YOU CALL WE HAUL THE LIFE & TIMES OF BOB CARTER - MAT IRELAND HARDBACK

Best known for founding international haulier, Trans UK, Bob Carter was involved in the ground-breaking changes occurring in British transport of the 60s and 70s and it is fair to say that he had an unusual and varied life. Beginning in the army where he witnessed nuclear testing on Christmas Island in the 1950s, he went on to be a driver, office worker and finally company owner.

Never afraid to get his hands dirty, Bob was able to turn his hand to any aspect of his business operation, from repairing mechanical defects, to operating forklifts and even on the odd occasion, driving his own trucks. In 1975 he set out on Trans UK’s maiden run to Iran in his Humber Sceptre with 4 of his trucks in convoy – the first trip of many, for the company.

The denationalization of BRS and the implementation of the ‘O’ licence, the rapid growth of privately owned haulage companies, combined with the Middle East oil boom of the 70s all helped Bob to develop a successful British and international transport operation. A real one-off and Mr. Nice Guy, Bob Carter was held in high esteem and respected by one and all.

Including nearly 300 previously unpublished photos, You Call, We Haul is an inspirational story which will appeal to those with an interest in the hey-day of Middle-East travel and those with a general love of great British transport companies.

Mat Ireland was born in Weymouth in 1981. His first driving job was for N C Cammack and Son in Essex, driving a Mercedes van. The following year, driving a 7.5 tonne truck, his lifelong ambition of becoming an international driver was fulfilled with his first ever European trip. He now works for music and entertainment transport company Transam Trucking, driving all across Europe.