I passed my class 2 test in September and am looking for work. I have applied for a few jobs so far but not having any joy due to the no experience syndrome.
I have seen the Driver Hire agency website and was wondering what anyones thoughts are on this agency. Anyone used them?
I am in the Bournemouth, Dorset area.
Hi hgvBournemouth. 
I registered with the DH branch in Leicester. I too am a new pass (December last year) but they said it wouldnt be a problem. Im still awaiting work from them, but January is slow for agency work so Im told.
I dont think their rates are brilliant, and my branch wouldnt take me as self employed either. but on the other hand, they do offer you class one training after 65 shifts with them.
To be honest im not to fussed about the money. Well within reason that is. Im just wanting to get experience which will then hopefully lead onto the bigger money
Quite like the idea of getting my Class 1 as it seems down here that 85% of work is Class 1
Will give my local branch a phone tomorrow.
joined dh chadderton manchester 2004 class 1 only had one shift through out 2005 rang them again durring october 2005 still no shifts. my experience give them a miss
Dont know if this is any good for you. I know its 7.5 tonne but it’s good money and would do you for the moment while its quiet, and i do know nightfrieght put there drivers though C+E also 
MULTI-DROP DRIVER SOJ/41521
LocationHAMPSHIRE, DORSET AREA
Hours48 PER WEEK, MONDAY-FRIDAY, BETWEEN 6.30AM TILL FINISH
Wage £20,000 PER ANNUM
Work PatternDays , Evenings , Weekends
EmployerNight Freight GB Ltd.
PensionNo details heldDurationPERMANENT ONLY
Description
C1 licence required (7.5 tonne if driving test passed after 1997). Full on job training given. Must be a logical thinker as will route deliveries by map. Previous parcel carrier experience would be an advantage, but not essential. Required for the delivery of parcels to local companies and private address in Hampshire and Dorset areas. Please ensue the correct licence C1 this is on the front and back or the photo card. Uniform and safety equipment provided. Working hours will be 7am start until finish, Monday-Friday with Saturday overtime available. Employer is aware of working hour’s directive.How to apply
You can apply for this job by telephoning 02380 738690 and asking for Tom Salmon.If you are looking for work, Tax Credits could top up your earnings
This vacancy meets the requirements of the National Minimum Wage Act
Hope it helps!
I am with DH Birmingham, had constant work from them from when I joined in June until Christmas. Since Xmas things have been a bit slack, but got a few weeks work now.
I have also been with Eastern (Birmingham only) and SMS - Eastern offered some work, although not enough work to pay the mortgage and SMS are a complete waste of space… …
G
try sms wednesbury (chris) ■■■■ hot aswell as back up in dudley i know they not in birmingham but they both ■■■■ hot especially sms wednesbury give em a try m8 trust me
The important thing to remember about Driver Hire is that they are franchised. For this reason, no two branches are (maybe) going to be the same, apart from stationary, advertising and certain other generics.
I have seen an advert for something along the lines of ‘Driver Hire-Smiths’ which I pressume was ‘Smiths’ agency who then bought into the Driver Hire franchise but wanted to keep some of their previous identity.
AFAIAA, there is not a set pay structure across the DH branches. My own personal experience of them (but just one branch, remember!), albeit a few years ago now, was that they ‘promised the world’…but delivered very little. 
Driver Hire Southampton (Portswood) always did me well, and they’ll place newbies. They’re in the book.
As for the Nightfreight advert…they’ll take newbies too - they did me in fact - but unless they’ve had a major change in management since 2000 I’d say don’t touch it. Best way to find out is to grab whoever covers Bournemouth these days (used to be a guy called Dave, he owned his motor so may well still be there) and ask them before accepting any job offer.If it hasn’t changed, do it as a last resort only.
I’ve used driver hire preston and always had a good experience with them and that with 3 different office teams franchissee alawys had work even before I got my hgv I had regular work on tranys an 7.5 tonners I’ve use them since get my c1 and got good work off them to
as said earlier no 2 branches are the same ome excellent some are complete idiots its th same for all agencies it pot luck
joined dh chadderton manchester 2004 class 1 only had one shift through out 2005 rang them again durring october 2005 still no shifts. my experience give them a miss
Too right!!!
I signed up with them when i was living in Manchester. Was attracted by the huge banner they have above there shop HGV DRIVERS REQUIERD i think they nicked it from the Deployment agency office in Rochdale 
After signing up with them, getting a nice driver pack and hi viz off em, i though thats nice of em. 6 weeks later they actualy offerd me a days work. As a bloody drivers mate!!! 
Thanks but no thanks 
hi m8
i started as a newbie with dh bradford.
the money wasnt good. the work was mostly
handball & multidrop BUT i needed the experiance
and got plenty
different truck every week a few nights out and it helped
me find my way about and at least money was coming in
whilst i was learning the job
i only worked for them untill something better came along
but it did open doors and im gratefull for that
P.S. best of luck m8 
Could you give me any ideas of the kind of money they offer or does it vary to much? Just trying to get an idea.
Seems to be a mixed reaction to what Driver Hire is like. Looks like I have to hope that my local one is a good one.
i got £6.50 per hour for rigid and £7.00 PH for artic
but that was nearly 2 years ago.
give them a ring tell em you have just passed
and see what they offer you cos i think it depends on
area and demand
At the Croydon branch there starting rate is around £8.50ph for class 2 but can be higher depending on contract. Can imagine down your neck of the woods your looking at a start rate of between £7.50 -£8ph + time and half after 8 hrs
Just ring about. Get the feel for a couple of agencies. There is some gooduns out there. Life can be good.
For some, this time of year can be a bit slack. A few weeks and it’ll pick up. Just don’t lose heart. Just ask a few employers/agencies if they mind you checking back with them. You don’t have to right them off then. Gives you a few weeks to build a rapport with a potential employer.
Worth it, if ya want it!
driver hire northampton worst paying agency around avoid is my veiw
I registered with Driver Hire at Crewe about 18 months ago. They promised me that they’d got plenty of weekend work at Morrisons at Middlewich. Registered, went home… and that was the last I ever heard from them. For that reason, if I was ever to go on agency at some time in the future I’d avoid Driver Hire. Best Connection were good though, I’d not hesitiate to go back there again.
But as someone else said, DH are all franchisees so more than likely no two are the same. Only one way to find out - you’ve nothing to lose by registering with them, after all.
my advice is for what its worth is to go out and sign on with as many as pos. i live in bedford but spent two days going round bedford, milton keynes, northampton, luton, dunstable and signed up with them all including driver hire.
was told as new driver wouldnt be a prob. worked fairly solid for the 6weeks before xmas but never more than 3 days from one agency. only one day off driver hire
more lines out mean more chances of a bite and yes i ike to fish
I get on quite well with DH Manchester (chadderton) BUT I’ve only had a days work since xmas (I only work part time anyway) and I think that was because it was driving a specialist vehicle that I’d been trained on.
Besides that the staff are OK and last year the boss took everyone out for a drink!
Xmas bonus this year was a pack of mince pies some posh chocs and a driver hire direy (? spelling having a blond moment)
My only reservation is you’ve gotta be ready to do all the crap no-one else wants to start after that it get easier!