As a supplement to a thread I have started on the Pro forum, I would like to try my best to encourage the newer drivers to this industry.
In the main, as a new starter the need to gain experience is vital. Many on here will have heard ’ 2 years experience ’ please. This can be true, but as I have shown over the last 3 years it can also be untrue. It’s exciting when you pass C and/or CE. Driving the big boy’s toys is great at first, but the novelty soon starts to wear off (sadly 
).
Unfortunately this haulage game is riddled with problems. " How does this involve/affect me? " you may ask.
Some time down the line you will experience being taken the ■■■■ out of by planners. The 10 hour drive no longer becomes a ’ back-up ’ option in case you hit unexpected traffic etc, it becomes a planners tool the same as a 15 hour shift. You will also experience Motorway Service Area’s which stink of ■■■■, have extortionate prices for drinks when you run out and are often full which leads some drivers to park on the hard shoulder at the exit.
Members of the public and even other fellow wagon drivers will grass you up for all sorts of road misdemeanours. Many of you will end up doing stupid hours and become used to having £500 week in your arse pocket and start living/spending accordingly.
You will potentially get stressed out, and the fact that you are immobile for many hours a day will affect your health.
As you know, it costs a LOT of dough to get licenced in this game, and most hauliers will pay around £10 per hour as a rough guide and a poll was conducted on the Pro forum which confirms this. ( Along with my own experience and also talking to many other drivers ). But there are an awful lot of employers who pay between £8 and £9 per hour 
As tempting as it is, DO NOT WORK FOR PEANUTS. I understand that it’s difficult to get a start, but this game is being run into the ground. If you don’t believe me, just research the other board 
" Why is this ’ Beaver ’ chap trying to discourage us? " I hear…
Quite the opposite chaps. I grew up in trucks and have loved becoming a truck driver myself, and I understand the need for change. Lot’s of folk in haulage think that change needs to start from the top down. I disagree…new drivers have the power to change things. I believe now that a GENUINE driver shortage IS starting to happen. EVERY EMPLOYER I HAVE DRIVEN FOR HAS STRUGGLED TO GET WHAT THEY CALL ’ GOOD ’ DRIVERS. As a truck driver you do an important job. It’s a dangerous job, and truck drivers regularly get seriously injured and killed 
IT’S VITAL THAT YOU VALUE YOURSELVES AND YOUR FELLOW DIVERS. This industry needs turning around, and you lads (and lasses 
) DESERVE decent facilities, decent working conditions, well maintained clean trucks and a bit of RESPECT from folk.
I EMPLORE YOU TO DRIVE WELL. DRIVE SAFELY AND LEAVE YOUR PHONE ALONE. DON’T THROW RUBBISH EVERYWHERE. DON’T DRIVE OVER GRASSED VERGES AND WRECK THEM. DON’T BE BONE IDLE AND ■■■■ ALL OVER THE PLACE. START LOOKING AFTER YOURSELVES AND DONT END UP BEING A STEREOTYPICAL FAT, LAZY, BONE IDLE TAILGAITING ■■■■■■.
If you can’t complete the work allocated in the time given, THEN DON’T DO IT. Be PROFESSIONAL about your work and slowly the image of truck drivers can be turned around. SPEAK TRUTHFULLY ABOUT YOUR WAGES & TERMS TO FELLOW DRIVERS.
SPREAD THE WORD ON SOCIAL MEDIA. Crap companies who will work you like a dog need to be run out of town. DON’T WORK FOR THEM AND START NAMING AND SHAMING. New drivers can change things. Older drivers are leaving this job in their droves. IT’S A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR NEW DRIVERS TO ALTER THE FUTURE IN TRUCKING AND TURN AROUND PUBLIC PERCEPTION.
BEST OF LUCK TO ALL NEWBIES. I wish you all safe drives and success. STICK IT TO THE MAN!!!
