Just wondered how much say you got when the boss decides to change your wagon?
Think I have landed on a good 'un. We get a fairly good say. He fancied an Axor the other week, until I said I hated them, the subject has not been brought back up.
I have a Stralis Active Time on demo a couple of days next week, and he said see how you go, if its not big enough or up to the job we’ll look at the Active Space. He is also looking at S/H Volvo Globby’s, mainly the version 1 (he’s had a fair bit of trouble with a Version 2 FM we have).
We also get a large say in the spec as well. Admittedly it’s only a small 3 truck company, and we pretty much run each wagon as our own but with out the paperwork or financial hassles.
When I started at Fed Ex in 88 I was alocated a MAN with a 360 in it, on Friday I had to take it to the leasing agent for a full service and was given a brand new ERF which I adored, three days later it had benn taken back and the MAN had re- appeared. I complained to the manager and he phoned the agent telling him that either the ERF came back or the leasing agreement would be cancelled, two days later I got my ERF back.
In my present job when any new truck arrives we are asked if we want one, as I prefer Volvo so far I have refused three new Frieghtliners and one Peterbuilt
Unfortunately no. When our old Actroses went in June we had six rental motors from ‘dodgy’ Dawson’s, four Axor’s and two FH12 380’s. I tried the FH but wasn’t over keen on it so I swapped for an Axor which I found slightly better but still not much good for multiple nights away.
Still,guess what turned up last week? Eight brand spankin’ Actros 2544 6x2 with long distance cabs And one of them will be mine as from this Wednesday.
(will post pics as soon as)
I consider my employer to be well above average in that respect. We run magnum’s & super space’s and last year he was ordering 3 of the Renaults & a Daf. All 480’s , well spec’d with fridge , aircon , ect. As i was next in line for a new truck i got first choice of either make. For me personaly there was no contest and i had the enjoyment of collecting a Magnum in february and i still love it to bits. The suprising thing to me is how many drivers say i made the wrong choice, including the lad who actually received the Daf i knocked back.
Just out of interest it would be good to read anyone else’s opinion.
I also really like the Magnum milky bar kid, and i dont think you made the wrong choice, i still think it is one of the best looking lorrys around.
Hve you got any pictures of your Magnum because it sounds a really nice motor
none, its a mercedes take it or leave it mate…you get a certain say in what spec you would like he is pretty good like that but when he started out he struck a deal with mercedes and has stuck with them ever since
First impressions were good, easy to drive (thanks to Lucy’s post on the gearbox ), very light steering and good visibility.
But it started to go down hill from there, didn’t like the lack of a lift axle especially as we do all site work. Also coudn’t get the hang of no clutch for inching back to the silo, especially difficult on a slight incline. Could be something that comes with experience. When it came to the night out in it, all I can say is it was the worst nights sleep I have had in a long time The bottom bunk was too narrow and as hard as a plank, the top was too close to the roof and also hard.
The final descision was that there was no one big thing that put us off it, but just several small things. At present it is not the truck for us, will take another look in 2 yrs or so to see how the interior holds up, and the electronics. So it will be a S/H globby at some point, but that has been put on hold for a while due to a distinct lack of work.
Henry, I had the misfortune to do 2 nights out in an Active Space when my truck was in for MOT. They are no better when it comes to sleeping!! Don’t forget on those you only have the top bunk! I have had a bad shoulder ever since I slept in that damned Stralis
None at all, but I do get a big say in how much I’d work for and what sort of work I get (agency whith no nights out). If I were doing 4/5 nights out then I’d probabley want some. I’d sooner have it this way .
Same here Paul and I’m even thinking of maybe having a change of manufacturer next time. I heard last week the sales guy I have dealt with at Volvo for the last three vehicles has left them, and not gone to another Truck manufacturer. I will see what the new person I’ll be dealing with is like, he has a tough act to follow because the other guy was first class and if I’m not happy I’ll look elsewhere
must be something in the air neil, my scania man has just handed his notice in also! oh well, three weeks to go then it will be here and ive just found my new car! 2005 ford mustang, v8 300 horses for £14000!! cant wait for both to get here!
Wheel Nut:
In Truckstop Snooze, I read a story about B&Q bribing arse lickers with a posh black FH, So if you want to lick arse than you do get a choice of truck
Haven’t decided, I’m just looking at various options at the moment. I won’t start looking seriously until into the new year as I will have the current truck until 30/11/2005
its always nice to have a choice of what vehicle you want to drive and its obvious that a driver will look after a truck he chose and not abuse it, at the same time a driver will be a lot happier and work better if hes happy. and im fed up with this t.k. bedford and the thames trader i drive as well
And one of them will be mine as from this Wednesday.
