New Zealand tanker drivers are the un-sung heroes of the dairy industry. We have a chat with Synlait milk tanker driver Kate Reynolds about what its like to be the driving wheels behind the sector.

Work & Daily Routine

Can you describe a typical day (or night!) in your role as a Synlait milk tanker driver?

At the start of each shift (normally 7am), we have a quick meeting and then we get given our run, or maybe two runs, and then we just crack on and drive. Health and safety is king for us so we always check our trucks before we head out. Once on farm, we double check we’re in the right place, hook all our hoses up and take a sample, load the milk, clean up and away we go. We end the day together, cleaning the trucks and debriefing any issues.

What regions or routes do you usually cover?

I’m usually in the Ashburton area. Occasionally, I'll go up to Culverden or down south to Temuka.

How many farms might you visit on an average shift?

About six to eight. Not as many when we're in peak season because each farm will produce so much milk the tanker fills up quickly!

What’s something about the job most people wouldn’t know?

It's mentally taxing, because you've got to pay attention to a lot of different things.

There are cars on the road and dozens of checks to make whether you’re driving or on farm. People are also surprised that we actually test the milk and physically check its smell and temperature.  Sometimes on night shift the hours can be quite long, so that can get taxing.

Career Journey

How and when did you get into milk tanker driving? Was this always the plan?

I always wanted to drive trucks growing up, but I never did. Two and a half years ago I broke my knee dairy farming, which meant I had to change careers. The team at Hilton’s were kind enough to give me a job, they trained me up, and now I'm driving.

Did you have any previous driving or rural experience before joining Synlait?

I grew up on a dairy farm, so I've always been around dairy. My background means I have a good understanding of the farms when I go there, and what I'm looking at. It’s great to still be connected to farming, although I do miss the close contact with the animals.

What kind of training or qualifications were required, and what was the learning curve like?

I came to Hilton’s with just my class 2 (heavy vehicle) licence. They provided me with all the training I needed to get up to class 5. There was a lot to learn but I was often able to jump in with another driver who was happy to teach me - we'd just go out on a quick tiki tour.

Highlights & Challenges

What do you enjoy most about the job? Any moments that stand out over the years?

I just enjoy driving. I've always been a car person and wanting to drive all the time. I also love the company – you get a good family in Hilton’s, but you also get time on your own driving every day.  My most bizarre day was when I did a video for a2 milk, so I had to go out and pick up milk while they were filming me. That was quite strange.

What are some of the biggest challenges you face on the road or in the role?

Being prepared for what other drivers do on the road is probably one of the hardest things. You have to be prepared because the trucks don't stop quickly. They take 150 to 200 metres to come to a full stop, that means you have to be paying attention 24-7. That can be mentally taxing for sure.

How do you manage the long hours, varying weather, or night shifts?

Luckily I only live 10 minutes away from work, so at the end of a shift I don't have a big drive home. I'm used to shift work, so I can sleep any time of the day or night. Definitely important to eat right, drink lots of water - all your standard good healthy practices.

How important is safety and technology in your role?

Very, very important. There’s a lot of new technology to help with our safety. They're just about to put in what we call our yellow line system, this is a GPS that provides us with up to date, detailed routes.

As I said before safety is king. If we're not safe, the public can get hurt or we can get hurt so it's a complete non-negotiable. Hilton’s give us all the training we need, and if we ever need new safety gear, we just order it. If we raise concerns, they also act quickly.

Advice for Aspiring Drivers

Any tips for young people or career changers looking to get into the transport or dairy support industry?

Definitely come to Hilton’s, because they may help you get fully qualified.

What's next for you?

I'd like to have a go in the office with the dispatching side of it - sending out the trucks every day and managing the drivers.

What does being part of New Zealand’s dairy supply chain mean to you?

Given I can’t work on a farm anymore, it’s great to be ensuring farmers’ milk gets to the factory and is all safe. I've always been in and around dairy. It's where I'm comfortable, and I love it so much. I don't think I'll be leaving any time soon.