Firstly I would just like to say a huge thanks to all the memebers who take the time to post and mods who run this forum the information was life and money saving at times. I recently gained my C+E entitlement and CPC qualification (Thanks to the info on here) and was wondering should I apply to agencies first in terms of getting the experience? basically my understanding is that companys prefer drivers with more experience? Im 26 years old and have a clean license if that makes any difference.
GrumpyScotsman:
Firstly I would just like to say a huge thanks to all the memebers who take the time to post and mods who run this forum the information was life and money saving at times.
Hi GrumpyScotsman,
This might sound a bit naff, but it’s a team effort, and we’d be nothing without our members as you’ve noticed.
GrumpyScotsman:
I recently gained my C+E entitlement and CPC qualification (Thanks to the info on here)
CONGRATULATIONS on passing your LGV “C+E” and DCPC tests
GrumpyScotsman:
… and was wondering should I apply to agencies first in terms of getting the experience? basically my understanding is that companys prefer drivers with more experience? Im 26 years old and have a clean license if that makes any difference.
Depending on any previous transport experience you may have, I’m afraid that the agency route is likely to be what’s on the cards for you, unless you know somebody who already has connections in the industry.
I’ve no idea of the employment opportunities/situation in your area, but it’s possible that you might have to consider starting on smaller vehicles, even transits/sprinters or 7.5t, to gain some experience. IMHO, the good thing for you is that whilst you’re doing that, your LGV licence is maturing nicely for the day when you’re offered some Cat “C” or Cat “C+E” work. Sometimes, it’s what it looks like that counts.
Its a brilliant way to get a stupid amount of experience very very quickly. You’ll be chucked right in at the deep end on so many different types of work.
That all involved a mix of long motorway runs, nights, days, house deliveries, central london and farms. In vehicles ranging from Vans to 32 tonnes.
Give it a go, even if its only for a short while.
You’ll learn to strap and secure everything. Load your vehicle correctly and find your way around places far far quicker than you would if you did the same trunking run day in day out for 3 years before venturing further afield.
Hello mate .
1st congrads on passing CE ( got my ce test 19th ) and the DCPC and as for agencies its a great way of getting a whole veriaty of expeariance like Scarab says I have just taken a tipper driver job offer and i have got to say i know i will miss the agents that i have worked for .
But dont just stop there mate call every haulage company in your area and dont give up till you get the job you want read my thread DONT GIVE UP I was luck and you just may be they can only say No and if they do well keep trying . best of luck
Thank you for the prompt replies and advice. I had a gut feeling that I would have to do agency work but as I enjoy driving anything that has wheels I will relish it and let my license mature as someone said. In the mean time its back to sticking CV`s and calling every company I know.
For what it is worth, I cut my teeth driving for agencies when I passed my class 1.
In the small ads, companies always say experience required, but how do you get experience if no one will hire you. That is where agencies come in as they are not as strict.
Of course being a newbie you have to be extra careful while you gain your experience.
You don’t want to be pranging something on your first week.
There’s nothing wrong with sending out your Cv and a good cover letter to companies. That’s what I did last month, and a lot of the replies were ‘we will keep your details on file and let you know’. Today i went to sign up with driver hire, but a bit later I had a call from one company I contacted asking if i was interested in some class 2 work. So I’ve got myself an interview with them tomorrow.
Well the interview went well. They are going to check with their insurers to see if the insurance will be ok (24 year old, no experience etc) which he said would most likely be ok. Just got a couple of forms to fill in and return, and hope for the best.
The job is multidrop pallets, roughly 10 to 20 a day and collections, start at 6am and finish when you’re done (think that’s called job and knock?). Money isn’t bad, but its regular work and regular pay which is what I like over agency work.
Thanks! Would love it IF I got the job, however I’ve got a day on a little flatbed tomorrow for a tool hire company which the agency gave me. Looking forward to doing some work!
CONGRATULATIONS on passing your LGV “C+E” and DCPC tests 
Sometimes, it’s what it looks like that counts. 
) and the DCPC and as for agencies its a great way of getting a whole veriaty of expeariance like Scarab says I have just taken a tipper driver job offer and i have got to say i know i will miss the agents that i have worked for .
best of luck