Is it possible to find a full time job nowadays? I look on net most days but everything is agency work, does working for agencies generally lead to full time employment?Any advice would be appreciated, 55 years old held my clean licence for 34 years, cheers.
Best thing to do is get on the phone or prepare a CV and drive round all local firms … That’s what I would do
Unfortunately, (or rather, fortunately for the resident desk-jockey here) agencies are nationally recognised throughout many industries, and incredibly common within transport / industrial. Easier to find a branch with a driving desk than without one I would imagine. I posted this in a New Driver thread but I hope you can find something useful in it; the same theory applies to anyone looking for a job really (although this references new drivers and insurance restrictions).
FreddieSwan:
Craig, first off, finding this place probably wasn’t a bad start. Don’t overlook “Driver Vacancies (Members Only)”.My general advice is - be the difference. There are likely to be many drivers (new and otherwise) looking for work in the same companies that I imagine you’ve approached (or should have done!). The only likely advantage you’ll ever create for yourself is establishing a first impression, and if you’ll excuse the cliché, impressions are lasting.
Finding a job in any given profession in the current climate, very much an employer’s market, means that you have to demonstrate being able to add value to an employer. As a new driver with previous experience in fitting HGV tyres - you’re mould-able to any given employer which is something that some of my clients stress as highly desirable and you have a skill from your previous experience which they can utilise. You should be able to stress both of these points.
When it comes to insurance purposes, what you’re being told is true. Infact, you wouldn’t even be covered if you have an accident in a 7.5tonner. I have no idea why agencies think this is a viable solution, and I work for one! Firms can however have their underwriters negotiate clauses in cases such as your own - they’ll only bother if they think you’ll be worth the risk however. Perhaps you could negotiate a lower starting salary with a review after say 12 weeks. Or you’ll pay towards an excess in the event of an accident to which you’re liable. Make it as difficult as possible for them to find a reason to reject you.
Your previous experience should give you approachable companies, or at least names of key decision makers that could make a difference in finding you a job or not. If you don’t know who they are - speak to the people that you used to deal with, ask them for the best contacts, more often than not - there’s more than one. If you’re planning on writing an introduction letter / CV (which you should), personalise it to each and every transport manager / HR officer. Use their websites to extract as much information as possible and pick up on the ‘tone’ of the company.
Most small, family firms will want you to ‘fit in’, which is probably more important than your actual ability. Skill can be taught, personality & attitude can’t.
Expanding companies will want reliability - they’re also likely to invest in things like your HIAB / ADR if you’re going to be in it long term.
Established organisations are likely to want a professional approach - doesn’t mean you can’t add some personality to it though.
Hope this helped!
chrisv:
…does working for agencies generally lead to full time employment?Any advice would be appreciated…
Yes, I’ve turned down a few full time jobs while doing freelance/agency work. If you’re looking for full time work it’s a good way of getting to know a company before you jump in, and for them to get to know you. You’ll also see any adverts on internal notice boards weeks before (or even if) they go into the local paper, word of mouth is a big part of getting a job nowadays.
Just get out there and go round their yards or get on the phone, you’ll be surprised how many companies need drivers but dont advertise.
Pets at home.By the football stadium.Downtons have the contract.Not sure who the agency is.
toby1234abc:
Pets at home.By the football stadium.Downtons have the contract…
Not for much longer. 
Rentadent:
toby1234abc:
Pets at home.By the football stadium.Downtons have the contract…Not for much longer.
Why are downton finishing with pets at home■■?
Dont do any work from there myself but I thought it was running ok
The plot thickens. Shifty looking smilie…
yorkshire terrier:
Rentadent:
toby1234abc:
Pets at home.By the football stadium.Downtons have the contract…Not for much longer.
Why are downton finishing with pets at home■■?
Dont do any work from there myself but I thought it was running ok
no they are moving the football stadium 
chrisv:
Is it possible to find a full time job nowadays? I look on net most days but everything is agency work, does working for agencies generally lead to full time employment?Any advice would be appreciated, 55 years old held my clean licence for 34 years, cheers.
ring Shirley’s there normally taking on ,or try barghs transport on the milk job
Is fed ex at Newcastle? If so is that all agency or dead mans shoes?
Few more options out towards uttoxeter way if happy to travel.
chrisv:
Is it possible to find a full time job nowadays?
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Sometimes, yes it is.
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Shirleys, MJS, two decent companies to work for.
Depending on what side of Stoke you live,Seafields @Ashbourne are after a driver doing bulk powder tank work.
It’s no secret about Downton’s so hang fire if you fancy P@H work.
S.J.Bargh and Pointon’s have both been advertising in the last few weeks.
Brit European out of JCB were recently looking for trampers if that’s your thing, as were Norbert’s at Trentham, none of which were advertised in the local press.
also DHL have applied for a license to base 50 trucks at Tunstall think it in the new warehouse of Reginald Mitchell way
Thanks lads for all of your replies , very much appreciated , I was looking for day or night work but beggars cant be choosers,so I will follow up on your info, if anyone hears of any jobs in the future please pop a post up. All the best.
George ASDA depot in Lymedale business park…
toby1234abc:
Pets at home.By the football stadium.Downtons have the contract.Not sure who the agency is.
When I worked for them a few years ago,it was through Best Connections,and I believe that as agencies go,they are among the best.
the flying foden:
also DHL have applied for a license to base 50 trucks at Tunstall think it in the new warehouse of Reginald Mitchell way
The new warehouse is on Lowlands road,(The one that runs from the Talke roundabout to the Reg Mitchell way,between the railway line and the canal.
The job is storage and distribution of JCB parts.