Celebrating 40 Years of Service: Helen Douglas and Carron Gray

At Maxi Haulage, people have always been at the heart of our business. This year, we are proud to celebrate an incredible milestone as two valued colleagues, Helen Douglas and Carron Gray, mark 40 years of service with the company.

Helen joined Maxi Haulage on 12th May 1986, while Carron started just a few weeks earlier on 24th April 1986. Four decades later, both remain key members of the team — Helen in Credit Control and Carron as Cashier — bringing with them a wealth of experience, dedication and knowledge that spans generations of the business.

Reflecting on their first days at Maxi, both remember a very different workplace to the one we know today.

Helen recalls walking into the traffic office on her first day and meeting colleagues who would become familiar faces for many years to come. One memory that has stayed with her all this time was meeting a colleague she thought seemed “so old” at the age of 60 — a thought that now makes her smile as she herself reaches that milestone this year.

Carron remembers spending much of her first day with David Dawson, Accountant and Company Secretary, learning the ropes of what would become a long and successful career. Originally applying for a receptionist role, her experience in credit control quickly became apparent and helped shape the path she would follow at Maxi.

Neither imagined they would still be with the company 40 years later.

“I remember being horrified when they asked me to join the pension scheme,” Carron joked. “I was only in my twenties!”

Over the years, both have seen enormous changes in the way the business operates. From typewriters, carbon paper and handwritten consignment notes to emails, computers and modern systems, the evolution of technology has transformed daily working life.

“When we started, everything was written by hand,” they recalled. “We were excited when we got a telex machine and a fax machine.”

But while technology has changed dramatically, some things have remained constant — particularly the strong sense of teamwork and loyalty within Maxi Haulage.

For both Helen and Carron, the people and the company culture have played a huge part in their long careers.

“It’s always felt like a family,” Helen explained. “The company has always been accommodating and supportive.”

Carron added: “I’ve never got up in the morning and thought I didn’t want to come to work. I’ve always enjoyed my job.”

Their reflections also highlight something increasingly rare in modern working life: stability, commitment and pride in building a long-term career.

“The grass isn’t always greener elsewhere,” Carron said. “Stability is important.”

Across four decades, both have experienced the highs and challenges that come with working in the haulage industry — economic downturns, changing technologies and an ever-evolving business environment — yet their enthusiasm and professionalism have remained constant throughout.

Looking back, there are plenty of memories shared along the way, particularly the legendary Christmas parties and social events that helped create lifelong friendships among colleagues.

As Maxi Haulage continues to grow and evolve, Helen and Carron’s commitment stands as a reminder of the loyalty, resilience and community spirit that have helped shape the company over the past 50 years.

Everyone at Maxi Haulage would like to thank Helen and Carron for their incredible contribution and dedication. We are proud to celebrate this remarkable achievement and wish them both continued happiness and success in the years ahead.