^^^^^^^^^
I have never commented on Nick’s posts before, but I followed every bit of his “journey” and I can echo that sentiment made above. Fair play to Nick for coming back on TN to report his difficulties; most people in his situation would have slunk away with their tail between their legs.
At the present time most sectors of road transport are experiencing a noticeable downturn in business volumes. It’s virtually unheard of in any mid-summer to have agency drivers readily available, drivers 'phoning asking about vacancies, and numerous subbies looking for work. All this is happening now and is a recession on the way? Possibly.
Two (former) owner drivers I know, both of them highly experienced transport men, have recently thrown in the towel. No money in the job they say… Both are now employed, PAYE drivers working for me.