Got my first ever Artic shift tonight, I had to call in to the agency this morning to do some timesheet stuff and asked if they could place me anywhere, it happened they got a call at that moment for a driver tonight and she gave me the shift!!
Working for Expert Logistics out of crewe, up to Leeds, on to Darlington and back to Crewe again!
The shift doesn’t start until 23:55 though! Anyone got any tips or pointers for the first shift? Also any pointers for the fact its a night shift?
Take it easy and don’t drive tired. Depending on yard layouts, reversing can be a real pain if its dimly lit.
Same as any other time, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Before you insert you didgi card have a quick look round to see if any decent biscuits have been left out. If not just ask the office for another unit until you find some.
And don’t be afraid of asking for help. Have a look at the coupling up threads to refresh yourself if need be.
chester:
Before you insert you didgi card have a quick look round to see if any decent biscuits have been left out. If not just ask the office for another unit until you find some.
Don’t bring it back unless you’ve scraped some paint or lost some bodywork and got oily boot marks over the seat and bunks.
When turning the trailer in towns keep an eye on the front of the trailer as it swings out to hit over hanging roofs on houses or shops and balconies.
If get the nodders pull over for a kip.A double expresso should perk you up.
There is a lot of traffic at night.You may see overnight parcel trunkers and many double decker pallet trucks.
Let us know how you got on later.Try to eat a light meal before work as a heavy meal will make you drowsy.A hot bath before work does wonders to relax the muscles and mind.
Take some cdS to listen to which will keep you awake playing it loudly.
Radio four will send you in a coma.
Keep the traffic update button on for radio bulletins of road closures or accidents.
Make sure you take some window cleaner and a decent cloth to clean the mirrors and glass, clean all your sidemarkers and if the bulbs are broken try and get them replaced before you leave as you’ll really need them at first.
Do nit worry if you can not force a sleep today.The body clock will not allow a cross over from diurnial to nocturnal activity.
Sometimes it is a waste of time trying.Lying down on the bed with the eyes closed and phones turned off is better than nothing.
If have a door bell take the battery out.
The time from mid night to 5 am is the time the nodders start.
By the time the shift has ended you will sleep all day.Some go to bed.Some stay awake until tired enough to sleep.A few beers to knock you out may help if not driving later.
Ask for breakdown numbers and tyre call out for the night.Spare digi paper.?
I would put the digi card in at 00.01 Tuesday am.
If start at 23.55 and you want to do a printout you will have to do two printouts if you want to check the other work and poa.
toby1234abc:
When turning the trailer in towns keep an eye on the front of the trailer as it swings out to hit over hanging roofs on houses or shops and balconies.
If get the nodders pull over for a kip.A double expresso should perk you up. There is a lot of traffic at night.You may see overnight parcel trunkers and many double decker pallet trucks. Let us know how you got on later.Try to eat a light meal before work as a heavy meal will make you drowsy.A hot bath before work does wonders to relax the muscles and mind. Take some cdS to listen to which will keep you awake playing it loudly.
Radio four will send you in a coma. Keep the traffic update button on for radio bulletins of road closures or accidents.
You’re like some government watchdog with that “advice”. Surprised you didn’t add “only drive if you’re journey is essential” or some BS like that.
robertsherry:
Struggling to sleep, so just going to put myself in another room and relax. Had a really good nights sleep last night so should be ok.
Really looking forward to it!
Rob
You won’t be saying that at 3am. Honestly, even if you’re just lying in bed, try and get a bit of a snooze before you go in. Don’t forget to set an alarm if you do, you don’t want to oversleep!
robertsherry:
Struggling to sleep, so just going to put myself in another room and relax. Had a really good nights sleep last night so should be ok.
Really looking forward to it!
Rob
You won’t be saying that at 3am. Honestly, even if you’re just lying in bed, try and get a bit of a snooze before you go in. Don’t forget to set an alarm if you do, you don’t want to oversleep!
On the way to Dumfries and back i see many flashing gantry warnings saying have i checked my tyre pressures.Dont use the phone and drive.Do not hog the middle lane.
Have i fed the cat.Did i take the dog for a walk.Have i paid my taxes.Do not cook with a gas cooker while driving.Do not pee in a bottle while driving.Think of the children.And many other dire warnings of immenent death or injury.
Best bit of advice I got when I first started (32 yrs ago) is always be aware of the tail end swing of your trailer, if you are pulling off a bay with other vehicles either side of you, pull as far forward as poss before you make your turn.
Best of luck, and enjoy
Got my first ever Artic shift tonight, I had to call in to the agency this morning to do some timesheet stuff and asked if they could place me anywhere, it happened they got a call at that moment for a driver tonight and she gave me the shift!!
Working for Expert Logistics out of crewe, up to Leeds, on to Darlington and back to Crewe again!
The shift doesn’t start until 23:55 though! Anyone got any tips or pointers for the first shift? Also any pointers for the fact its a night shift?
Thanks guys,
Rob
I start at midnight and normally go up about 18/18.30,usually asleep by 19.00 ,I find I’m alright at the beginning of the week but by the last shift I’m starting to struggle,having to check things 3/4 times,legs,parking brakes ,no plates etc but you do get by.
To me the worst aspect of that start time is the really tough 1/2,1 hr you’ll,have through the night where it really is a struggle to keep going,ring your mates,music,I’ve even tipped water over my head to keep going,anything,once your over that hour you should be ok as daylight comes and then you’ve only got 9/10 hrs and you’re done.
robertsherry:
Iv been napping all afternoon on and off, almost too excited to sleep!!
Iv burnt a few CD’s up in case the cab doesnt have an aux in and got the iPod ready!
If need be and I get tired I’l just pull in and get a coffee!
Rob
Be carefull,lots of firms track,you and will be on the blower within seconds if you stop for a unauthorised stop,the days of stopping as and when you want are long gone,if you’re due a break fair enough ,even though they want you to have them whilst being tipped or loaded,but just stopping if you’re tired is a big no,no,just got to keep going,best of luck mate,and might see you through night,I’m off up now
Surprised you didn’t add “only drive if you’re journey is essential” or some BS like that. 