Hello everyone, New to this forum and heard about it from a fellow driver !
So bit about me took a career change from a really good job 9-5 grind which was getting taxing and i wanted something with a bit more freedom and fresh air rather than office politics etc !
Got my class1 in “23” and started on class 2 for around 2 months via an agency collecting old vending machines from various hospitality sites, Crummy pay but was a starting point for me and manged to drop about a stone in weight with the lifting 
Luckily since then got an opportunity on the class 1 trunking and been there ever since which is a good gig but now looking for something varied and to now boost the earning potential and the current role is a bit limiting as everyone has there own role and they don’t like changing people around which is fair enough, So i have a few questions below which i’m struggling to answer myself and are calling upon you guys for more industry experience with the next steps.
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I’m considering being a contractor to the agencies rather than being exclusive with one for some varied types of roles to obtain different types of driving experience, But do you get a higher rate ph being a contractor ? and is it worth while going down this route for my flexibility for when i want to go on holiday etc ?
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I hear the best paid work is working nights on the weekends driving the tankers for the supermarkets, I do a few nights currently here and it works for me as no kids/wife etc but my current company are still paying me trainee rates and coming up to the 2yr experience mark for me i don’t think they will up my pay in line with other drivers, So in a round about way is ADR worth the investment ? I don’t fancy the Hi-Ab as most of the drivers i see are stressed out to the max trying to find new build sites etc.
Also just to give insight i only work 4 days a week as i wanted more time for myself, Holidays etc hence the 9-5 career change so again this is why i’m looking to maximise the 4 days i do pay wise and for something a bit different, Also tramping is not for me if i’m honest based on i hate caravans and camping 
plus its always 5 days minimum.
Thanks in advance and constructive criticism is always welcome but please don’t bash me a about for just asking advice. Drive safe brothers!
Agency are best bet for flexibility etc.
Although you will have to prove your reliable willing to do anything they offer you.
But once they realise your a good worker you can work whatever days you want take holidays when you want long as give them some notice .
Unlike being employed where have book leave off hope for it to be approved etc.
Same with sickness non this few days off sick then have a meeting with HR to explain why you was ill and get a warning etc.
If you get on a good agency there very flexible and will accommodate you etc .
Don’t know any though as been few years since I was last on agency
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What will add from experience on agency you can earn more than proper job . But if you decide to apply for a mortgage . Loan buy a car etc finance companies basically treat you as zero hours contract and as your not technically guaranteed work all year round.so might have difficulty getting credit which is why I left agency as wanted get a mortgage.Just something to consider.
But sure there trying to change rules on this so you can get credit easier but not sure
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I’ve switched to driving for the same reasons…sick of office and politics but I’m just starting out, literally theory booked for a couple of weeks time, going for Class 1. I’ve been reading up on job prospects for a while and what would suit me and your post has helped a lot. I’m thinking agency eventually as I probably need experience first, so a trainee position. I think trunking (good to hear you like it) or containers would suit me, as I’m near a port, but I understand you should try different jobs to work out what’s best for you. Would be good to hear how you get on and good luck.
Historically it used to be that agency work was more for experienced guys winding-down or just going their own way to get better rates etc.
Since there’s less trucking firms taking on new guys though and agencies take newbies on as whether you are new or old the rates you get are mostly the same (some agencies negotiate with you for pay but that’s unusual I find).
I started off with agencies when I worked construction industry work but in trucking most of mine has been with companies, but now… I’m back to agency work. LOL.
Now while I’m not ADR trained I know people that have done the course. The pay is slightly more on average and tramping is not the thing at all so could well suit you since you aren’t into that. However the working conditions can be a bit more a PITA with caveats on even taking your own electronic equipment into the cab with you, lay-by parking is often right out unless there’s a kerb barrier etc.
I’ve never gone this route (I’m more a tanker (non-ADR)man) but car transporters are where the big money is but that’s often considered almost a niche wing of the trucking industry and finnicky.