pump:
Would have to disagree with diesel Dave on not doing the tanker part of adr training, especially if tanker work is something you want to do.
Hi pump,
This is what I wrote:
If there’s no likelihood (or wish) of getting a job involving tankers, then my advice is to give the optional tanker module a miss and save some cash for other things.
Which is pretty much what you said.
pump:
I was driving package adr when I was sent for package adr training two wks later I went back to do the tanker section at my cost. A letter to the local home heating oil company and six months later I was driving a two month old p310 scania on good pay. Lucky I know but if I had not did the tanker section I would not have got in the door. … if you dont have full tanker adr they will just move on to the next lad who has it. saves them time and money.
That’s great, and whilst perfectly true it’s also fair to say that you’ve acknowledged that you were lucky.
In these cash-strapped times, not everybody will feel like taking a punt, so it really is up to the individual person because only they can justify the £100+ necessary extra expenditure and loss of time (when compared to just a packages course.)
Geography can also play its part, so I’d still say it’s not always a clear cut decision.
Petrol tankers definitely not the job it was. The race to the bottom has been underway for quite a few years now. I do it as I’m on a higher hourly rate than general haulage but there’s nothing exciting about it. You are flat out from start to finish as trucks are worked 24hrs a day. I’m not on job n knock, I’m on tacho in/tacho out and Isotrack so I never speed but everyday’s the same.
I’ve done uk General, containers, European & 4 years traffic office and I don’t fancy going back to any of them.
Must remember to put lottery on this weekend!
Cheers.
Are there no agency jobs for non-fuel tankers, like Sulphuric acid, and other dangerous multi-hazard chemicals?
Unlike holding a HIAB ticket which agency staff often poke at me as the “door to endless amounts of work”, I never hear much that is “for the hallowed holders of ADR with tanks” be it full time posts, or agencies everywhere I go.
Makes me wonder if ADR jobs are even rarer than full time C+E general haulage jobs right now!
WOW Maoster, any jobs going on your firm? I currently drive a petrol tanker for Hoyer on one of the fuels contracts, and if our wages are “frankly appalling” I need to come and work with you. I always thought that over £17 p/h was pretty good, perhaps my finger isn’t as close to the pulse as it used to be, or maybe my perception of appalling isn’t the same as most other people’s. Also, given that numerous operators have moved into this sector, it’s a bit unfair to name Hoyer, and no others. I joined them in 2000, previously I was employed by Esso until it went to contract, I’ve always found Hoyer a decent company to work for, just got to do the job correctly and you are left alone. Maybe it didn’t suit you, but don’t try to put new comers off, it’s still a good driving job, even if it isn’t the job it once was.
the maoster:
You may note that the op didn’t mention fuel tankers at all, I’d imagine that there’s plenty of other tank work (lift tanks for example) in his area, or only a short drive away.
Imo fuel tanker driving is a horrible job. I’ve done a fair bit of it and hated every minute, it’s all chase, chase, chase, grabbing breaks while you’re tipping (if you’re lucky enough to get a gravity drop). I bet not many of you have ever overtaken a fuel tanker? As has been mentioned before all the plum jobs have gone and been taken over by companies like Hoyer who have over the years chipped away at the T’s & C’s until the wages are frankly appalling.
The best tanker job I did was a 3 compartment tank subbed out to a speciality chemical manufacturer, interesting varied work, treat like a grown up, and made to feel like a valued member of the team. Ten years of bliss that was.
I always imagined supermarket fuel on agency to be similar to normal supermarket agency in that there’s no particular rush, because you’re paid by the hour?
What’s all the “Rush” stuff about?
If you’re on £17ph you’re gonna want to take your time surely?
Full time job salaried is a different matter of course. Out comes the “Job and Knock” culture, suggesting the only one rushing is the driver themselves, trying to make a bit of time rather than earn a better wage…
when I passed my class 1 I went straight onto tankers, then got my adr and was carrying anything from weak acid, to caustic cyanide, but the money was crap £8-30 p.h. and that was only 3-4 years ago. I now earn a lot more carrying eggs!
Maybe i’m being a little simplistic here, but the bottom line is ‘someone’ has to drive tankers. IF someone wants to get the tanker module and start building experience to lead towards driving petrol tankers at some point in the future, then why not?
While I appreciate that many are disgruntled that ‘the industry isn’t what it was’, it is what it is, and someone has to drive them.
I say go into it with your eyes open, appreciate the industry for how it is today, and see how far you get. The bottom line is, if you make the effort, remain positive, show willing and work hard, at some point that attitude will be rewarded. Just don’t expect it overnight.
I work for an agency who have me doing nights at Potters Logistics Selby. Potters have a depot at Knowsley Merseyside which is the closest to you. I know that Potters are a specialised logistics company and have many ADR drivers. They have mention to me coming on for them full time and would I do my ADR? I will do it as another string to my bow but to be honest it is not worth it and would not bother paying for it myself as there is no extra money for it.
I did my ADR and tanks last September, £500 n odd quid or summat like inc 21 hours to finish my DCPC,
To me, I have the card for 5 years so its a string to my bow should anything go ■■■■ up, or if I fancy a change I have a qualification that many drivers dont have so in theory sets me apart and reduces competition for a job.
If i dont use the card within the 5 years hey ho, I am sure I will blow more than £500+ on valueless crap within that 5 years that will do zero for my life or lifestyle.
Is it a waste of money, not really, I learnt things on the course I wouldnt have learnt otherwise.
Hiya mate, Texaco are relocating to Trafford park terminal in September, they are taking on at mo, ok it’s only temp contracts zero hours I think but it is a foot in the door, and you will be petrol trained by an oil company. Wincanton are pulling for Texaco so may be worth a call , hope this helps,
optidrive:
Hiya mate, Texaco are relocating to Trafford park terminal in September, they are taking on at mo, ok it’s only temp contracts zero hours I think but it is a foot in the door, and you will be petrol trained by an oil company. Wincanton are pulling for Texaco so may be worth a call , hope this helps,
rancidmelon:
Maybe i’m being a little simplistic here, but the bottom line is ‘someone’ has to drive tankers. IF someone wants to get the tanker module and start building experience to lead towards driving petrol tankers at some point in the future, then why not?
While I appreciate that many are disgruntled that ‘the industry isn’t what it was’, it is what it is, and someone has to drive them.
I say go into it with your eyes open, appreciate the industry for how it is today, and see how far you get. The bottom line is, if you make the effort, remain positive, show willing and work hard, at some point that attitude will be rewarded. Just don’t expect it overnight.
My fourpenneth
Rancid
Well said Rancid…thats a fair view of the industry, a bit like the lottery if you aint got a ticket you cannot win !!!
You never know where an opportunity may arise, so be like a boy scout and “Be prepared”.
rancidmelon:
Maybe i’m being a little simplistic here, but the bottom line is ‘someone’ has to drive tankers. IF someone wants to get the tanker module and start building experience to lead towards driving petrol tankers at some point in the future, then why not?
While I appreciate that many are disgruntled that ‘the industry isn’t what it was’, it is what it is, and someone has to drive them.
I say go into it with your eyes open, appreciate the industry for how it is today, and see how far you get. The bottom line is, if you make the effort, remain positive, show willing and work hard, at some point that attitude will be rewarded. Just don’t expect it overnight.
My fourpenneth
Rancid
Post more please.
I have to admit I’m surprised everyone is of the opinion there’s no better rate with ADR / petrol etc. I’ve had a few ex-army going to do tanker work, mostly in the industrial stretch of Essex between Tilbury - Corringham, earning in the region of £16 p/h.
optidrive:
Hiya mate, Texaco are relocating to Trafford park terminal in September, they are taking on at mo, ok it’s only temp contracts zero hours I think but it is a foot in the door, and you will be petrol trained by an oil company. Wincanton are pulling for Texaco so may be worth a call , hope this helps,
abbey @ Trafford park 
Montgomerys @ preston 