There are already quite a few posts about the requirements various agencies and hauliers have towards recruiting new drivers. I am here for an update to the general situation and to gather other’s recent experiences.
I am approaching quite a few agencies now, going direct has got me know where (at the moment) considering I am yet to complete more than 500 metres on my own Those agencies who are willing to find me work invariably request that I go on a days assessment with an already beyond competent driver. This is reasonable. However, there is also a request that this is done for gratis
jonesy1985:
There are already quite a few posts about the requirements various agencies and hauliers have towards recruiting new drivers. I am here for an update to the general situation and to gather other’s recent experiences.
I am approaching quite a few agencies now, going direct has got me know where (at the moment) considering I am yet to complete more than 500 metres on my own Those agencies who are willing to find me work invariably request that I go on a days assessment with an already beyond competent driver. This is reasonable. However, there is also a request that this is done for gratis
How usual is this neomodern form of socialism?
don’t do naff all for free…
We had a woman I the other day (European Not very good in da English ) … started to pick up a trailer and had to stop her.
She had broken 5 rules by the time she got on he cat walk and I’m not talking site or company rules just basic drivers rules . so there’s nothing wrong with assessment’s being carried out just not for free as its your time your offering … if its as you say being a 2nd man due to your lack of experience I suppose a reduced rate would be acceptable.
You have to remember they are letting you loose wit ££££££££ worth of kit and goods not to mention the company’s reputation ( if they actually have one )
I walked into an agency today. An hour and a half later, I had done all the paperwork and was walking out with two days work, tomorrow and Thursday. It could have been more but we have booked a weekend away. I only have C1, have driven about 40 hours in total and am still being followed around by a bloke with a mop because I’m still so wet behind the ears. “There is a shortage…” No assessment drive, no messing around. Mind you, I am 53 and have a work-filled c.v…
I am being promised ongoing work, but what agency does not promise this.
I hope they are not expecting me to carry out the role of drivers mate because that would be very poor form, and I’d be taking a day away from some other lad or lass who could have earned.
In my own business I would never expect free labour nor would I ask for it. Everyone gets paid, and if they are hopeless I say thanks for trying but no thanks. So I hope tomorrow is all about assessment and not about any other crafty profiteering.
Arrive 6am and pretty keen.
Hover around for half hour.
Discover load not picked. Wait 4 hours for the load.
Once on road told I won’t be driving because we’re in a hurry, but that doesn’t matter, “the company are more interested in showing you how things are done rather than discovering your driving ability.”
Endure something of a roller coaster ride in an under performing brand new Auto Actros. Explains why driving ability is not a problem here!
Consolation? Well I am being paid for today, which involved sitting on my bum for most of it
This company have taken on far more than they can handle, not enough pickers and not enough drivers. At least there is lots of over time available! Sadly though they are letting a lot of customers down, so I wonder how long this level of service will continue before clients go elsewhere?
jonesy1985:
An eye watering experience had today indeed.
Arrive 6am and pretty keen.
Hover around for half hour.
Discover load not picked. Wait 4 hours for the load.
Once on road told I won’t be driving because we’re in a hurry, but that doesn’t matter, “the company are more interested in showing you how things are done rather than discovering your driving ability.”
Endure something of a roller coaster ride in an under performing brand new Auto Actros. Explains why driving ability is not a problem here!
Consolation? Well I am being paid for today, which involved sitting on my bum for most of it
This company have taken on far more than they can handle, not enough pickers and not enough drivers. At least there is lots of over time available! Sadly though they are letting a lot of customers down, so I wonder how long this level of service will continue before clients go elsewhere?
Monies made in madness
Anyway…newbie got a job
Sounds like our lot. Did you ever here anything back from Culina ?
Those agencies who are willing to find me work invariably request that I go on a days assessment with an already beyond competent driver. This is reasonable. However, there is also a request that this is done for gratis 
) … started to pick up a trailer and had to stop her.
. so there’s nothing wrong with assessment’s being carried out just not for free as its your time your offering … if its as you say being a 2nd man due to your lack of experience I suppose a reduced rate would be acceptable.