So there we have it - stops to “satisfy the wants of nature” (sic) and those required by law are indeed permitted without phoning in first to “ask for permission”, although they require that the latter should be taken at the depot or hub when possible, and that such stops (and the reason for them) should be noted on the run sheet and called in to Da Management.
Double post!
toonsy:
blue estate:
Just remind them who’s name is on your tacho card and drivers licence
Also breaks are at the drivers discretion when he takes themNew pastures
There’s nothing written in the rules to back that up though.
In reality, most firms don’t care where you take breaks but some do and can legitimately tell you where they are to be taken aswell.
It may well be your name on your drivers licence and tacho but ultimately a company “can” request when and where you will take your break, so long as it will not require you to be breaking any laws e.g running out of either work/driving time before requested break & location.
I’ve never understood why drivers think they are exempt from being told when to have theirs just because they work as a driver, now you may not like or want to work for a company who operate this way but if that’s the way they run their business (DPD in this case) then so be it. Bottom line, millions of people up and down the country work in jobs where they are told when they are having their break and its not an issue.
Personally I have not worked for a company where I am told when I am having mine and as a post above highlights the vast majority of companies leave it up to the driver to sort out, however I would not have an issue if I worked for say DPD (for the sake of this discussion) following what they requested.
tmcassett:
toonsy:
blue estate:
Just remind them who’s name is on your tacho card and drivers licence
Also breaks are at the drivers discretion when he takes themNew pastures
There’s nothing written in the rules to back that up though.
In reality, most firms don’t care where you take breaks but some do and can legitimately tell you where they are to be taken aswell.
It may well be your name on your drivers licence and tacho but ultimately a company “can” request when and where you will take your break, so long as it will not require you to be breaking any laws e.g running out of either work/driving time before requested break & location.
I’ve never understood why drivers think they are exempt from being told when to have theirs just because they work as a driver, now you may not like or want to work for a company who operate this way but if that’s the way they run their business (DPD in this case) then so be it. Bottom line, millions of people up and down the country work in jobs where they are told when they are having their break and its not an issue.
Personally I have not worked for a company where I am told when I am having mine and as a post above highlights the vast majority of companies leave it up to the driver to sort out, however I would not have an issue if I worked for say DPD (for the sake of this discussion) following what they requested.
It’s a common sense thing isn’t it ? Unfortunately these days sense isn’t common anymore. If you’re pulling potentially high value stuff in a fully marked up truck, then unless there’s some emergency you don’t stop in the services, laybys etc because of the risks of some undesirables coming and bopping you over the head and nicking the load. Like someone said above, if you need to stop on a 2.5 hr drive to a hub then 1. you’re in the wrong job and 2. you need to seek medical attention and/or 3. sort your diet out/coffee consumption.
I’m amazed how much of a big deal this no stopping nonsense has become on this thread.
I’m coming up to my 1st year done now working for them. I’ve had to stop zero times on my 2.5hr drive to hub or on the return drive.
If you are desperate for a ■■■■ of course you can pull into the services, you will not get a ‘bollocking’ providing you let them know. If you get caught in some sort of massive delay and you need a break for legal reasons of course you can stop for that, again letting them know.
Id rather have the other fantastic benefits of working there and ‘put up’ with the draconian rule of no stopping on my run! 
duplicate post
Swordsy:
I’m amazed how much of a big deal this no stopping nonsense has become on this thread.I’m coming up to my 1st year done now working for them. I’ve had to stop zero times on my 2.5hr drive to hub or on the return drive.
Well when i worked there in xmas, i had to run from oldbury to barnsley to dartford back to oldbury depending on traffic you could easily go over 9hrs driving, and the whole no stopping shenanigans were a pain
And then when you leave the hub you get searched airport style, so annoying after a long shift whilst office staff dont get searched 
No stopping? That means “no using the toilet”
As long as the non driving staff only use the toilet once every 4.5 hours I’ll comply.
Otherwise ■■■■ off you arrogant ■■■■■■■■
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Truckulent:
No stopping? That means “no using the toilet”As long as the non driving staff only use the toilet once every 4.5 hours I’ll comply.
Otherwise [zb] off you arrogant [zb].
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I agree, but when drivers agree and comply to this sort of stuff, that is when the rot sets in.
And ‘Being searched before you leave airport style’? 
Seriously.■■
Nice to see a firm who respect and trust their staff eh?
No way I would work there, and if truth be known they admittedly would not want me,.as I would not fit their bill, from what I’ve read, despite my much and varied experience.
Kinda proud of that tbh. 
robroy:
Truckulent:
No stopping? That means “no using the toilet”As long as the non driving staff only use the toilet once every 4.5 hours I’ll comply.
Otherwise [zb] off you arrogant [zb].
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I agree, but when drivers agree and comply to this sort of stuff, that is when the rot sets in.
And ‘Being searched before you leave airport style’?
Seriously.■■Nice to see a firm who respect and trust their staff eh?
No way I would work there, and if truth be known they admittedly would not want me,.as I would not fit their bill, from what I’ve read, despite my much and varied experience.
Kinda proud of that tbh.
I wouldnt work there either based on that.
Tbf, I’d never take the ■■■■ stopping all the time. (pun intended!) [emoji16]But sometimes you need to go etc and shouldn’t have to justify the need to empty your bladder or bowel to anyone.
Not sure I’d fit in either - based on the ■■■■■ money alone!
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As for the being told when and where to have breaks, it’s a world of difference doing that in non driving jobs,.where tiredness etc can be worked through.
I get the security/high value load thing, but unless you are some kind of inept brainless idiot, you are going to do everything in your power to stop somewhere reasonably safe…ie well lit up with plenty of activity around to deter potential theft etc.
The reason for a driver of a heavy vehicle (with all the potential pitfalls of such) having a break is for road safety reasons and drivers welfare (both of which are connected) and not there for some planner who is allowing no time for stopping,… and planning drivers to the limits to enable him to do just that.
Ok if you’re doing a two hour trip there and a two hour back, but one lad on here says he uses his full 9 hours.
An element of flexibility should be adopted,.starting as a ‘suggestion’ where and when to take your break, not an order,.and more efficient planning to.allow for this.
robroy:
As for the being told when and where to have breaks, it’s a world of difference doing that in non driving jobs,.where tiredness etc can be worked through.I get the security/high value load thing, but unless you are some kind of inept brainless idiot, you are going to do everything in your power to stop somewhere reasonably safe…ie well lit up with plenty of activity around to deter potential theft etc.
The reason for a driver of a heavy vehicle (with all the potential pitfalls of such) having a break is for road safety reasons and drivers welfare (both of which are connected) and not there for some planner who is allowing no time for stopping,… and planning drivers to the limits to enable him to do just that.
Ok if you’re doing a two hour trip there and a two hour back, but one lad on here says he uses his full 9 hours.
An element of flexibility should be adopted,.starting as a ‘suggestion’ where and when to take your break, not an order,.and more efficient planning to.allow for this.
Spot on ^^^^
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robroy:
As for the being told when and where to have breaks, it’s a world of difference doing that in non driving jobs,.where tiredness etc can be worked through.I get the security/high value load thing, but unless you are some kind of inept brainless idiot, you are going to do everything in your power to stop somewhere reasonably safe…ie well lit up with plenty of activity around to deter potential theft etc.
The reason for a driver of a heavy vehicle (with all the potential pitfalls of such) having a break is for road safety reasons and drivers welfare (both of which are connected) and not there for some planner who is allowing no time for stopping,… and planning drivers to the limits to enable him to do just that.
Ok if you’re doing a two hour trip there and a two hour back, but one lad on here says he uses his full 9 hours.
An element of flexibility should be adopted,.starting as a ‘suggestion’ where and when to take your break, not an order,.and more efficient planning to.allow for this.
And… ?
What’s wrong with taking your break at your delivery/collection point, which is most likely to be a secure yard, ie. via security barriers to access?
There is simply no valid excuse to take your breaks at random locations of your choice when you’re doing that kind of work. You use your brain and fit your breaks in around your work schedule, not the other way round. It’s clear from all the gnashing of teeth and wailing by most of the respondents above that they’ve never done high value work or nights. It’s common sense and I’m not sure why it’s even a discussion point. If you want to take your breaks in random layby’s then go pull baked beans for Heinz where no-one will care.
just flop the old John Thomas out and ■■■■ in the footwell on the move job done, that satisfys their no stopping rule and you get to have your ■■■■ job done
DCPCFML:
robroy:
As for the being told when and where to have breaks, it’s a world of difference doing that in non driving jobs,.where tiredness etc can be worked through.I get the security/high value load thing, but unless you are some kind of inept brainless idiot, you are going to do everything in your power to stop somewhere reasonably safe…ie well lit up with plenty of activity around to deter potential theft etc.
The reason for a driver of a heavy vehicle (with all the potential pitfalls of such) having a break is for road safety reasons and drivers welfare (both of which are connected) and not there for some planner who is allowing no time for stopping,… and planning drivers to the limits to enable him to do just that.
Ok if you’re doing a two hour trip there and a two hour back, but one lad on here says he uses his full 9 hours.
An element of flexibility should be adopted,.starting as a ‘suggestion’ where and when to take your break, not an order,.and more efficient planning to.allow for this.And… ?
What’s wrong with taking your break at your delivery/collection point, which is most likely to be a secure yard, ie. via security barriers to access?
There is simply no valid excuse to take your breaks at random locations of your choice when you’re doing that kind of work. You use your brain and fit your breaks in around your work schedule, not the other way round. It’s clear from all the gnashing of teeth and wailing by most of the respondents above that they’ve never done high value work or nights. It’s common sense and I’m not sure why it’s even a discussion point. If you want to take your breaks in random layby’s then go pull baked beans for Heinz where no-one will care.
Nothing mate, but by the same token what’s wrong with taking a break for what it’s meant to be…a break, not something factored in to ‘‘Get in’’ so that the driver is able to run to his driving limit. 
As for your other point…Not as clear as you maybe think btw,.I’ve carried valuable loads for years,.and still do occasionally…, granted it ain’t day or night work, it’s tramping,.so there is overnight parking to also think of.
The only time I’ve thought I was going to get grief was when I was aware of a van following me for miles, stopping when I stopped, and even beckoning me to pull in, I noticed it from the start, because as you know, you have to be extra alert when carrying desirable hi value goods…I did post it on here,.and got comments off a couple of smart arses like …‘How can a van stop and rob a truck’ but this is what you’re up against with the hard of thinking.
So basically we’ll have to agree to disagree on this I reck…
robroy:
Nothing mate, but by the same token what’s wrong with taking a break for what it’s meant to be…a break, not something factored in to ‘‘Get in’’ so that the driver is able to run to his driving limit.
Well unless you’re prepared to give 80% of your wage to a security bod to follow you around in a van all shift just so that you can park up in your favourite spots while he keeps watch to stop you getting bopped over the head, then I’d suggest you stop being precious and just get on with the job like everyone manages to do and take your breaks at the hub or on the customer premises.
DCPCFML:
robroy:
Nothing mate, but by the same token what’s wrong with taking a break for what it’s meant to be…a break, not something factored in to ‘‘Get in’’ so that the driver is able to run to his driving limit.Well unless you’re prepared to give 80% of your wage to a security bod to follow you around in a van all shift just so that you can park up in your favourite spots while he keeps watch to stop you getting bopped over the head, then I’d suggest you stop being precious and just get on with the job like everyone manages to do and take your breaks at the hub or on the customer premises.
Aye ok, if you like 
If you want to go down thay type of road crack on, I just thought my ‘agree to disagree’ was more constructive and mature, but hey ho eh?
I’ll just carry on as I am without being told when and where I’m allowed to wipe my arse using common sense and initiative.
Cheers.
Robroy, I think, given you’re well publisied comments on the security of MSA’s, then there would be an issue in finding a secure place to drop a log.
And secondly, you cite the post about the lad who used up his 9hrs driving as a reason to perform unauthorised stops. The full post clearly states he has 2 waypoints at secure hubs during his 4 hub, working day. So there should be plenty of opportunity to drop the kids off at the pool.
Also, the point raised about search, office staff don’t generally have access to the shop floor, therefore less likely to have the opportunity to chore. And finally, on the search point, it’s a sad indictment that there are some cads in this world. That want to take what isn’t theirs. Hence that’s why you lock your doors at night. Nearly every job I’ve worked in has some sort of search requirement.
Even if you disagree with working for this type of employer, you may surely agree to agree with these points. 
LazyDriver:
Robroy, I think, given you’re well publisied comments on the security of MSA’s, then there would be an issue in finding a secure place to drop a log.
And secondly, you cite the post about the lad who used up his 9hrs driving as a reason to perform unauthorised stops. The full post clearly states he has 2 waypoints at secure hubs during his 4 hub, working day. So there should be plenty of opportunity to drop the kids off at the pool.
Also, the point raised about search, office staff don’t generally have access to the shop floor, therefore less likely to have the opportunity to chore. And finally, on the search point, it’s a sad indictment that there are some cads in this world. That want to take what isn’t theirs. Hence that’s why you lock your doors at night. Nearly every job I’ve worked in has some sort of search requirement.
Even if you disagree with working for this type of employer, you may surely agree to agree with these points.
Ok thanks for the constructive reply this time.
I get it that trunking and trampng is different, so we’re maybe talking apples and oranges here, but being that I’ve done the job too bloody long 
I get bored easy, so I tend to split my breaks, starting after about 2 and half hours driving, coffee or power nap, or bog maybe… then complete it on or towards 4 and half.
Your MSA point is valid, especially at night, but I suppose a bit of tactful parking would take care of it through the day.
I was brought up to think for myself, and use my own judgements, these firms do not want that bizarrely, so it would not be for me to be micro managed.
As for the actual searching?
Some grubby lttle toe rag in a security uniform feeling you up as he rifles through your pocket is a step too far,.whatever their reasons.
I you have reason to believe I’m a potential thief rather than a pro driver in your employment, call the Police.
Like I said mate…not for me.
Truckulent:
No stopping? That means “no using the toilet”As long as the non driving staff only use the toilet once every 4.5 hours I’ll comply.
Otherwise [zb] off you arrogant [zb].
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I think an element of common sense needs to be exercised. If you have a 4.5 hour drive somewhere and need the toilet, then stop and go to the toilet as that’s your basic human right and it’s not unreasonable to expect you may need the toilet within 4.5 hours.
If you need a code as you’ve stopped then what’s the issue? I’m guessing it will be because the load will be timed and the office will need to put reason down on the system why the load was late arriving. I can’t imagine its something they are going to use as a weapon to beat you with and sack you.