Long Distance van work

Has anyone any experience doing this type of work?

Really do not fancy the tear about local multi drop stuff but was thinking it could be a good way to dip me toe before fully committing to trying for my HGV, or maybe a company would even put you through it if competent enough on the vans/ routes?

Might be a long shot but just wondered if anyone knows of companies that do this type of work around the Bedford, Milton keynes area? Even if i get knocked back its worth a try eh! Also think the wanderlust has got me as current job is starting to grate being stuck in the same place everyday.

Yes, I have experience of long distance van work. I did several long distance van jobs. There’s not much about these days, they always want you to have your own van. Long distance van work is easy, therefore sought after. So people queue up for the job.

jbaz73:
Yes, I have experience of long distance van work. I did several long distance van jobs. There’s not much about these days, they always want you to have your own van. Long distance van work is easy, therefore sought after. So people queue up for the job.

Cheers
I did notice they seem to want you to have your own van or have a “franchisee” style relationship which can swallow up any profits quickly if something goes wrong. Back to the drawing board i guess!

I’m not saying give up with it, just be prepared for it to be difficult. There are jobs out there, lots of people applying for them too. If you don’t mind me asking, why have you ruled multi drop out? You have written off 99% of the jobs before you even get started. I don’t mind multi drop, keeps you moving all day, and that beats waiting around with your thumb up your bum. Multi drop is only as stressful as you let it be. Go at your own pace, not slow, but not zooming around getting tickets either. Multi drop, the secrets in the planning. Plan your day before you start and you’ll be fine.

Hardest part is finding the parcel when you get to the drops.

I should at least maybe see what’s around your right.
I’ve got a disability so while I probably could manage to still do multi drop to a fashion I was looking for the easier option really, tippers and trunking would be my best bet on the lorries I’d think.
If I could get on with it I’d give multi drop stuff a go but personally the distance or overnight stuff just seems more interesting.

Tippers? You still have to sheet it, what about when you get a load of tarmac go off and you have to shovel it out by hand. Trunking is a good job, but you still have to wind up damaged legs and fight the curtains back. Some places expect you to self load/tip. It can get boring going to the same place night after night. You may not do distance work, trunking could mean 20 miles up the road, 5 times a night doing a trailer swap each time. I’m not trying to put you off matey, it can be a fantastic job, just go into it with your eyes open. You have to start on the crappy jobs and work your way up to something better.

Without wishing to pry too much, what is your disability?
If its to do with walking then youre probably correct, delivering parcels to blocks of flats aint gonna be much good! Distance van work can be time critical and sitting in the seat for hours on end wont do anyone`s back any favours.
As suggested trunking can be OK. Not zero effort but “doable”.
Maybe containers are the least physically demanding common job? There are others of course, but maybe that is the most likely?

Good suggestion the containers, it will take it out of your back sitting for 15 hrs a day. I too didn’t want to pry, but knowing your disability and how it affects you would place us in a better place to help you.

Hi Franglais its a weakness in my left hand and foot can still walk, albeit with a limp, and with the hand struggle with finer movements but can still hold things and use it to an extent, can change gear etc. I’d be fine sat down for long periods though probably want to stretch my legs like anyone else afterwards. Drove vans in a previous job ratcheting loads down on the vans or trailers maybe containers would be a way in cheers

Jbaz73 i can just about about use a shovel failing that bung a few quid to a passing grab driver to dig my body out :laughing:

In seriousness though i probably would need to find a job that suited me and no point in making an expensive mistake, which is why i keep umming and ahhing about it. But it is an itch that won’t go away never know till i try i suppose!

You say you can use a shovel, but worst case scenario, how do you feel about shovelling 20 tons off the back?

I tend to agree, containers are a good idea. I had a job once driving a class 2 for a local library. No lifting whatsoever, easy work. The point is that there are many jobs out there. If I were in your position, I would go to driver hire (or another driving agency) be honest about your disability, and do a variety of jobs for a while until you find your niche. There are jobs out there that you have not even thought of, and many suitable jobs we can’t even name.

99% of container work is on a C+E licence (Class 1 / artics) so that`ll be a fair commitment on training. A lot of newer licence holders on C licence (rigids) seem to start on multi drop shop stuff. That can involve pulling around a pallet truck or cages of goods over uneven pavements etc. Maybe not too easy.
So, it could be a case of jumping straight in for you, rather than taking it in stages? Good luck, whatever you decide.

There’s a transport company in MK who specialise in commercial catering equipment who seem to go up and down the country with vans and hgvs but their name escapes me.

Thanks for the replies and idea’s I appreciate them, all food for thought. I’ll post up if I make any progress.

TiredAndEmotional:
There’s a transport company in MK who specialise in commercial catering equipment who seem to go up and down the country with vans and hgvs but their name escapes me.

This company?: keithelkingtontransport.co.uk/

Thanks TiredandEmotional and Mrginge!
As I work in the waste industry was also thinking of walking floor type work might be able to get on with that!

You’re going to find it pretty difficult to get in because there is a lot of competition for van work, especially the distance stuff as lots of people want the work. That being said if you don’t try, you will never get! Having the hgv qualification opens more doors because it shows that you are professional. Having the class 2 opens a lot of doors. Maybe general haulage would suit you? I have fibromyalgia and refuse any heavy work. Last year I did some work for Cobley’s which was 2 or 3 drops all over the place. I was working an average of 12 hrs per day and the rate was £12 per hour FOR DRIVING A 7.5! Not too bad! They wanted someone with a hgv in case they wanted to send me out in something bigger, but never did! Don’t hear me complaining.

If driving is what you want, go for it and give anything that comes your way a go. It’s all good experience. I don’t know what your personal circumstances are, but if it was me, I would be looking to sign with multiple agencies and be prepared to move about a fair bit until something permanent that’s the right fit comes along. A lot of people slag agency work but it’s a great way to test many flavours until you find one you like.

Good luck with whatever you decide