It has its moments but generally yes. Most of the people are half decent. The work is easy 99% of the time, the money isn’t bad. The H&S can often be over the top but we aren’t harrassed by office staff, or planned ridiculously long runs. Most runs can be done within 10 or 11 hours normally sometimes even less. We get some rough with the smooth mostly.
On the whole there are certainly worse places to work for.
Love the place where I work.
Started on the agency at the beginning of the year, now full time on the books, and we run for an air conditioning company delivering to their branches. There are 2 of us on it full time, and one lad who drives part time, but works for the gaffer at his other business. We run DAF XFSSC’s, of which the main 2 are only 2 months old, and have all the bells and whistles on. The other guy to me does 2 nights out a week, whereas I am a day driver!!! I must be the most cossetted day driver in the country.
Money could be better, But we do the same runs over the 5 day week, and that is the boring bit, but if we do a direct to site job, the gaffer gives us £50 in cash for the ‘inconvenience’ and I only do on average a 42 hour week. I don’t even come under the WTD average of 48 hours.
Our gaffer just leaves us alone to get on with it, and he knows that if we ring him, there is a genuine problem, and vice versa.
For me at 55, I see it as a pipe and slippers job until I retire, having done the 60+ hours and nights out. Now at my age, the kids have grown up, the wife and I have little outlay, so I don’t need to kill myself to earn a crust.
To show you how nice our gaffer is. Today, we broke up until 6th January, and he gave me 2 bottles of wine, (For the wife.) and £200 bonus in cash!!!
Yesterday I was happy, today far from happy,
Worked in the same spot for 23 years and today walked out the factory gate after one of the toughest years I have had in the place. Never abused plant and only one accident in that 23 years which I was not at fault.
No bonus( which I was due) and barely a grunt from a lot of the staff there, told I’ll get my “Christmas bonus” sometime next year,
Quinny:
Love the place where I work.Started on the agency at the beginning of the year, now full time on the books, and we run for an air conditioning company delivering to their branches. There are 2 of us on it full time, and one lad who drives part time, but works for the gaffer at his other business. We run DAF XFSSC’s, of which the main 2 are only 2 months old, and have all the bells and whistles on. The other guy to me does 2 nights out a week, whereas I am a day driver!!! I must be the most cossetted day driver in the country.
Money could be better, But we do the same runs over the 5 day week, and that is the boring bit, but if we do a direct to site job, the gaffer gives us £50 in cash for the ‘inconvenience’ and I only do on average a 42 hour week. I don’t even come under the WTD average of 48 hours.
Our gaffer just leaves us alone to get on with it, and he knows that if we ring him, there is a genuine problem, and vice versa.
For me at 55, I see it as a pipe and slippers job until I retire, having done the 60+ hours and nights out. Now at my age, the kids have grown up, the wife and I have little outlay, so I don’t need to kill myself to earn a crust.
To show you how nice our gaffer is. Today, we broke up until 6th January, and he gave me 2 bottles of wine, (For the wife.) and £200 bonus in cash!!!
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Sounds good that quinny,any jobs going 
robroy:
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After reading this I wondered if many on here felt the same about the firm they work for, why that is, and why they don’t just change jobs.The guy says he ‘despises’ his firm, that’s pretty bad, but by the same token wtf do they expect if firms treat their drivers like children, agitate them with all this trivial ‘compliance’ ■■■■■■■■ …for no real reason other than to justify their created well paid ‘non job’.
Another thing that severely ■■■■■■ off good and proper drivers is the way they are just treated like the d/heads on the firm who are employed alongside them.
All this sort of stuff just builds up, and they fail to see it’s counter productive in respect of a ■■■■■■ off driver ain’t going to do a jot more for them other than what his job entails.
Other aspects…Christmas for instance, always perks and parties for management, but the far end of f.all for the drivers.
Anybody feel this way?Me? I like the job I do, and give 100% to it, as I’ve done with every other.
The firm I work for ?..I’ll just say ‘‘No comment’’ .
One of the reasons I left downtons was over the top “compliance” rubbish…
I actually did grow to despise that firm and wish them nothing but the worst luck.
My job now is spot on half a dozen trucks,very busy but appreciated and treated like an adult.
Im only late 30s and I see some old timer drivers at some firms letting little gets talk down to them and accepting stupid rules that don’t need to be in place,
Not really. Where I am now, few care about doing their job. Clock in, clock out, get paid - that’s the modus operandi for 90% of the people here - from the drivers, the loaders, pickers, to the transport ‘clerks’ and transport ‘management’ all the way to the top. No one gives a ■■■■ about anything other than 1) when my shift ends and 2) did I get paid on time and in full and the results are obvious.
Unfortunately it seems to be contagious as I find myself caring less and less as well. I applied for a full time position with them but I might look elsewhere while they’re ‘considering my application’ as I’m on paid holiday until the end of the year
I neither like or dislike my firm, I feel no particular loyalty and I’m fairly indifferent towards them. But saying that, when they kitted the fleet out with inward facing cameras complete with infra-red lights and microphones, a piece of me died inside, and it’s never recovered. No matter how much I try, I cannot seem to accept the cameras. The problem is, I’m on the best wage I’ve ever had, work an average of 42 hours per week, there’s no rivalry between the drivers, I have a great work/life balance, and find the work generally ok. So I’m always weighing the pros against what I perceive to be the one massive con that eats away at me as time goes on.
Yes old school firm no bother no pushing none of this debreif rubbish no of this planner rubbish how many firms do you know that will park your truck up while you are of sick for over 6 wks
ezydriver:
I neither like or dislike my firm, I feel no particular loyalty and I’m fairly indifferent towards them. But saying that, when they kitted the fleet out with inward facing cameras complete with infra-red lights and microphones, a piece of me died inside, and it’s never recovered. No matter how much I try, I cannot seem to accept the cameras. The problem is, I’m on the best wage I’ve ever had, work an average of 42 hours per week, there’s no rivalry between the drivers, I have a great work/life balance, and find the work generally ok. So I’m always weighing the pros against what I perceive to be the one massive con that eats away at me as time goes on.
It’s a step too far is that,but Iv heard drivers saying “well Iv nothing to hide” and sucking it up.
Well Iv nothing to hide but if my gaffer put one of those in I’d be off,no way could I work knowing that someone could be watching me…
yorkshire terrier:
Sounds good that quinny,any jobs going
Dead mans shoes job I’m afraid, but I just happened to be in the right place, at the right time due to the driver I replaced having his licence revoked for 12 months due to an angina scare.
Mate of mine keeps asking the same thing, and keeps getting the same reply. 
Ken.
ezydriver:
I neither like or dislike my firm, I feel no particular loyalty and I’m fairly indifferent towards them. But saying that, when they kitted the fleet out with inward facing cameras complete with infra-red lights and microphones, a piece of me died inside, and it’s never recovered. No matter how much I try, I cannot seem to accept the cameras. The problem is, I’m on the best wage I’ve ever had, work an average of 42 hours per week, there’s no rivalry between the drivers, I have a great work/life balance, and find the work generally ok. So I’m always weighing the pros against what I perceive to be the one massive con that eats away at me as time goes on.
Apart form the inward cameras bit, which we don’t have fortunately, the hours worked and the work/life balance, is something that I love at our place.
I am spending more time at home now, than I ever have, and recently have lost nearly a stone in weight in 7 weeks, stopped taking high blood pressure tablets, and have far more time for myself, am no worse off financially or healthwise, and that is the reason why I like where I am.
Ken.
ezydriver:
I neither like or dislike my firm, I feel no particular loyalty and I’m fairly indifferent towards them. But saying that, when they kitted the fleet out with inward facing cameras complete with infra-red lights and microphones, a piece of me died inside, and it’s never recovered. No matter how much I try, I cannot seem to accept the cameras.
Are they constant surveillance type, or the ones that are activated with harsh braking or an accident?
We have the latter, I’m like you, I can not stand the thought of being watched or recorded, so it’s strategically covered…not a problem with the outward facing one though.
I can honestly say that I could not concentrate on my driving if I had the constant one facing me, knowing some nosey 2hat could be randomly watching me.
Leave those for the pathetic and the spineless, who come out with…‘‘What’s the problem if you’re doing nothing wrong’’ to ■■■■ up,… but that would be the day I jacked, whatever the rate was.
This is a classic example of my original post, how do firms expect any loyalty when stuff like this is inflicted on their drivers…a lack of respect, an insult to your professionalism, a ■■■■ take,.and a step too bloody far imo. 
Been in my present job for over 5 years now small family firm where you are well treated, am asked my opinion on routes, boats to take etc. On getting back to the yard the first question is “When do you want to go back out?”
Get a cash Christmas bonus every year, time off for any family problems is not an issue, have a boss who backs me up plant is well looked after and anything wrong will be sorted before going back out.
robroy:
ezydriver:
I neither like or dislike my firm, I feel no particular loyalty and I’m fairly indifferent towards them. But saying that, when they kitted the fleet out with inward facing cameras complete with infra-red lights and microphones, a piece of me died inside, and it’s never recovered. No matter how much I try, I cannot seem to accept the cameras.Are they constant surveillance type, or the ones that are activated with harsh braking or an accident?
We have the latter, I’m like you, I can not stand the thought of being watched or recorded, so it’s strategically covered…not a problem with the outward facing one though.
I can honestly say that I could not concentrate on my driving if I had the constant one facing me, knowing some nosey 2hat could be randomly watching me.
Leave those for the pathetic and the spineless, who come out with…‘‘What’s the problem if you’re doing nothing wrong’’ to ■■■■ up,… but that would be the day I jacked, whatever the rate was.This is a classic example of my original post, how do firms expect any loyalty when stuff like this is inflicted on their drivers…a lack of respect, an insult to your professionalism, a ■■■■ take,.and a step too bloody far imo.
Constant surveillance. Although they’re not live streaming, and get overwritten after about 3 shifts. Any harsh brakings on the Microlise are always investigated, and they do random spot checks from time to time. As I said, the job’s nigh on perfect for me in every other sense, but it’s made miserable by the constant feeling I’m being watched, and by the paranoia that they might decide I committed gross misconduct when I sipped my water or shoved a sarnie in my mouth on an empty motorway. It would sure as hell be cheaper than paying redundancy money.
ezydriver:
robroy:
ezydriver:
I neither like or dislike my firm, I feel no particular loyalty and I’m fairly indifferent towards them. But saying that, when they kitted the fleet out with inward facing cameras complete with infra-red lights and microphones, a piece of me died inside, and it’s never recovered. No matter how much I try, I cannot seem to accept the cameras.Are they constant surveillance type, or the ones that are activated with harsh braking or an accident?
We have the latter, I’m like you, I can not stand the thought of being watched or recorded, so it’s strategically covered…not a problem with the outward facing one though.
I can honestly say that I could not concentrate on my driving if I had the constant one facing me, knowing some nosey 2hat could be randomly watching me.
Leave those for the pathetic and the spineless, who come out with…‘‘What’s the problem if you’re doing nothing wrong’’ to ■■■■ up,… but that would be the day I jacked, whatever the rate was.This is a classic example of my original post, how do firms expect any loyalty when stuff like this is inflicted on their drivers…a lack of respect, an insult to your professionalism, a ■■■■ take,.and a step too bloody far imo.
Constant surveillance. Although they’re not live streaming, and get overwritten after about 3 shifts. Any harsh brakings on the Microlise are always investigated, and they do random spot checks from time to time. As I said, the job’s nigh on perfect for me in every other sense, but it’s made miserable by the constant feeling I’m being watched, and by the paranoia that they might decide I committed gross misconduct when I sipped my water or shoved a sarnie in my mouth on an empty motorway. It would sure as hell be cheaper than paying redundancy money.
As I said mate, just a step too far, final nail in the coffin for me .
What were you all thinking accepting all that crap, was there no atempted resistance of any type?
robroy:
ezydriver:
robroy:
ezydriver:
I neither like or dislike my firm, I feel no particular loyalty and I’m fairly indifferent towards them. But saying that, when they kitted the fleet out with inward facing cameras complete with infra-red lights and microphones, a piece of me died inside, and it’s never recovered. No matter how much I try, I cannot seem to accept the cameras.Are they constant surveillance type, or the ones that are activated with harsh braking or an accident?
We have the latter, I’m like you, I can not stand the thought of being watched or recorded, so it’s strategically covered…not a problem with the outward facing one though.
I can honestly say that I could not concentrate on my driving if I had the constant one facing me, knowing some nosey 2hat could be randomly watching me.
Leave those for the pathetic and the spineless, who come out with…‘‘What’s the problem if you’re doing nothing wrong’’ to ■■■■ up,… but that would be the day I jacked, whatever the rate was.This is a classic example of my original post, how do firms expect any loyalty when stuff like this is inflicted on their drivers…a lack of respect, an insult to your professionalism, a ■■■■ take,.and a step too bloody far imo.
Constant surveillance. Although they’re not live streaming, and get overwritten after about 3 shifts. Any harsh brakings on the Microlise are always investigated, and they do random spot checks from time to time. As I said, the job’s nigh on perfect for me in every other sense, but it’s made miserable by the constant feeling I’m being watched, and by the paranoia that they might decide I committed gross misconduct when I sipped my water or shoved a sarnie in my mouth on an empty motorway. It would sure as hell be cheaper than paying redundancy money.
As I said mate, just a step too far, final nail in the coffin for me .
What were you all thinking accepting all that crap, was there no atempted resistance of any type?
180 drivers at our depot. I know of 1 that handed his notice in immediately because of it. There were a few others militantly against it, and they covered the cameras up. The problem is, other drivers were reporting them for covering them up, and they were threatened with the sack. And my company don’t mess around when it comes to sacking people. The general consensus seemed to be “if you’re doing nothing wrong, you’ve nothing to fear”, and the old “well, it’s the way the world’s going, isn’t it?”.
Anyway, I’m taking active steps to change career, and into a different industry. My goal next year is to hopefully make that jump. Inward facing cameras were, and still are the final straw for me. Driving used to be a great job, but most of the joy and freedom has been sucked out of it now.
It’s those types of absolute ■■■■ weasels, spineless yes men of the worst kind of human beings, that infect our workforce, and are the main cause of how crap this ■■■■ job is these days.
I hate them all and would love it if they all died a horrible slow death.
Arse wipes the lot of em.
Good luck with your move mate, another right thinking right minded driver forced out of the job to be more than likely replaced by another one of those 2hats.
As Toonsy said “ can’t always have it my way” is probably the best way of looking at life.
Lasted at one job two months until I could find something else, as the bills still needed paying.
Present job has too much H&S, good work life balance and pay rates. Attitude of some of my colleagues makes me wonder why they are still working there, but nothing stranger than folk.
It’s looking like the only people who have anything good to say is the people who are coming up to retirement and the truth be told they would put up with anything
Or i hate them but money is good or the job is easy and money is not enough or i will put up with anything because i don’t have long to go
I would love to know what ■■■■ these people put up with all there life in this job it reads like they all had ■■■■ jobs and worked for minimum wage
It’s true…that I’ve worked for some low pay general haulage firms.
But nobody has ever given me grief.
Not saying I’m hard…but if they did,I’d smash the office up,and anybody that stood on my way.
And then ■■■■ them whilst they were still warm.
