Wondering if anyone could share any info or stories about working for agency as a new driver.
I’ve been applying for permanent positions, but hearing nothing back. And applied at a Few agencies an heard back from them, but still waiting for my license to come back.
Is it really that bad that could just be thrown a set of keys an paperwork, an told to get on with it.
Is agency work really hit an miss, ones I’ve looked at are guaranteeing regular on going work.
I’m liverpool/warrington/Manchester based. So any good reliable agencies around here?
I’ve been driving class one for 6 weeks on agency. First 2weeks were horrendous. Literally a set of keys and paperwork. No advice on reversing or how to strap loads or anything. Just get on with it. Glad I did those two weeks cos now my reversing is coming on great. Last 4 weeks have been a lot easier, doing night trunking. A lot simpler to get on with and I’m now temp to perm at this company so they book me every week. Best of luck pall.
n30jjb:
I’ve been driving class one for 6 weeks on agency. First 2weeks were horrendous. Literally a set of keys and paperwork. No advice on reversing or how to strap loads or anything. Just get on with it. Glad I did those two weeks cos now my reversing is coming on great. Last 4 weeks have been a lot easier, doing night trunking. A lot simpler to get on with and I’m now temp to perm at this company so they book me every week. Best of luck pall.
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Sounds like those first few weeks are going to be a steep learning curve. I’m only class2 at the moment, so the reversing side isn’t a big worry. Just the day to day general bits of the job to get on with it, paperwork, load security an bits like that.
All this is in my opinion as an agency driver - but here goes:
No one is going to be interested until you have a CPC card and a digi tacho and your licence. You need those to work. Technically they won’t need the driving licence as they can check online - but I don’t think they will give you the cpc card before this is done.
Yes you can be thrown a set of keys. It’s how I started. And it’s very very common. It’s also a great way to learn. If you are on temp to perm you might get some training with the company. Otherwise you are on your own. However this isn’t all bad - I love the freedom of it going to new places and doing new things. The initial terror is part of the package. I prefer this now to assessments and hassle - give me the keys and a location and I’ll work it out from there.
No agency can guarantee regular work (unless the agency is owned by the company who need the drivers like Stobarts’ ‘logistics peoplee’) - however if you are semi decent there is enough work to keep you busy. I passed my class 2 in january (the low season) and have never struggled to get work. If you want guaranteed money work on the agency until you get a normal job and then leave the agency.
n30jjb:
I’ve been driving class one for 6 weeks on agency. First 2weeks were horrendous. Literally a set of keys and paperwork. No advice on reversing or how to strap loads or anything. Just get on with it. Glad I did those two weeks cos now my reversing is coming on great. Last 4 weeks have been a lot easier, doing night trunking. A lot simpler to get on with and I’m now temp to perm at this company so they book me every week. Best of luck pall.
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Sounds like those first few weeks are going to be a steep learning curve. I’m only class2 at the moment, so the reversing side isn’t a big worry. Just the day to day general bits of the job to get on with it, paperwork, load security an bits like that.
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Paperwork - they sign in the box. If unsure ask before you leave yard. This is one thing office people will care about.
Load security. Tbh you will either use ratchet staps on a curtainsider or load securing bars/straps in a fridge/box. It’s not rocket science. If you turn up and it’s a load of steel etc - just ask them to show you. Those are more specialist jobs and you wouldn’t be expected to know them.
I’m holding off going to interviews or anything till I’ve got all my cards. Waiting for my cpc, an driving license to come. Both sent off last week. So hoping won’t be much longer.
It seems a Bit daunting to think you’ll just be sent on your way on a first day at work. But I guess that’s the agency side of it, it’s not a full time permanent thing. So I guess some places arnt willing to waste time an money showing you things, if the next day it could possibly be a different person who turns up. So would be back to the start all over again.
Although I say seems daunting, I’m looking forward to just working things out, quite a positive an strong problem solver.
Jmarks, just to reinforce what sammym said, if you haven´t got your Licence, CPC, and Digi card in your sweaty little mitt it´s not worth phoning anyone up. They´ll simply tell you to phone them when you have.
I know this because last week I was in exactly the same place.
CPC in hand, but licence and digicard not back yet.
Contacted a few places in anticipation…“Call us when you have them back” They said.
Got em back now and it´s “Yeah, come on in and see us” or “We´ll send you a form to fill in”
Well, that´s a ■■■■■■■ because the one he sent is 60 effin pages!
Good luck bro.
Sammy, I´m disappointed pal! I read your posts and didn´t snigger like a schoolboy once!
Jmarks1227:
Wondering if anyone could share any info or stories about working for agency as a new driver.
I’ve been applying for permanent positions, but hearing nothing back. And applied at a Few agencies an heard back from them, but still waiting for my license to come back.
Is it really that bad that could just be thrown a set of keys an paperwork, an told to get on with it.
Is agency work really hit an miss, ones I’ve looked at are guaranteeing regular on going work.
I’m liverpool/warrington/Manchester based. So any good reliable agencies around here?
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Hi Jmarks,
Sounds daft but have you got a well written CV? I paid £10 on eBay for mine to be wrote correctly, I have applied for four jobs, 2 class C and then 2 class 1… applied directly, not through indeed, as I found indeed were missing information off my CV. All of the jobs I applied for I got a response back and interview. And have just landed a class 1 job with culina, decent money and good hours and as a new pass I’m over the moon with what they have offered me… £10 well spent!
I am a new pass class 2 and got all my cards back just over 2 weeks ago. Literally went to one agency on the Monday, received a phone call on the Tuesday for work on the Wednesday. Some of the work has been good and some bad but beggars can’t be choosers as a new pass I guess.
First job was doing removals, 2 days with one night out, parked in an industrial estate with a bunk bed. This one was a case of just chucking me the keys, bloke said it has three quarters of a tank so to top it up at fuel station, put the nozzle in and it kept clicking to day it’s full, soon realised not to stick the full nozzle in like I do with the car.
Second job for next couple of days was curtainsiders. YouTube helped me out a lot with this as never touched a ratchet strap, never opened a curtainsider and it also had one of those 4 over 4 high range low range gear boxes. YouTube helped with all of the above and within ten minutes had it nailed.
Did a Sunday with a large parcels company who buddied me up with a driver who did show me a lot which was great.
Second week was all removals for one firm doing tramping all week. The agency on this one took the mick a bit, £9 an hour as a limited company so take off employers ni, holidays etc then it’s probably less than minimum wage. Agency kepted on saying it’s vecauE I’m a new pass but definitely an excuse to drop the margin. I only said yes to one week as the week prior I saw this firm hadn’t a post up for a full time tramping position at £600 a week plus nights out.
Learned a hell of a lot in these last two weeks and feel more confident now than then, will see how I got on in next few weeks
Jmarks1227:
Wondering if anyone could share any info or stories about working for agency as a new driver.
I’ve been applying for permanent positions, but hearing nothing back. And applied at a Few agencies an heard back from them, but still waiting for my license to come back.
Is it really that bad that could just be thrown a set of keys an paperwork, an told to get on with it.
Is agency work really hit an miss, ones I’ve looked at are guaranteeing regular on going work.
I’m liverpool/warrington/Manchester based. So any good reliable agencies around here?
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Hi Jmarks,
Sounds daft but have you got a well written CV? I paid £10 on eBay for mine to be wrote correctly, I have applied for four jobs, 2 class C and then 2 class 1… applied directly, not through indeed, as I found indeed were missing information off my CV. All of the jobs I applied for I got a response back and interview. And have just landed a class 1 job with culina, decent money and good hours and as a new pass I’m over the moon with what they have offered me… £10 well spent!
I do have a professional cv written up. But it doesn’t include my licenses on it yet. Something I need to add on.
I added my cv to my indeed profile, but like you it doesn’t add everything an it’s not got the same look to it as when it’s been done properly.
When you applied directly, did you just find the companies email, an send it to them that way?
Kieran1706:
I am a new pass class 2 and got all my cards back just over 2 weeks ago. Literally went to one agency on the Monday, received a phone call on the Tuesday for work on the Wednesday. Some of the work has been good and some bad but beggars can’t be choosers as a new pass I guess.
First job was doing removals, 2 days with one night out, parked in an industrial estate with a bunk bed. This one was a case of just chucking me the keys, bloke said it has three quarters of a tank so to top it up at fuel station, put the nozzle in and it kept clicking to day it’s full, soon realised not to stick the full nozzle in like I do with the car.
Second job for next couple of days was curtainsiders. YouTube helped me out a lot with this as never touched a ratchet strap, never opened a curtainsider and it also had one of those 4 over 4 high range low range gear boxes. YouTube helped with all of the above and within ten minutes had it nailed.
Did a Sunday with a large parcels company who buddied me up with a driver who did show me a lot which was great.
Second week was all removals for one firm doing tramping all week. The agency on this one took the mick a bit, £9 an hour as a limited company so take off employers ni, holidays etc then it’s probably less than minimum wage. Agency kepted on saying it’s vecauE I’m a new pass but definitely an excuse to drop the margin. I only said yes to one week as the week prior I saw this firm hadn’t a post up for a full time tramping position at £600 a week plus nights out.
Learned a hell of a lot in these last two weeks and feel more confident now than then, will see how I got on in next few weeks
Sounds like you’ve had a Bit varied work there, guess that’s good as it’s away of finding out about the different sectors of the job.
Bit ■■■■ that an agency has screwed you over an what would have been well paid otherwise.
But good you’ve managed to find work so quickly, an seems like they’ve kept you busy. I just need to find work that keeps some money coming in for the time being. As you say beggars can’t be choosers when your just getting your foot on the ladder in a new industry
Stevie I’d read a bit on here about cv’s in the industry an a lot of people had said it’s not worth the paper it’s written on.
Some of the indeed adverts just have the easy option of applying via there site an adding your cv.
In some case it seeming, just getting yourself out there is the best option.
My agency never bothered with my CV either. As a matter of fact they didn’t even bother to wait for my license to come back. I passed on Wednesday and was out driving on Monday.
Yeah, I´m getting that sort of thing right now. They´ve not even got photos of me licence and cards and I´m booked in for next Monday. Still, I kinda appreciate that
Bit different for me though, driving a huge 7.5t, I´m more dangerous
I’m five months in now. Started with a big pallet network who take on new passes. They offered three days training which was really useful, but after three months experience I went agency and haven’t looked back. Currently being paid £12.50 p/h for class 2 (and sometimes 7.5t) and only doing 4-5 locations a day (maybe collect two collections and deliver them, and then another on the way back). More driving now than when in was doing 12-15 drops a day and stopping every ten mins.
Pallet work seems easy to get for a new pass but can be pretty stressful in terms of workload. But it taught me the basic skills and after getting three months experience and putting my cv online I was getting 2-3 agencies call me daily (still get a couple a week two months on).
All you really have to do is put the postcode into your sat nav, find the place, open the curtain, then get the paperwork signed.
There are of course many other things you’ll encounter like difficult access etc, but the above is the general gist of it. Before my manouvering was half decent I’d often park outside on the road for example and use the pump truck to pull the pallet into the yard if the gate was a really tight difficult reverse, but now I find it much easier.
You want to try night trunking it’s a doddle. Drive to the hub. Open your curtains back in the can while they I load you and reload you. Close the curtains and back to the depot. Early runs are straight there and back. Late runs you might have to wait for a few hours to be reloaded but you’re getting paid for that anyway.
Jmarks1227:
Wondering if anyone could share any info or stories about working for agency as a new driver.
I’ve been applying for permanent positions, but hearing nothing back. And applied at a Few agencies an heard back from them, but still waiting for my license to come back.
Is it really that bad that could just be thrown a set of keys an paperwork, an told to get on with it.
Is agency work really hit an miss, ones I’ve looked at are guaranteeing regular on going work.
I’m liverpool/warrington/Manchester based. So any good reliable agencies around here?
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Hi Jmarks,
Sounds daft but have you got a well written CV? I paid £10 on eBay for mine to be wrote correctly, I have applied for four jobs, 2 class C and then 2 class 1… applied directly, not through indeed, as I found indeed were missing information off my CV. All of the jobs I applied for I got a response back and interview. And have just landed a class 1 job with culina, decent money and good hours and as a new pass I’m over the moon with what they have offered me… £10 well spent!
I do have a professional cv written up. But it doesn’t include my licenses on it yet. Something I need to add on.
I added my cv to my indeed profile, but like you it doesn’t add everything an it’s not got the same look to it as when it’s been done properly.
When you applied directly, did you just find the companies email, an send it to them that way?
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Hi, I had an idea in mind as to who I wanted to work for, I didn’t want the agency route as I couldn’t risk it, I’d see the roles on indeed then apply directly on the web page and just uploaded my CV… Tesco, culina, warburtons and xpo all responseded
Jmarks1227:
Wondering if anyone could share any info or stories about working for agency as a new driver.
I’ve been applying for permanent positions, but hearing nothing back. And applied at a Few agencies an heard back from them, but still waiting for my license to come back.
Is it really that bad that could just be thrown a set of keys an paperwork, an told to get on with it.
Is agency work really hit an miss, ones I’ve looked at are guaranteeing regular on going work.
I’m liverpool/warrington/Manchester based. So any good reliable agencies around here?
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Hi Jmarks,
Sounds daft but have you got a well written CV? I paid £10 on eBay for mine to be wrote correctly, I have applied for four jobs, 2 class C and then 2 class 1… applied directly, not through indeed, as I found indeed were missing information off my CV. All of the jobs I applied for I got a response back and interview. And have just landed a class 1 job with culina, decent money and good hours and as a new pass I’m over the moon with what they have offered me… £10 well spent!
I do have a professional cv written up. But it doesn’t include my licenses on it yet. Something I need to add on.
I added my cv to my indeed profile, but like you it doesn’t add everything an it’s not got the same look to it as when it’s been done properly.
When you applied directly, did you just find the companies email, an send it to them that way?
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Hi, I had an idea in mind as to who I wanted to work for, I didn’t want the agency route as I couldn’t risk it, I’d see the roles on indeed then apply directly on the web page and just uploaded my CV… Tesco, culina, warburtons and xpo all responseded
Hi Nat,best way to do it use indeed as a reference then go direct applying,and well done on the class 1 and new job.
