hi all
I own and run a commercial vehicle garage in northwest uk and I am looking to start in 2015 to operate a couple of brick grab artics can anyone recommend do,s and don’t,s of who to work for and also I have been told from some operators that I deal with that the brick and block delivery job is getting very busy does anyone on this forum share in this optimistic view of the building delivery trade and are the rates any good.
I obviously have no idea of the size of your present set up or its location, but the following may need some consideration.
Your O licence application will give those who live near to your workshop the chance to object to the amount of HGV movements that your business generates, which up to now they have been unable to do on anything other than planning grounds. VoSA may possibly decide that your workshop is already at capacity now that they will be having a say in the business. They will also want to see that your current office staff and its workload can cope with the additional administration involved in running your own vehicles. If you are intending to become the Transport Manager /CPC holder, but need to qualify first then possibly you are likely to need to show how your existing business will be managed while you study.
thanks for feed back cav 551
you raise some good points in your post I have been involved with helping operators who we carry out repairs for keep vosa compliant and helping them with all aspects of fleet maintenance for many years. I also hold a cpc in national road haulage although my back ground is mainly in fleet repair and maintenance the site we are on and our workshop as a bit of spare capacity I have worked in and around general haulage for many years but not had much dealings with brick and block haulage and although I hear good feed back on this part of the haulage industry I would like some feed back from operators already in this field.
I am sure that the following will be ridiculed by many and particularly by those already involved in brick and block haulage, however as a complete new entrant you may be questioned about what loads you will be carrying, evidence that you have given this some thought can only operate in your favour. Just like they have campaigns at the test station on particular parts of the MOT test, the issue of load security is currently VoSA’s latest favourite subject. They refer to the code of practice Safety of loads on Vehicles which mentions dunnage being used in instances where the ‘stacks’ of goods being carried are not in contact with one another. Since most brick and block vehicles are equipped with Hiab grabs, the individual stacks do not meet down the centre line and sometimes do not meet at all. Totally disregarding any reference to loads in practice not falling off, it is clear that any restraint will not be preventing the top row; even if shrink wrapped, banded or whatever; from moving slightly towards its opposite number thus slackening the restraining device. I am sure that as a motor engineer you can come up with a design for a low cost, lightweight and space saving piece of dunnage which could be used as a sketch of what might work.
yes as you say vosa latest hot potato is load security we look after some brewery dray trucks were this as had a big financial impact on operating costs with the need to fit internal load restraint nets to all dray vehicles. the problem is vosa have changed the spec that makes your truck compliant at least once and some large beer delivery companys had already spent tens of thousands of pounds trying to be responsible hauliers and not leave the fitment of internal nets to the last minute typical vosa when will they realize that our industry just needs clear guidance and most operators will find it much easier to play by the rules and stay compliant. as with the dray truck case there is a difference of opinion has to the best way to secure brick and block with most operators choosing to run with the tall drop side panel I belive that as long as your load is no higher than the drop side panel you don’t need any additional restaints as the drop down body panel is strong enough to hold any displaced load.
VOSA are/have been getting keen on brick and block guys as to the security of their loads, as they are classed as flat vehicles, even though some of them have metal sides.
Marshalls went through a fleet replacement programme last year, and all of their trailers are now of the fabric curtain type to save weight, and as thus, they strap their packs on the trailer, using corner boards on 3 packs at a time to save strapping every pack on the trailer. Hansons do the same.
Marshalls have a depot in Ramsbottom, but all transport is sourced through their HQ in Halifax.
Ken.
I did a bit of Brick & Block work from the Purfleet Area a Few years back, but found it hard to make it pay as the rates were bottom line then, I don’t know what present rates are, the other problem was tyres running on and off site it was a regular problem of punctures and as the trailer was hired my problem and cost. Hope that is of some help,.,.
Do you really think you could just drive in and get work just because you have bought a couple of trucks? Well dream on. Make some enquiries about who will take you on and at what rate before you waste your money dude. 
shirtbox2003:
Do you really think you could just drive in and get work just because you have bought a couple of trucks? Well dream on. Make some enquiries about who will take you on and at what rate before you waste your money dude.
I beg to differ Wincanton will take you they run Ibstock marley tiles Redlands tiles Brett paving and a few others a day rate of 510 is on offer if you solley work for them
I finished few months ago after 7 years with them not because I wasn’t makin money just because I’d had enuff and wanted a home life I can give you a phone of one contracts manager Tht run out of leics Yorkshire kent and dorset
Well then Monarch with a rate seeming so good to be true why didn,t you put a driver on and sit at home. 
The reason I sold up was cis I didn’t want the grief or stress anymore with what comes with runnin a truck yes I cud of put a driver in and Probly made about a grand a month out of it but the Agro is still there and good drivers are hard to find so I sold the unit for 24 k clear profit and have now got an 18 pound an hour job with no pressure or worries about runnin a lorry
And Tht rate is 100% true some days I would do 10 miles for 510 a day and Thts simplt because winclownton can’t organise transport and those days were a regular acurance
Most weeks on avg u was only doin 1800 kms