We talk to haulier Barry Proctor about his passion for trucks

What is your name?

Barry Proctor

What is your job title and company name?

I’m the owner of Barry Proctor Services based in Stoke-on-Trent. I established the company 32 years ago in 1985. We started with four employees and now we employ over 40 people.

What industry do you work in?

We are specialists in haulage for the construction industry. Our largest contract is with Wienerberger PLC, and we also carry out work for other brick and block tile manufacturers. We have specialised in architectural stone for over 15 years. We also work for many leading builders’ merchants throughout the UK.

To find out more about Barry Proctor Services visit: www.barryproctorservices.co.uk

Do you drive yourself? How long have you been a driver?

I started driving trucks when I was 20 years old, and I still drive occasionally now.

Can you tell me about your truck? Make and model? Age?

It’s an Actros, I think it’s a 2013, but it still looks like new.

Are there any special features on your truck?

It was the first black truck in our fleet.

Do your trucks have names?

Yes, we started with knights and princes, and it grew from there. The Mercedes-Benz Actros is called the Black Knight.

All of your trucks seem to have a slightly different livery, what is the thinking behind this?

Traditionally our company colours were red but over the years as we have bought different trucks it has evolved, and we have some black and some blue and white trucks. The majority are red though.

Are there any common themes to the livery?

The Staffordshire knot features on all of the trucks.

Can you tell me more about the paint job?

The Actros was airbrushed by Andy Scott in Sheffield.

What was the inspiration for the livery?

The Mercedes-Benz features a knight on horseback, it’s a striking design. More recently we have used The Hunger Games and Hacksaw Ridge as inspiration for the new trucks. The airbrushing is expensive, but I think it is worth it as they look fantastic – the new trucks are so good, it’s like looking at a photograph.

Have you always been into trucks?

Yes, from a young age. Some people had posters of girls on their walls when they were children; I had posters of trucks. I can still remember one I had from Frank Tucker Commercials in Exeter.

Do you have any plans to show your truck this year? If so where and when?

We are showing the trucks at Truckfest North West on the 16-17 September at the Cheshire Showground in Knutsford and Trucking Live on the 23-24 September at the Oswestry Showground, Shropshire. Earlier this year we took them to Truckfest Peterborough and Convoy in the Park.

Do you enjoy truck shows?

I really enjoy them. It’s great to see the reaction from the public, and it’s a good opportunity to talk to my drivers on a 1:1 basis in a relaxed environment away from the office.

How do people react when they see your trucks?

We get a great reaction to the trucks. Lots of people photograph them as they are driving past.

Can you tell me more about the Truckers Against Freight Crime campaign?

I started Truckers Against Freight Crime two years ago. I sit on the RHA security forum so I’m aware of the theft that goes on in our community. The Facebook page is a way of letting other truckers know where not to park and to alert them to potential danger.

To find out more about Truckers Against Freight Crime visit: https://www.facebook.com/Truckers-Against-Freight-Crime-541004949332023/

Images kindly supplied by:

Barry Proctor

KS Transport Photography on flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/44141044@N06/

Simon's Truck Stop on flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/60834411@N08/

Gezza's Gallery on flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/60944732@N08/

Harry's On The Road Truck Photos on flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/82080912@N05/