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Wanted. LGV Training & Employment Advice

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Andy the Landy:
I've been driving big vehicles for 13 years and there are certainly some sharks out there as operators. Try the likes of TESCO and SAINSBURY'S for the better money and no handballing of loads.
Downside of the job is long/antisocial hours and probably nights away. If you value family time look for something else. I used to be away for 2 to 3 months at a time only seeing the port of Dover maybe every couple of weeks (great if you are single). You can earn good money on the trucks but it will be the missus that gets to spend it as you wont have time. Suppose I'm now fairly lucky that I've found a decent employer as I'm home nearly every night, and the money aint too bad, but the average working day is still 12 hours. Drivers are very arrogant towards each other these days and you will certainly see some crazy driving, invest in a defensive driving course aswell, and adopt a laid back attitude (having said that I still use the old fashioned, non official hand signals :wink: )
Good look  :D

abinitio:
Well down here the '2 years' thing is a no go. Not enough drivers to do the work.

Here's a plan, get your C licence
Get you Hiab licence

Have guaranteed work with pretty much any agency whilst you prep for C+E.

RTD no applies so job alot easier then used to be.

If you're happy to work nights, get a job as a night trunker (couriers/pallet firms/argos/littlewoods etc) as money is good and you avoid most of the crap general haulage throws at you.

As mentioned the supermarkets (or at least their sub-contractors) are good to work for, but most are now 4 on 4 off with xmas day the only guaranteed day off.

It is worth doing, phone a few agencies around your area and ask if they would give you work, driver hire I know have no problem with new passes, alot of their franchises even put people through their tests.

Good luck

Lee

Eeyore:
Certain large haulage businesses are now offering contracts based on an 18 month tie in and they pay for your training - such is the requirement for logistics drivers. Apparently it's cheaper to do this than to import willing drivers from Eastern Europe.

A lot of this work is now also salaried (it encourages some drivers to complete work more expediantly, shall we say).

But, even with the newer working time directives and drivers hours things the industry hours are rough. Either nights or very early starts (3 am when I was doing the I.O.W. run  #-o ) and funny continental shift patterns.

Think long and hard. Agencies won't pay you that well and 9-5 shifts are like Sphinx droppings.

HTH
cheers
 8)
Eeyore

pm sent.

Jake:
Go for it Richard!!!
I dont do nights away myself (i like coming home every night to my family)
There's plenty of jobs to suit. Shifts, nights, weekends or just plain and simple day work (thats what i do)
Dont be put of thinking that you'll be away from home for days on end.
Yes, the best money is Europe work but there are plenty of firms that do days. Supermarkets are the easyest for work (if there is a depot near to you) but look around, you'll find something to suit and dont be affraid to ask for good money!!
 :D

Jake:
On this note
Look what i was driving today
1,2,3
(thought you'd like that)
10 years i've had my C+E licence and today was the first time i used it!!!
Blimey. Scary but wicked fun!!
KING OF THE ROAD!!
(something like that, hey :lol: )

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