http://news.sky.com/story/1351478/road-hauliers-in-christmas-deliveries-warning
i like how they say Marc from latvia is “driving” 9 hours a day. no mention of the other 6 hours he probably sits in a RDC . then again they`d put of potential new drivers mentioning a 15 hour day lol.
Don’t panic Mr Mannering
They’re panicking like crazy in Lincolnshire, EVERY single haulier is crying out for drivers, agencies are offering sign up bonuses yet the wages when working direct are still between £6.50 and £9 ph paid straight through with the majority offering no O/T rate.
Pictures of the queen will make them come, who wants to do 80hr week for £550?
Give all the illegals coming over a Hgv licence and Dcpc card upon entry, problem solved 
I’m not entirely sure if the driver shortage thing is not just a myth.
If it is true however, it serves the government/authorities like VOSA/ EU ■■■■■■■■ s right for bringing this job to the over regulated driver welfare facility lacking crock of ■■■■ that it has evolved to over the last 20 or so years. A series of restrictions and money making ridiculous schemes (eg dcpc for already experienced knowledgeable drivers) that have made a lot of good drivers call it a day.
And again if it is true the problem will be addressed by the powers that be only by dumbing down the qualification of basic ability and common sense needed to efficiently drive a HGV even further, so there will be even more special needs types behind the wheels of artics than what there is now, God help us! 
tango boy:
Give all the illegals coming over a Hgv licence and Dcpc card upon entry, problem solved
they don’t wanna it
The company I do the summer for is about to run out of work for me. I used to do winters for another firm but he has sold his trucks. Good possibility I may have to do agency. If I get time I will phone them all and post what’s offered. I am based in Lincolnshire so plenty of choices
the reason isnt cost or the dcpc (lets face it you sit in a classroom bored for 7 hours with no test at the end), its the whole job and how you are percieved (why would a young person want to get out of bed at 4am be spoke to like ■■■■ by a transport planner, flt driver, good in clerk? then whilst driving have the general public look upon you as a nuisance).
i think its time the press and powers that be made the general public realise that without drivers the country grinds to a halt. i loved driving but took up a desk role in an agency as it gave me a better family life (set hours home every night etc.).
robroy:
special needs types behind the wheels
Did someone call? 
I tell what DCPC has given me! An easy day chewing the fat with me work mates having a laugh and the crack and getting paid for it as overtime.BINGO!