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I wonder if a gang of Four X Class One Drivers could hire a unit and
make it pay by running it 24/7 on a supermarket contract.
They would have to work four on - four off,
(two on nights 1800-0600 & two on days 0600-1800)
sharing all costs and sharing all profits.
Simple. Who wants to be a millionaire ?
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Me and a couple of my mates were thinking of setting up an agency years ago, just us 5 though, we’ve all got PSV and HGV licences so would’ve been flexible, BUT things happen, 1 has a kid so certain hours would’ve been a problem etc, and because you’re all friends, 1 takes up the slack and that was the end of that idea.
I agree with what you suggest, but think about holidays and sick time too. A good idea and should pay well assuming you don’t team up with idiots and lazy goits.
waynedl:
I agree with what you suggest, but think about holidays and sick
time too. A good idea and should pay well assuming you don’t team
up with idiots and lazy goits.
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They would have to be hand picked reliables !
NO sick pay and NO paid holidays as such. The Driver on holiday or sick
would be responsible for arranging and paying for his own reliable cover.
(He would still receive his 25% of profit after costs of course.)
A jointly owned fleet car (old banger) could be used when a driver needs
relieving away from home base.
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Nice idea… but think about truck downtime, servicing and breakdowns - if your one truck isn’t running which of the 4 drivers lose money?, are you guaranteed the work? if it dries up you have 4 wages to pay, One guy doesn’t pull his weight, and doesn’t show up, how do you cover him, and how do you resolve the situation… as I said in theory a nice idea, in practice a veritable minefield
Where do you set your rate to be competitive? What do you offer above agency services? Are all four of you responsible for billing or will one person be responsible for admin and the like?
What really interests me, is how much profit do you realistically think you’ll make?
Rikki-UK:
Nice idea… but think about truck downtime, servicing and breakdowns - if your one truck isn’t running which of the 4 drivers lose money?, are you guaranteed the work? if it dries up you have 4 wages to pay, One guy doesn’t pull his weight, and doesn’t show up, how do you cover him, and how do you resolve the situation… as I said in theory a nice idea, in practice a veritable minefield
I’m thinking that with a hired unit there would be no down time - when it
needs servicing they would provide a replacement.
It would be a gang of equals 25% - 25% - 25% - 25%. No slackers tolerated.
I worked on a contract with one of the biggest names in transport.
ALL of the 5 units used were from Hill Hire. All minor breakdowns and
tyre changes were dealt with in under 3 hours. One wrecker rescue for a
major breakdown lost just half a shift.
I’m thinking BIG company = BIG overheads. Ours would be minimal.
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FreddieSwan:
Where do you set your rate to be competitive? What do you offer above agency services? Are all four of you responsible for billing or will one person be responsible for admin and the like?What really interests me, is how much profit do you realistically think you’ll make?
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I have no idea.
This is my pipe dream to kick around the TrucknetUK floor. Comments most welcome.
Let’s debate. If there’s four of us, we could mass debate.
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1 other thing to consider - brought in from another topic
What happens if 1 has a bump or destroys the load??
Especially if it’s a serious bump = vehicle off the road for next driver.
I’m assuming you’ve worked for supermarkets given they would be your ideal?
Do all of them operate a 4-on-4-off shift pattern? Or one contract in particular you’re targeting?
What sort of rate were you paid, or would you like to be paid, and what sort of mark-up do you think agencies charge?
I don’t want to give you an example rate as I’m curious as to what your line of thinking is and then we can expand the discussion beyond that. 
waynedl:
1 other thing to consider - brought in from another topicWhat happens if 1 has a bump or destroys the load??
Especially if it’s a serious bump = vehicle off the road for next driver.
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It’s only a hired unit.
Send for a replacement.
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FreddieSwan:
I’m assuming you’ve worked for supermarkets given they would be your ideal?Do all of them operate a 4-on-4-off shift pattern? Or one contract in particular you’re targeting?
What sort of rate were you paid, or would you like to be paid, and what sort of mark-up do you think agencies charge?
I don’t want to give you an example rate as I’m curious as to what your line of thinking is and then we can expand the discussion beyond that.
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I have done agency work with Stobarts exclusively on Tesco Store and RDC
work although this pipedream has no connection with either of them whatsoever.
I have not considered anything financial at this stage.
Remember - it is a pipedream open to discussion.
I have no idea what a new Renault Premium Euro 5 420 Dxi would cost to hire.
But I am rich.
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How about 3 of you doing 6 on 3 off ?
More work but more profit.
neilg14:
How about 3 of you doing 6 on 3 off ?
More work but more profit.
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Working six consecutive days is too much to work on a regular basis.
It’s got to be fairly enjoyable or what’s the point of being in this world ?
People who work 4on 4off seem to love it.
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Your assuming the supermarket keeps you in work 24/7, in reality they’re going to keep their own vehicles and permanent staff occupied first, followed by agency staff manning spare supermarket trucks, you’ll end up with a few nights only during the week and some days and plenty of nights at the weekend. Might work better with just 2 or 3 drivers, and some supermarkets have turned their transport operation over to the dark (green) side 
Big Joe:
Your assuming the supermarket keeps you in work 24/7…
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Yes, of course.
The Supermarket Transport Commander-In-Chief will be as bent as
a nine bob note and on my payroll.
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Morrissons in 2009 were paying between £320 and £350 depending on fuel cost per litre for a 10 hour shift irrespective of calls delivered or distance covered.
Still think you can make money? I’d have a go.
maybe
mick.mh2racing:
Morrissons in 2009 were paying between £320 and £350 depending on fuel cost per litre for a 10 hour shift irrespective of calls delivered or distance covered.Still think you can make money? I’d have a go.
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I’ve only delivered to into Morrisons at Wakefield Junction 41, Swan Valley
and Stockton on Tees.
I was not impressed by their work rate at any depot.
I would demand priority service from any bent Manager.
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I’m thinking of doing something similar but with coaches. Between 3 of us we could keep 2 coaches working all the time pretty much. We will each have a financial commitment so the incentive is there to work.
mucker85:
I’m thinking of doing something similar but with coaches. Between 3 of us we could keep 2 coaches working all the time pretty much. We will each have a financial commitment so the incentive is there to work.
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I’ve never been involved with PSV’s or whatever they’re called these days but
can you hire a coach like you can hire a truck and, if you can, do you need
an Operator Licence ?
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Dieseldoforme:
I would demand priority service from any bent Manager.
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Your only a priority until you get out bid or he gets found out
I have known many managers in and out of transport take a back hander for work, its all right when YOU have the work, but when someone outbids you you lose the work, do you cry and snitch or up the bid? Either way you either lose the work or he loses the job = You have no work.