Two more days of DCPC to do after which I will have everything that I need to drive Cat C for a living, next week I will be starting Cat C+E training and obviously hoping for a pass at the end of the weeks training.
I am officially made redundant this Friday so it is now time for me to find work in my new career - however all I seem to read on the forum is how bad the agencies are and how rubbish the different haulage firms are As a newbie driver it has left me wondering if there are any good haulage firms left that can be recommended as good places to work?
Every firm has its problems, some are worse than others. Most places arenât that bad, its just some users on here have had bad experiences with X company and will make their voices known.
My company is pretty â â â â good. I find something to moan about now and again, but thatâs just me. Iâd moan if I won the lottery.
They also took me on as a newbie (on full pay, no starter rate) and gave me two days with the company trainer (with the option to have him for longer) to make sure I was happy and confident before I went out on the road (in a top spec TGX XXL)
The guy basically gave me every reversing scenario under the sun, as we all know that the test reverse doesnât really get you ready for the real world.
Define âgoodââŚeveryoneâs idea of the perfect employer is different.
A firm that runs a clean, modern, up to date fleet and insists on doing everything by the book down to incredibly meticulous detail might be regarded as a âgoodâ company. However, it can be a right pain having to do all the form filling and H&S nonsense that many would prefer to avoid.
Another company might have a âcouldnât care lessâ attitude to some, which to others means the freedom to do their own thing without having to worry about their employer breathing down their neck all the time.
Some companies insist on driving a set route without deviating which will suit those who donât want the bother of planning their own navigation, but will frustrate others who want the independence to make their own decisions.
I suspect the only common thread among most of the haulage firms is that the wages are a bit rubbish. Driving because you want to, not because you expect to make a good living from it.
Thanks for the great replies, it has given me a lot to think about and I am now seeing things from a different perspective - Cheers!
I think I need to work out what it is that I want from an employer and take it from there, my initial thought is to go for the safe option with the âby-the-bookâ, well structured, up-to-date and well planned firms - which ones are those?
ORC:
Define âgoodââŚeveryoneâs idea of the perfect employer is different.
A firm that runs a clean, modern, up to date fleet and insists on doing everything by the book down to incredibly meticulous detail might be regarded as a âgoodâ company. However, it can be a right pain having to do all the form filling and H&S nonsense that many would prefer to avoid.
Another company might have a âcouldnât care lessâ attitude to some, which to others means the freedom to do their own thing without having to worry about their employer breathing down their neck all the time.
Some companies insist on driving a set route without deviating which will suit those who donât want the bother of planning their own navigation, but will frustrate others who want the independence to make their own decisions.
I suspect the only common thread among most of the haulage firms is that the wages are a bit rubbish. Driving because you want to, not because you expect to make a good living from it.
Well said
I work with a company that give you a job and leave you to do it what ever way you want to do it, Iâve proved my worth and am not afraid to do what needs to be done, the only time I go near the office is to get paperwork or report a fault. Itâs a good thing to be trusted to do your job your way and get it done your way, instead of some â â â â who never drove a wagon in there life telling you how to down the phone! I left my last firm over that â â â â â â â â and got lucky in my present job I guess! Donât let anyone take you for a mug is my advice, Jack if they try
MickyB666:
Thanks for the great replies, it has given me a lot to think about and I am now seeing things from a different perspective - Cheers!
I think I need to work out what it is that I want from an employer and take it from there, my initial thought is to go for the safe option with the âby-the-bookâ, well structured, up-to-date and well planned firms - which ones are those?
Sometimes âthe bookâ forgets about common sense, hence the comment in my last post about some jumped up idiot in an office who is going by a âbookâ and hasnât stepped foot in a wagon never mind drive 1
MickyB666:
Thanks for the great replies, it has given me a lot to think about and I am now seeing things from a different perspective - Cheers!
I think I need to work out what it is that I want from an employer and take it from there, my initial thought is to go for the safe option with the âby-the-bookâ, well structured, up-to-date and well planned firms - which ones are those?
Sometimes âthe bookâ forgets about common sense, hence the comment in my last post about some jumped up idiot in an office who is going by a âbookâ and hasnât stepped foot in a wagon never mind drive 1
Or the ones that say âIt looked big enough on Google MapsââŚ
MickyB666:
Thanks for the great replies, it has given me a lot to think about and I am now seeing things from a different perspective - Cheers!
I think I need to work out what it is that I want from an employer and take it from there, my initial thought is to go for the safe option with the âby-the-bookâ, well structured, up-to-date and well planned firms - which ones are those?
Sometimes âthe bookâ forgets about common sense, hence the comment in my last post about some jumped up idiot in an office who is going by a âbookâ and hasnât stepped foot in a wagon never mind drive 1
Or the ones that say âIt looked big enough on Google MapsââŚ
Yeah thatâs the one, or the we have been up there loads of times, and the response is Iâve tucked my 2 mirrors in and still canât get up lol
Got made redundant 10 years ago did CPC in national road haulage (company paid for it has re training) dropped lucky with the hgv training due to being on the CPC right place right time etc. 10 years on got a steady job as a driver/mentor with a company that respects and values its drivers.
Yes apparently these âgoodâ haulage companies and coach companies exist and I am determined to find one. I am a tenacious sod been hunting now for 36 years. I have given up on good agencies though, I am convinced they do not exist
Doom. The final frontier⌠These are the voyages of the starship âBellend Brosâ, their mission-to seek out brave new noobies. To explore negativity, to boldly moan like no man before.
eagerbeaver:
Doom. The final frontier⌠These are the voyages of the starship âBellend Brosâ, their mission-to seek out brave new noobies. To explore negativity, to boldly moan like no man before.
Glad to see the positive comments - I was beginning to wonder if I had entered the wrong profession.
Life isnât difficult to understand, and neither are people. Its all about the correct attitude.
There are [zb] loads of LGV driving jobs around. Dress smart, show some effort, some respect/manners, and a glimpse of intelligence and you wont be out of work until you retire.
Driving an artic back and to is a piece of â â â â . Easiest money I have ever earned. Plenty of good employers around, the secret is that the best ones donât NEED to advertise. Get your shoes on and get knocking on doors.
As a newbie driver it has left me wondering if there are any good haulage firms left that can be recommended as good places to work? 
