Im currently in the process of doing my C class driver training and want to carry on and train for a CE. (Im new to this so descriptions might be wrong)
I am looking for long term career in haulauge. Although i know there are jobs out there to apply for, i would like to know any information as to recruitment websites, agencies, or any other relevent information that would help a new comer like myself. Are companys less likely to take a driver on at a young age, or are there still oppertunities. What would be your advise to someone new starting out, and the process of going about things?
Things out there have not been good for quite some time - so there’s a good number of experienced drivers looking for work. Having said that, there is evidence that things are starting to look up and that newly qualified drivers are possibly getting more than their fair share of job offers. This could be for a couple of reasons: the employer can “mould” a new driver to that company’s way of doing things and it has to be said that the new driver maybe comes cheaper.
As far as age goes, that’s always been a barrier but it’s been overcome by many. There’s been loads of threads on here about getting work. The general opinion seems to be to visit companies personally, present a well put together cv and be ready to start work instantly. You may just walk in to their office as another driver has rung in sick. If you can go that minute, you’re ahead of the agency. That could lead to regular work if you make a good job of it.
If really desperate, offer to work for nothing as second man while you learn the ropes.
Above all, persist and don’t give up because you get knockbacks.
Good luck
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Ben R.S:
Although i know there are jobs out there to apply for
There may be a few but not a lot - where did you get that info from
There are many experienced LGV drivers out of work who generally get taken on before newbies but that is not always the case - see some of the recent posts on here where a few newbies have now, after weeks/months of trying, got themselves a position
The under 25 age group have the most problems as many company insurers will not insure them.
Peter Smythe:
Things out there have not been good for quite some time - so there’s a good number of experienced drivers looking for work. Having said that, there is evidence that things are starting to look up and that newly qualified drivers are possibly getting more than their fair share of job offers. This could be for a couple of reasons: the employer can “mould” a new driver to that company’s way of doing things and it has to be said that the new driver maybe comes cheaper.
As far as age goes, that’s always been a barrier but it’s been overcome by many. There’s been loads of threads on here about getting work. The general opinion seems to be to visit companies personally, present a well put together cv and be ready to start work instantly. You may just walk in to their office as another driver has rung in sick. If you can go that minute, you’re ahead of the agency. That could lead to regular work if you make a good job of it.
If really desperate, offer to work for nothing as second man while you learn the ropes.
Above all, persist and don’t give up because you get knockbacks.
Good luck
Cheers for that Peter. Its given me a look at the industry from the eye of someone who has experianced it first hand. I think i will take your advice on going to companies personally and providing a good CV on my arrival. I would also be more than happy to do a job or two for free, if it gave me the chance to prove myself. I’l do anything to show im keen. Do you just apply to agencies and they will call you if any work is avalible to you?? But like you said, things arn’t good out there at the moment. Monthly truck magazines are full of adverts of people looking for work, but i wont let that deter me!!
Many thanks for your help Peter, much appreciated.
Ben.
All the LGV TRAINING TIPS, including the Recommended LGV training schools that have been recommended by members, can be accessed by clicking on the link in my signature
Ben R.S:
Although i know there are jobs out there to apply for
There may be a few but not a lot - where did you get that info from
There are many experienced LGV drivers out of work who generally get taken on before newbies but that is not always the case - see some of the recent posts on here where a few newbies have now, after weeks/months of trying, got themselves a position
The under 25 age group have the most problems as many company insurers will not insure them.
Hi Rog. Im currently training with a company called “Roadtrain” in Purfleet,Essex.
Yeah i thought that companies would look upon my age a bit, due to insurance reasons. I suppose il have to bide my time, Cheers.
Keep on trying ,you may not get a job with a haulage firm ,but have a look at builders merchants .firms that do road works Royal Mail You could phone agencies in your area .you have to make an appointment and its basically a job interview so bring licences and references.
Ben R.S:
Im currently training with a company called “Roadtrain” in Purfleet,Essex.
roadtrain.co.uk/staff.htm - nice looking website (certain logos caught my attention ) and I cannot see any of the crap that is being spouted by certain other sites like ‘currently millions of vacancies’ etc etc
I’l keep the positive attitude, especially now i know other people my age have persisted with it too, and more inportantly they’ve got something out of it.
I know this is a bit off the subjet, but what is a digi-card, something to do with tacho??
Thanks for help and advice.
A Digicard is a Digital Tachograph Card, the modern replacement for the old fashioned tachodiscs.
You need to get yourself one as all recent trucks have digital tachographs now. It’s a smart card, it saves all your driving hours for a month or so and they are a little easier to use than the old fashioned discs. Over half of the trucks I have driven for agencies have had digital tachos.
Oh i see. So all my information in relation to my driving hours will be saved on that card for “X” amount of days.
I take it i just apply for one once passed. Thanks for your help guys.
Ben
Ben R.S:
Im currently training with a company called “Roadtrain” in Purfleet,Essex.
roadtrain.co.uk/staff.htm - nice looking website (certain logos caught my attention ) and I cannot see any of the crap that is being spouted by certain other sites like ‘currently millions of vacancies’ etc etc
I see them about Chelmsford all the time, they use a full size artic for class1, i cant recall seeing a RT Class 2 vehicle though so have no idea what they use.
) and I cannot see any of the crap that is being spouted by certain other sites like ‘currently millions of vacancies’ etc etc
