muckles:
I used to do a bit of holiday cover in the office for one of the companies I worked for, that was a real eye opener as to how much some drivers need spoon feeding, and they weren’t just the new young drivers, some had been doing the job for donkeys years, but still couldn’t manage their time, then there were other drivers who you just left to get on with the job, you could virtually give them a weeks work and leave them alone, in some circumstances even let them bypass the office and deal direct with the customer.
Witnessed this. Was in the office at an agency client waiting for next days work, its somewhere I’ve been going to on and off since I started driving. They had a run which went to Wales, two drops a mile from each other and the return route was past the first drop. 6 pallets went into the first drop which was a booked delivery, the remaining 20 went to a second drop and it was turn up when you want. One of their drivers who had been there over 20 years, longer than I had been going in there, was on the phone. He turned up to the timed delivery, was told there was going to be a 2hr delay and was asking what to do. Planner turned round to me and asked what would I do. I said “same I’ve been doing for years without bothering to ring you, go to the other drop, get it off, come back.” Planner made comment along lines of you’d think that guy would know that wouldn’t you and that he was a high maintenance driver. I was just gobsmacked but apparently it would appear quite a few drivers truly can’t think on their feet.
If he’d used his initiative and driven to drop 2 first, he’d probably receive a bollocking in today’s world. You often can’t win.
Agreed, but no harm making a quick call saying there is a 2 hours delay and suggesting you go to the other tip first. That’s not being spoon fed, that’s a driver thinking for themselves and working with the transport office. Of course you need an office that appreciates a driver thinking for themselves.
muckles:
I used to do a bit of holiday cover in the office for one of the companies I worked for, that was a real eye opener as to how much some drivers need spoon feeding, and they weren’t just the new young drivers, some had been doing the job for donkeys years, but still couldn’t manage their time, then there were other drivers who you just left to get on with the job, you could virtually give them a weeks work and leave them alone, in some circumstances even let them bypass the office and deal direct with the customer.
Haven’t worked in a planning office though I’ve applied for loads of positions and had several interviews all unsuccessful, the best feedback I received was from 2 large companies and a small outfit that really needed an experienced bod, one of the large companies I was interviewed by an ex driver, at the end of the interview I was told that yes I had more than sufficient experience of the haulage industry as a driver something that is lacking in todays logistics, I didn’t have the office admin experience which is what’s needed, and to get that I’d have to start at the bottom with the kids at £17k pa, at my age they can stick it.
It’s tough trying to get move into a new career, although I doubt you’ll earn good money even as an experienced transport planner, you need to be the Transport manager, CPC holder.
Is there any way you can do a few shifts in the office where you work to get some experience?
muckles:
I used to do a bit of holiday cover in the office for one of the companies I worked for, that was a real eye opener as to how much some drivers need spoon feeding, and they weren’t just the new young drivers, some had been doing the job for donkeys years, but still couldn’t manage their time, then there were other drivers who you just left to get on with the job, you could virtually give them a weeks work and leave them alone, in some circumstances even let them bypass the office and deal direct with the customer.
Haven’t worked in a planning office though I’ve applied for loads of positions and had several interviews all unsuccessful, the best feedback I received was from 2 large companies and a small outfit that really needed an experienced bod, one of the large companies I was interviewed by an ex driver, at the end of the interview I was told that yes I had more than sufficient experience of the haulage industry as a driver something that is lacking in todays logistics, I didn’t have the office admin experience which is what’s needed, and to get that I’d have to start at the bottom with the kids at £17k pa, at my age they can stick it.
It’s tough trying to get move into a new career, although I doubt you’ll earn good money even as an experienced transport planner, you need to be the Transport manager, CPC holder.
Is there any way you can do a few shifts in the office where you work to get some experience?
I thought about the CPC and it’s an option but I think it’s a last resort, I’m in my 50’s and retraining isn’t really what I want, a few years ago yes.
I’ve got myself a semi decent job, I’m left alone which is always a bonus, wages could be better but if I didn’t complain about them I wouldn’t be a driver got a fully kitted truck and I’m away around Europe, Scandinavia and the Balkans.
muckles:
I used to do a bit of holiday cover in the office for one of the companies I worked for, that was a real eye opener as to how much some drivers need spoon feeding, and they weren’t just the new young drivers, some had been doing the job for donkeys years, but still couldn’t manage their time, then there were other drivers who you just left to get on with the job, you could virtually give them a weeks work and leave them alone, in some circumstances even let them bypass the office and deal direct with the customer.
Witnessed this. Was in the office at an agency client waiting for next days work, its somewhere I’ve been going to on and off since I started driving. They had a run which went to Wales, two drops a mile from each other and the return route was past the first drop. 6 pallets went into the first drop which was a booked delivery, the remaining 20 went to a second drop and it was turn up when you want. One of their drivers who had been there over 20 years, longer than I had been going in there, was on the phone. He turned up to the timed delivery, was told there was going to be a 2hr delay and was asking what to do. Planner turned round to me and asked what would I do. I said “same I’ve been doing for years without bothering to ring you, go to the other drop, get it off, come back.” Planner made comment along lines of you’d think that guy would know that wouldn’t you and that he was a high maintenance driver. I was just gobsmacked but apparently it would appear quite a few drivers truly can’t think on their feet.
If he’d used his initiative and driven to drop 2 first, he’d probably receive a bollocking in today’s world. You often can’t win.
Agreed, but no harm making a quick call saying there is a 2 hours delay and suggesting you go to the other tip first. That’s not being spoon fed, that’s a driver thinking for themselves and working with the transport office. Of course you need an office that appreciates a driver thinking for themselves.
+1
thats the best option.
in todays land of beancounters including health & insanity,then your neck is on the chopping block to be assuming someone will offload 6 lfts off.then reload them again all at the drivers risk ect. asking the question and covering your bum works best nowadays.
Planners will try to squeeze every last drop out of the tools they have, whether that be the lorries or the tools that drive them! That’s fine though, it’s in all of our interests to make the company a success, the trick is “not at any price” though so it falls upon the driver to politely explain just exactly what he/she is prepared to do and what they aren’t. Planners like that, regardless of whether you’re the type who’ll max hours every week or the type that will happily do 12 hours but no more, it means that they can plan around how you work once they know how they stand with you.
Most of us want an easy life and planners are no different. Make their lives easy and they’ll make yours easy. If all else fails just quietly whisper the phrase “corporate manslaughter” into their ears and they’ll usually back down.
Grumpy Dad:
Witnessed this. Was in the office at an agency client waiting for next days work, its somewhere I’ve been going to on and off since I started driving. They had a run which went to Wales, two drops a mile from each other and the return route was past the first drop. 6 pallets went into the first drop which was a booked delivery, the remaining 20 went to a second drop and it was turn up when you want. One of their drivers who had been there over 20 years, longer than I had been going in there, was on the phone. He turned up to the timed delivery, was told there was going to be a 2hr delay and was asking what to do. Planner turned round to me and asked what would I do. I said “same I’ve been doing for years without bothering to ring you, go to the other drop, get it off, come back.” Planner made comment along lines of you’d think that guy would know that wouldn’t you and that he was a high maintenance driver. I was just gobsmacked but apparently it would appear quite a few drivers truly can’t think on their feet.
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That driver simply did exactly what I would do, inform the office. As I always point out to new drivers our job description doesn’t involve planning decisions and the vast majority of companies I’ve worked for want it done this way too. After 20 years has probably become an expert at covering his own back and that’s all you saw, a driver covering his own back
Grumpy Dad:
Witnessed this. Was in the office at an agency client waiting for next days work, its somewhere I’ve been going to on and off since I started driving. They had a run which went to Wales, two drops a mile from each other and the return route was past the first drop. 6 pallets went into the first drop which was a booked delivery, the remaining 20 went to a second drop and it was turn up when you want. One of their drivers who had been there over 20 years, longer than I had been going in there, was on the phone. He turned up to the timed delivery, was told there was going to be a 2hr delay and was asking what to do. Planner turned round to me and asked what would I do. I said “same I’ve been doing for years without bothering to ring you, go to the other drop, get it off, come back.” Planner made comment along lines of you’d think that guy would know that wouldn’t you and that he was a high maintenance driver. I was just gobsmacked but apparently it would appear quite a few drivers truly can’t think on their feet.
That driver simply did exactly what I would do, inform the office. As I always point out to new drivers our job description doesn’t involve planning decisions and the vast majority of companies I’ve worked for want it done this way too. After 20 years has probably become an expert at covering his own back and that’s all you saw, a driver covering his own back
Agreed, as you say covering his back, nothing to do with needing spoon fed.
You know what the logical solution is, but best to clear it with office first, there could be any number of reasons that they do not want it done that way.
the maoster:
Planners will try to squeeze every last drop out of the tools they have, whether that be the lorries or the tools that drive them! That’s fine though, it’s in all of our interests to make the company a success, the trick is “not at any price” though so it falls upon the driver to politely explain just exactly what he/she is prepared to do and what they aren’t. Planners like that, regardless of whether you’re the type who’ll max hours every week or the type that will happily do 12 hours but no more, it means that they can plan around how you work once they know how they stand with you.
Most of us want an easy life and planners are no different. Make their lives easy and they’ll make yours easy. If all else fails just quietly whisper the phrase “corporate manslaughter” into their ears and they’ll usually back down.
Exactly!.. That is why I am never asked to start on my first day (Tues) before 6, while others are asked to start at pre 4, (and in the idiocy dept…1 am. )
Through the week the same, they still get a 13 spreadover out of me so it is not that I’m doing less than anybody else.
(or a 15 if it suits ME, or if they are abso last resort stuck)
I just leave the stupid o clocks and the teararsing to the keen, idiotic and eager to please. (all of which I am none)
It’s all about setting your own parameters from the start, and not allowing yourself to be ■■■■ ed about. but at the same time getting through the workload efficiently, which I manage, so everybody’s happy…it’s called ‘‘Having the job sussed’’
It all goes hand in hand with experience, and as Maost says, it makes for an easier life and job.
Grumpy Dad:
Witnessed this. Was in the office at an agency client waiting for next days work, its somewhere I’ve been going to on and off since I started driving. They had a run which went to Wales, two drops a mile from each other and the return route was past the first drop. 6 pallets went into the first drop which was a booked delivery, the remaining 20 went to a second drop and it was turn up when you want. One of their drivers who had been there over 20 years, longer than I had been going in there, was on the phone. He turned up to the timed delivery, was told there was going to be a 2hr delay and was asking what to do. Planner turned round to me and asked what would I do. I said “same I’ve been doing for years without bothering to ring you, go to the other drop, get it off, come back.” Planner made comment along lines of you’d think that guy would know that wouldn’t you and that he was a high maintenance driver. I was just gobsmacked but apparently it would appear quite a few drivers truly can’t think on their feet.
That driver simply did exactly what I would do, inform the office. As I always point out to new drivers our job description doesn’t involve planning decisions and the vast majority of companies I’ve worked for want it done this way too. After 20 years has probably become an expert at covering his own back and that’s all you saw, a driver covering his own back
[/quote]
I agree, but I didn’t witness it nor did I write it
Grumpy Dad:
Witnessed this. Was in the office at an agency client waiting for next days work, its somewhere I’ve been going to on and off since I started driving. They had a run which went to Wales, two drops a mile from each other and the return route was past the first drop. 6 pallets went into the first drop which was a booked delivery, the remaining 20 went to a second drop and it was turn up when you want. One of their drivers who had been there over 20 years, longer than I had been going in there, was on the phone. He turned up to the timed delivery, was told there was going to be a 2hr delay and was asking what to do. Planner turned round to me and asked what would I do. I said “same I’ve been doing for years without bothering to ring you, go to the other drop, get it off, come back.” Planner made comment along lines of you’d think that guy would know that wouldn’t you and that he was a high maintenance driver. I was just gobsmacked but apparently it would appear quite a few drivers truly can’t think on their feet.
Apologies I clearly deleted the wrong username
That driver simply did exactly what I would do, inform the office. As I always point out to new drivers our job description doesn’t involve planning decisions and the vast majority of companies I’ve worked for want it done this way too. After 20 years has probably become an expert at covering his own back and that’s all you saw, a driver covering his own back
I agree, but I didn’t witness it nor did I write it
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Grumpy Dad:
There’s quite a lot of posts on the unsurety of demands by TM’s and Planners to drivers. Being told what mode to put the tacho on, told when they can reduce rest or extend their driving hours.
Is it not the driver who manages his hours and not the TM’s or Planners, many of whom have no idea of the regulations, and have a “you will do as I say” attitude.
Perhaps if drivers made these people aware that hours are a drivers responsibility and not theirs will their excessive demands cease.
I work my hours to suit me as long as the job is done everyone is happy, it’s my Licence not theirs.
muckles:
I used to do a bit of holiday cover in the office for one of the companies I worked for, that was a real eye opener as to how much some drivers need spoon feeding, and they weren’t just the new young drivers, some had been doing the job for donkeys years, but still couldn’t manage their time, then there were other drivers who you just left to get on with the job, you could virtually give them a weeks work and leave them alone, in some circumstances even let them bypass the office and deal direct with the customer.
Conor:
Witnessed this. Was in the office at an agency client waiting for next days work, its somewhere I’ve been going to on and off since I started driving. They had a run which went to Wales, two drops a mile from each other and the return route was past the first drop. 6 pallets went into the first drop which was a booked delivery, the remaining 20 went to a second drop and it was turn up when you want. One of their drivers who had been there over 20 years, longer than I had been going in there, was on the phone. He turned up to the timed delivery, was told there was going to be a 2hr delay and was asking what to do. Planner turned round to me and asked what would I do. I said “same I’ve been doing for years without bothering to ring you, go to the other drop, get it off, come back.” Planner made comment along lines of you’d think that guy would know that wouldn’t you and that he was a high maintenance driver. I was just gobsmacked but apparently it would appear quite a few drivers truly can’t think on their feet.
ezydriver:
If he’d used his initiative and driven to drop 2 first, he’d probably receive a bollocking in today’s world. You often can’t win.
muckles:
Agreed, but no harm making a quick call saying there is a 2 hours delay and suggesting you go to the other tip first. That’s not being spoon fed, that’s a driver thinking for themselves and working with the transport office. Of course you need an office that appreciates a driver thinking for themselves.
Grumpy Dad:
Haven’t worked in a planning office though I’ve applied for loads of positions and had several interviews all unsuccessful, the best feedback I received was from 2 large companies and a small outfit that really needed an experienced bod, one of the large companies I was interviewed by an ex driver, at the end of the interview I was told that yes I had more than sufficient experience of the haulage industry as a driver something that is lacking in todays logistics, I didn’t have the office admin experience which is what’s needed, and to get that I’d have to start at the bottom with the kids at £17k pa, at my age they can stick it.
Thought I’d sort all the quotes out, so we can see who said what.
robroy:
You’re wasting your time mate, the real guys already know this, but many other types will just do whatever tf they are told whether it be right fair or not.
You are talking to those, many of which are on here, who think max hours and minimum rests are compulsory targets, so they continue to blisfully hit them every week, …and take bollockings for it if they don’t.
So don’t waste your breath mate, you can’t educate pork!
No worries Luke,I didn’t want to take the credit for someone else’s words. We all make mistakes no ones perfect… Unless of course your ItsJoe/Dr Damon or UKTramp
Problem is drivers use tacho rules to their advantage and the ignorance of TM to their advantage. TMs and Planners catch on and try to put a stop to it.
I know I do.
e.g.
‘Great you’re back at the depot we need you to run this truck out asap’
‘Sure soon as I finish my tacho break!’
I got a phone call when I was out one day as all of the office staff had flu (bird flu was around at the time) and as the foreman I was asked to run the office, take calls, print off routes and copy tachos ect.
When the office staff came back a week later I had kept up with everything and kept the customers/drivers happy, I went back out on the road and thought no more of it but I was asked back to help out on holiday cover and I used this time to ask as many questions as possible.
I spent about six months in the office at this point and I was told to make a choice either make the move permanent or go back driving so I had the required interviews and took a pay cut, after a year I was promoted to senior traffic and put on a developement course for all the office admin (Excel , Word , ect ) I then spent another year doing that and I am now a contracts manager looking after a portfolio of large customers.
The grass isn’t always greener and you get out of it what you put in to any job but I was very lucky, I had a oppertunity to show my manager what I could do in the office and a willingness to learn but without the support and belief of two managers I wouldn’t be where I am today. I still believe that old drivers make better planners as long as they remeber that you should only ask a driver to do what you would be willing to do yourself.
adam277:
Problem is drivers use tacho rules to their advantage and the ignorance of TM to their advantage. TMs and Planners catch on and try to put a stop to it.
I know I do.
e.g.
‘Great you’re back at the depot we need you to run this truck out asap’
‘Sure soon as I finish my tacho break!’
runs off to find another mug to do it.
Doesn’t quite work that way, possibly for the older or more switched on driver, but the rest fail to use their initiative and rely on orders from someone who doesn’t have a clue.
Planners couldn’t understand how I manage my hours with things such as a split rest or ferry break, they haven’t a clue how I can repay a weekly rest reduction on the back of a 9 midweek, and they most definitely wouldn’t understand how I can run my truck legally for 13 days.
But these muppets are telling naive ( ? ) drivers it’s possible to do something when questioned
got a fully kitted truck and I’m away around Europe, Scandinavia and the Balkans.
)
but at the same time getting through the workload efficiently, which I manage, so everybody’s happy…it’s called ‘‘Having the job sussed’’