are able to bring their family on the road with them — but not many can do so because of insurance and other issues.

“Life goes on” was John’s reply when asked about a past relationship. He and his new partner Sharmaine had been together for about eight months when they posed for the series.

John is now travelling with his son.

Dave and his daughter Paige lost their home to bushfires near Yarram, Victoria earlier this year.

The family have since found a house near the Hume Highway, so Dave gets to be home more often.

Ted was one of several owner/operators Mr Wright interviewed who had been driving for decades. His description of the job speaks for itself.

“I’ll tell you what we are: we’re professional, articulated vehicle manipulators — and you’d be hard-pressed to find a harder job in this country.”

To find out more, or if you are a truck driver and want to be part of Mr Wright’s ongoing project, visit his website at www.coryjwright.com or find him on Twitter @corywrightphoto. He is particularly looking for female drivers or those travelling with family.