Changing careers is never an easy decision. It takes courage, a willingness to learn and the support of people who are prepared to give you an opportunity. Morris Okpo decided to start from scratch to build a more stable future and found in professional transport a career in which he could grow. This is the story of how hard work, training and the support of a team made that change possible.
Some people find their profession from a very young age, while others discover their true path after experiencing different stages in life. Morris Okpo’s story belongs to the latter group. His journey shows that it is never too late to reinvent yourself when you have the determination to learn and keep moving forward.
Before becoming a professional driver, Morris worked for different companies and in a variety of roles. One of his most recent jobs was in the telecommunications sector, where the pace of work and constant pressure eventually convinced him that he needed a change. The endless calls and the feeling of always being in a hurry led him to look for a profession that could offer greater stability and peace of mind.
It was then, through Lanbide, that he discovered the opportunity to train as a professional driver. He started from scratch, first obtaining his lorry driving licence, followed by the Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) and, later, his ADR qualification for the transport of dangerous goods, thereby expanding his opportunities within the sector.
Once he had completed his training, he was given the opportunity to join Fernández y Aedo. During his first few months, he was supported by experienced drivers who helped him take his first steps in the profession. José taught him how unloading operations worked, while Toni helped him build confidence behind the wheel. Through this gradual learning process, Morris gained the confidence he needed to become the professional he is today.
He currently drives routes across France and various parts of Spain, particularly Barcelona and Tarragona, and says he enjoys a profession he believes he chose at exactly the right point in his life.
One of the things he values most about working at Fernández y Aedo is the organisation within the company and the resources made available to drivers. He has access to all the necessary personal protective equipment, safety systems and digital tools that make his day-to-day work easier, as well as constant communication with the transport manager and the rest of the team by phone and WhatsApp.
Although life on the road involves many hours of driving alone, Morris says he never feels that he is working alone. He highlights the good relationship between colleagues and how easy it is to resolve any questions or issues that may arise. As he puts it, “you drive alone, but you work as a team.”
He also particularly appreciates the trust the company places in its drivers. Knowing their routes, working hours and planned tasks in advance allows them to carry out their working day with greater peace of mind and confidence, something he considers essential to doing his job well.
When travelling, he usually takes food prepared at home and uses his breaks to heat it up in the lorry’s microwave, although from time to time he also enjoys stopping somewhere to eat out during his journey.
When he talks about the profession, he does not focus on its difficulties. On the contrary, he says that every destination has something to offer, although one of the places that surprised him most was Teruel.
Those who know him describe him as approachable, kind and always willing to help. If there is one value he considers essential, it is respect. He believes that treating others with respect is the foundation of any positive working environment.
As a father of four, he acknowledges that one of the main reasons he decided to change careers was to provide his children with a more stable future. That motivation continues to be one of the driving forces behind his desire to keep growing professionally.
His next goal is to take on longer international routes, a challenge that will allow him to continue developing within the sector and take on new responsibilities.
Morris Okpo’s story shows that changing direction is always possible when you have determination, a willingness to learn and a company prepared to put its trust in people. Because sometimes, starting from scratch is the first step towards finding where you truly want to be.
If you would like more information about our dangerous goods transport services or any of the solutions we offer, please do not hesitate to contact us.
