Muddy K:
So I’ve only been driving 3 months, and thought I’d offer some advice to fellow newbies or drivers who are learning.This is not to tell you how to drive etc, (who am I to tell anyone) but just a helpful post to the new drivers. I appreciate many, like myself are going to be new to the industry and may have come from a totally different background.
It’s NOT just a driving job. There’s a lot of other stuff, especially in multi drop work where I’ve been last 3 months. So a little friendly heads-up to the new drivers.
Gloves. Get yourself a decent pair. Something that straps on with a velcro, and has decent protection and grip. Ive got a pair of HandyLandy? ones off Amazon. About £12 and last me 3 months. The ones work give you are [zb].
See through clipboard. I have a see through clipboard, and usually keep my drop sheets on the clip and my load sheet inside the box but I can see through the plastic to look at it anytime. No matter where you go, there’s paperwork. Some places more than others.
Sunglasses/Driving glasses. An absolute must in my opinion. Always keep them in your bag. The sun light seems worse in a truck can’t explain it.
A rechargeable torch. Important for your vehicle checks, and a handy tool in general. £15 off Amazon.
A decent rucksack, it will go through a fair bit of use. You will accumulate kit over time so a little bit bigger is better than too small. Also enough space for food is important. Eating out everyday adds up.
If your job involves using a sack truck, get a basic strap off Amazon. Keep it wrapped around the handle of your sack truck all day, and use it if necessary to keep your load on the sack truck. Will save you a lot of time if/when the load goes over a pothole.
If your job involves a tail lift, a spare tail key in your bag. Saves you a lot of aggro if one goes “missing”. About £4 off Amazon. I think they are called 100amp keys.
A doorstop. Yes, a bloody doorstop. Keep one on you. Two if you got the space in your pockets. Trust me they come in handy. £1.50 each approx.
Your own Sat Nav/ App for trucks. If your workplace provide you a pod, they do run out of juice/fail to charge/throw tantrums etc.
A decent pair of boots. And I mean decent. There’s a thread on here (or was it pistonheads?) About recommend boots for work. A proper investment as your feet and body will thank you in the long run. Mines cost me £70/DeWalt. Don’t rely on the ones work give you. They are crap.
A safety knife. Pallet wrap is a nightmare when it gets into wheels. Also a major trip hazard. I just cut it, get rid of it and then carry on with the task at hand.
I also have a retractable key fob with a karibiner hook (sp?). Just attach my truck keys on there. It’s not important but I don’t have to worry about losing my keys, and can just walk around with the keys dangling.
I appreciate this is basic stuff and most of it is common sense. It is also more geared towards multi drop work, and I hope it helps.
Good tips here, thanks for taking the time.