We went on the hunt for the UK’s Coolest Truck Cab – and we think we found it! Josh Sadler drives a Scania R620 V8, purchased by his late father in 2013 to celebrate 30 years in business. The truck has undergone extensive customisation over the years. The interior features a full custom design, an upgraded sound system with a sub amp and speakers, an Xbox, a TV, a microwave and a fridge. The exterior has also seen numerous upgrades, including enhancements to the exhaust, lights, bumpers, and horns.
For professional drivers, it’s important to make your HGV cab your home as much as possible as you’re likely to spend many hours in your truck. A real “home away from home” can help to boost work-life balance and enhance convenience. Having everything you need at arm’s reach helps minimise downtime and travel stress. Not only that, being self-sufficient can allow greater freedom when you need to take a break. We caught up with HGV driver Josh Sadler to find out more about his customised truck – and why making your cab as comfortable as possible is a high priority.
It’s in the Family
“MJS Express Limited was founded by my dad, Michael John Sadler in 1983, based in Cambridgeshire. He started the business with one truck and successfully built it up over the years. In 2015, my life turned upside down when I lost my father. My brothers, my mum, and I continued the business, but it was a difficult time – I was only in my early 20s. However, I was determined to try my hardest to continue, and 10 years later, we are still here, going strong for Dad – we refused to let my father’s hard work be for nothing,” Josh reflects.
“I’ve grown up around trucks and our yard, going out with my dad in trucks from a young age, and attending Truckfest shows. Once I passed my Class 1 licence, my dream was always to build my own special truck,” Josh shares.
Your home from home
Of course, it’s not always possible to have your own truck, especially if you work for a business or are doing temp work. However, there are still some ways you can make your cab and journey a little more comfortable. For instance, invest in seat cushions that you can take with you from truck to truck, as well as bedding for overnight journeys. Even making sure you have your essential driving playlist to listen to can make a big difference.
“It’s important for cabs to be comfortable for HGV drivers so they can drive safely over the long hours. Like any workplace, you’ll get the best performance and have happy staff if they have clean, comfortable surroundings, and your team will represent the company with a sense of pride,” says Richard Owen-Hughes, Marketing Director at Driver Hire Training.
“Having comforts in the cab is very important, especially if you’re away for long periods,” Josh emphasises. “It can be a very lonely job at times, and you’re in your own headspace for long periods, only interacting with someone at a collection or delivery before heading back down the road again. It’s important your cab is your home away from home.”
“I always like turning up to the customer with a clean, well-presented truck and trailer; it’s a great advertisement for the company image and shows you take pride in what you do,” Josh concludes.
