6 months ago I passed my class 1 the first job I went to I went to a hub in Birmingham in a double decker when I arrived it was panic as earlier in the shift I had to do a trailer swap 30km away and take it back to there dept to be sorted out so I’m running late as have to strap down and do checks. the proper way of doing it what I learnt in my training. I arrive at Birmingham and every one is rushing me calling me and harassing me to get there. So 7 forklift start unloading me I ask the supervisor I need a. Break before I go back so I’m told to pull my card by a manager I refused to do that I had a big row with them as they wanted me to move the lorry out the yard to make room for the other lorrys. So I stayed there and had my 45 break. I got called back there by the agency for 4 nights this week and now with 6 months under my belt felt much better about my reverse and everything else so I got in same route did the trailer swap and was on my way up there I got there and did another trailer swap got the fuel etc I have 30 mins driving time left so the supervisor said is it on break I said no as was strapping down and doing checks then the manager comes up and say legs up cmon need this clear so more pressure to move off I worked fast and got out of there. So with 30 mins left I’m going on the motorway as I’m not about to to looking for a place to stop as I don’t know the area so I keep going back and reach my 4.5 driving still no where to stop ended up 4.50 driving then I said that’s enough so went of slip road and sat on a bridge next thing I know I’ve got a light in my face it’s traffic police, what seems to be the problem here I explained he said I said I left the depot and could not find anywhere to stop so after 15 mins I have to be escorted to another layby I had the break then I’ve got them phoning again where are you basically getting arsey with me cos I’m not there. I got back explained and no one cared I found out that the people there are on like a job and knock and get there breaks paid so this is why they work there breaks to get finished early. This was a 14 hr shift and I’m shattered I drive an hour each way to get there so ended up being a 16 hour night shift with me driving my car.
In hindsight I should of maybe planned somewhere to have a break but I’m right against the clock being pushed all the way . So this morning I e mailed the agency and told them everything I also told them what I was told to do and this company told my agency to do this “take the card out fill your fuel swap your trailer and put card back in in 45 then make a manual entry as break” this is shocking that not only the large company is doing this the agency is buying it too. I shut them down straight away and said this is illegal I also only got 3 hours sleep last night so with all this going on I’m tired and don’t feel fit to drive so I’ve told them this and still I’m getting asked to go in tonight I don’t feel safe behind the wheel of a double decker as I’m tired and could have a accident. I’ve stayed at home I’m told they will cancel me now so I’ve lost money by not working I am glad I’m not working as it’s safer the company and the agency were both willing to put me behind the wheel in this state get me to break the law and all this is fine. I can’t believe this goes on and is tolerated as a agency driver you are treated like ■■■■ you have no rights and get the worst end of it.
…and a few posts back you were wanting your own lorry 
Digit369:
I was told to do and this company told my agency to do this “take the card out fill your fuel swap your trailer and put card back in in 45 then make a manual entry as break” this is shocking that not only the large company is doing this the agency is buying it too.
A name and shame is well in order here.
Whats the companies name?
there all the same , just started a new job , and I’m sure the amount of work they keep trying too shove on me that they think the trucks double manned, I can only suggest what I’m doing , looking round for something else , it’s out there it’s just finding it , best of luck
It’s difficult to name and shame as I could be done for slaunder although this is all true and it probably happens in other cases but drivers just get in but it’s putting public and road users safety at risk. This company is a big one huge depot and depots all over the uk. I said to the agency I am responsible and now they have been made aware they are responsible. They still was willing to send me out but I’m told I would be given some tips before I left tonight yeah tips on how to fiddle it to there advantage. You also see the problem at the lorry parks I went to cobham services and lorrys are parking in the car park because councils are closing the lorry parks and there’s no parking. I’m so ■■■■■■ off I spent so much time and money in training trading to be a professional driver to be treated like this and the best part is the agency dock 45 mins off my shift as well. Yes they should be exposed it’s amazing how it’s not happened already the manager told the agent it’s normal they have 100s of drivers who do this bullied into doing thing illegally to keep there jobs
So if I’m reading this right you arrived at the depot with 4 hours driving done ,
tipped ,
reloaded ,
fueled up
and then left .
You had around 30 minutes driving left , were in a part of the world you didn’t know and you thought you’d wing it and look for a layby .
First question - Why did you not take a 45 in the depot ?
Second question - If that wasn’t possible could you not have parked on the Industrial estate?
Third - Did you ask any of the other drivers - “Here mate can you help me , I need a 45 can you tell me anywhere I can get one close to here as I don’t know the area .?”
No such thing as being advised to break the law - nothings written down - theres no case to answer.
Remember the 7 P’s in future
Proir
Planning and
Preperation
Prevents
■■■■
Poor
Performance
You said you emailed the agency. Did they email you back stating the same as the company to whip card out?
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Get a grip pal, no one there gives a crap, that’s why it’s a limpers gig…
And if you think the agency could give a stuff? Oh do dream on mate! 
You have 2 choice!
1, Keep whining and lose the gig.
2, Limp somewhere else.
JaxDemon:
You said you emailed the agency. Did they email you back stating the same as the company to whip card out?Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Of course they didn’t .
They wouldn’t be as stupid as to “advise” a driver to break the law much less put it in writing or an email .
They told him he needs to be "trained " and given tips .
beefy4605:
JaxDemon:
You said you emailed the agency. Did they email you back stating the same as the company to whip card out?Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Of course they didn’t .
They wouldn’t be as stupid as to “advise” a driver to break the law much less put it in writing or an email .
They told him he needs to be "trained " and given tips .
Straight to the point but ya never know.
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
You’re legally entitled to your break AND you’re legally obliged to take it. Its the law. If any employer asks you to work through your break, ask for it in writing, a text message will suffice. Worst case scenario, you’ll not be asked to work there again, but by the sounds of it, why would you want to.
Now, the second time you go there, you should be remembering how ■■■■ it was the first time. This is the point where you plan the shift. Map out, ask the other drivers how they do it. Whatever. It’s your license and it’s up to you to keep it.
I’m not buying it.
You only get treated like this if you allow yourself to be treated like this. Nothing you have described is unremarkable, a company will try and the absolute most it can out of you. Your agency will too.
What is surprising is that a driver was so absolutely sure about taking a break off card being illegal, yet unsure of his surroundings that he drove for nearly 5 hours and still couldn’t find an appropriate place to stop for a break.
I also think it’s mental for you to point out you haven’t been paid for not being at work, when you are a casual worker 
PS
Are you Dozy in disguise??
Pallet network is totally sheet
Evil8Beezle:
Get a grip pal, no one there gives a crap, that’s why it’s a limpers gig…
And if you think the agency could give a stuff? Oh do dream on mate!You have 2 choice!
1, Keep whining and lose the gig.
2, Limp somewhere else.
I’m nicking this… 
.
