Hi everyone,
As you may have guessed my name is Dan and I live in Banbury.
I got my class 2 last spring through the company I was working for (not a haulage firm) and am now doing agency work when I can get it. I have done everything from drivers mate, to vans, 7.5 tonne and proper class 2s. I’m trying (or maybe struggling would be a more appropriate word) to get regular class 2 work as everyone seems to want 2 years experience. I have been writing to everyone I can think of.
I had a look around the forum and it seems like a good place with some fun posts, the one about talls tales and the hallucinations thread are great!
Hi Dan = and welcome to the forum. Yes, there is some real entertainment on here sometimes!
Your situation is not uncommon. The secret seems to be never to give up. Keep banging on doors, literally, and your time will come. It’s certainly not easy. You may do better if you can upgrade to CE. But times are tough out there though there are tiny signs of improvement. So press on and try and stay positive. In the meantime, ask whatever questions you want on here and you’ll get some sort of an answer! Pete
I am acutely aware of being in a catch 22 situation - most of the rigid work around here is HIAB, and outside of that is C&E - as I have neither its hard to get work, which means I can’t save up to get the tickets…kind of messes with your head after a while.
I did have an interview with a local firm last week so am waiting to hear back, I did get 100% in their written assessment regarding rules of road, drivers hours etc so I must be doing something right!
I am acutely aware of being in a catch 22 situation - most of the rigid work around here is HIAB, and outside of that is C&E - as I have neither its hard to get work, which means I can’t save up to get the tickets…kind of messes with your head after a while.
I did have an interview with a local firm last week so am waiting to hear back, I did get 100% in their written assessment regarding rules of road, drivers hours etc so I must be doing something right!
Hi Dan and Welcome.
There are a lot of drivers out of work at the moment and agency work is scarce at best. Just keep plodding away and the break you are looking for will come.
It’s always good to upgrade your categories or skills where possible, although I know how hard it can be financially to do that. If you can get the money together and are able to get the extra qualifications in this lull of work, it will set you up for better chances come the spring when more employers are looking and agencies become a bit busier.
Well done on the 100% on your test. At least you know your theory
Right now every penny is going on the bills, I expect I am far from alone in that situation. I shall indeed keep plodding on, I have a long-term goal of what I would like to do, but right now anything would be considered!
The agencies have indeed been exceptionally quiet, I’m registered with six or seven, not had much at all since New Year.
Welcome onto the forum mate. Like others have already said, if you keep plugging away something will defo turn up. I have seen quite a few recent posts on here from new members and older members stating how they got their break by plugging away and sometimes being in the right place at the right time. So don’t give up!
Welcome onto the forum mate. Like others have already said, if you keep plugging away something will defo turn up. I have seen quite a few recent posts on here from new members and older members stating how they got their break by plugging away and sometimes being in the right place at the right time. So don’t give up!
Hi,
I have had a look around and I agree, seems there are breaks to be had out there! Hopefully soon I will get mine.
Hello Dan,nice to see another Banbury lad on TruckNet,have you tried Fine Lady or do they only want C+E drivers??..i know 3663 is always a good wage if you dont mind hard work…good luck in your search mate,Washy jnr
washy jnr:
Hello Dan,nice to see another Banbury lad on TruckNet,have you tried Fine Lady or do they only want C+E drivers??..i know 3663 is always a good wage if you dont mind hard work…good luck in your search mate,Washy jnr
I havn’t seen either of them advertising, and I only ever hear horror stories about 3663 - no idea if they are true! I could probably walk to fine lady from where I live so that could be useful, will have to have a look. The agencies seem to have nothing anymore, really crazy situation.
There is nothing wrong with 3663 so long as you are prepared to max out your hours, often starting at 4am, and handball the whole of your load to the door and often into the freezer / fridge. You often don’t get a sack truck either so have to load up your tail lift and handball it from there.
The pay is generally good. F/T gets you 24K at my local depot.
washy jnr:
Hello Dan,nice to see another Banbury lad on TruckNet,have you tried Fine Lady or do they only want C+E drivers??..i know 3663 is always a good wage if you dont mind hard work…good luck in your search mate,Washy jnr
I havn’t seen either of them advertising, and I only ever hear horror stories about 3663 - no idea if they are true! I could probably walk to fine lady from where I live so that could be useful, will have to have a look. The agencies seem to have nothing anymore, really crazy situation.
I’m pretty sure Fine Lady use Valley Solutions for their agency drivers(our place use a few from Valley and theyre always talking about working in Fine Lady)…I know G force supply drivers into 3663
Welcome Banburydan
Keep asking around ask other drivers if any work going they will know more than agencies etc and you may get a look in before job advertised sell yourself ok no experience but willing to learn hard worker etc , 3663 is hard work as lot of handballing but beggers cant be choosers and will give you that all important experience , once you have that and have proved yourself you can start picking and choosing and to be honest ive worked for a similar company with alot of handballing and yes dont like it but I can do it and if I can then anyone can its all about getting that foot in the door put up with crap at first and then when the companies are asking for you by name then you know you have made a good impression and the work will come in for you as dar said you may have to do a few 7 1/2 tonne jobs before they give you a chance thats what I did and it came good in end , i now have regular work with a local company who even ring me direct now so it pays off
good luck with job hunt hope somat comes in soon but dont give up keep positive
Hi Jen, thanks for the message,
I didn’t want to sound snobbish with my comment re vans and 7.5 tonners, I’m quite happy to drive them when given the option, but right now I am not even getting that. I did a day driving a van last week, and then a day as second man in a 13 tonner, next week, nothing lined…I wouldn’t even mind if one of them said “can you drive a transit for a week” at least I would have a full week of work. I shall keep pushing, just sent my CV in to valley transport at cherwell valley silos, can’t hurt eh?
