I went to Perth a couple of weeks ago to help my brother-in-law, Brian, start to empty his large shed of computing and industrial equipment as he is not well or fit enough to do it.
Over a 10-day period we (largely me) filled 11 Naly bins, four 240 litre waste bins, sundry boxes and plastic bags to take the material to Ross Auctions, about 20 kilometres away.
The first trip to Ross’s (all computer stuff) was a challenge for me. Apart from never having driven the truck before, Brian had loaded the Naly bins right on the edge of the driver’s side of the tray, the truck was listing to starboard, and I, slightly terrified had to fight the steering all the way along a major highway busy with traffic.
After that experience I made sure that the Naly bins for the next load (more computer stuff) were centred in the tray. The trip to Ross’s was largely uneventful, except Ross’s advised that they could not take any more computer stuff for a while.
I filled four more Naly bins with industrial products, then a large metal box with welding rods. The metal box was extremely heavy. Loading it on the rear of the truck, beyond the rear wheels, made the rear end sag. Driving the truck became more terrifying. I silently cursed Brian as the front wheels were struggling to maintain contact with the road. I was looking forward to emptying the truck for the drive back. It was not to be as Brian had not organised that we could deliver the material. We headed home still fully laden. Brian diverted me towards another auction house, phoning them to be told they no longer dealt with the items. Brian continued on his phone, failing to give directions when needed. As a driver who likes to be well-positioned on the road, to be in the right lane for turning, I silently cursed Brian some more for his lack of organisation and situational awareness.
It was a scary trip home.
Burnside Writers Group 