Recently passed my class 1, and have always had the intentions of specializing in something.
Unsure on what, but the usual things springs to mind, Car transporters and Tankers .
I want to be the most professional I can be at every aspect of the job, I want to change the way that people see us truck drivers, I’m young and full of enthusiasm (or it could be ■■■■) I see some of the drivers today when I’m either out in the class 2 or 7.5 tonne, and I can’t help but think that they could put a bit more effort in there appearance and maintaining it, there attitudes and just the standard level of driving. With us younger ones coming into the industry and with the CPC creeping up it could be the best time to change things up and the industry back to how it used to be.
It doesn’t take much to drive a truck, but to drive one to the highest standard, I personally think that is a skilled job.
But anyway, enough about that I would like some advice on how to get into to something specialized I wouldn’t mind doing transporters as I’ve been used to grafting and would like another aspect to the job where I can use my others skills.
Any form of guidance or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Recently passed my class 1, and have always had the intentions of specializing in something.
Unsure on what, but the usual things springs to mind, Car transporters and Tankers .
I want to be the most professional I can be at every aspect of the job, I want to change the way that people see us truck drivers, I’m young and full of enthusiasm (or it could be [zb]) I see some of the drivers today when I’m either out in the class 2 or 7.5 tonne, and I can’t help but think that they could put a bit more effort in there appearance and maintaining it, there attitudes and just the standard level of driving. With us younger ones coming into the industry and with the CPC creeping up it could be the best time to change things up and the industry back to how it used to be.
It doesn’t take much to drive a truck, but to drive one to the highest standard, I personally think that is a skilled job.
But anyway, enough about that I would like some advice on how to get into to something specialized I wouldn’t mind doing transporters as I’ve been used to grafting and would like another aspect to the job where I can use my others skills.
Any form of guidance or advice would be greatly appreciated.
If you get into transporters and are good, then you will progress, far harder work than most would believe.
You might have to start somewhere where the pay isn’t that good to learn the job, and it takes several years, worth doing IMO for a keen and capable young bloke as good trannie!? drivers are already in short supply and thats only going to get worse, the rental market may cope with Bodgit and Scarper bendit merchants but manufacturers like Honda BMW Toyota etc demand high standards, the new car market is where the good money for drivers is/was and will be again.
edit…forget looking smart when you’re trying to get 11 cars on in the pouring rain in a gale on Immingham docks, you’ll look like the coalman.
Be a good trainee, Watch - listen & learn, if unsure -ask. Be prepared to be hands on & flexible.
Take all the advice you can get - scan for b#llsheet - & retain the good advice.
If you think you wont remember it, jot it down in a pocket memo book.
I will reiterate, go where the money is,
you wont afford cowcatchers on ■■■■■■ wages and a spangly set of wheel rims.
Your self esteem and pride and willingness will follow you through.
Enjoy the early years and get out there and travel far afield as you wish to.
Sow your oats and crack on with a smile.
Dont forget to say please and thank you occasionally.
.
.
Dont run before you can walk, you need start at the bottom and work your way up. Ive been at it for a couple of years and to say its been a learning curve is an understatment. Many people wont agree with this but id say you’d do well to get on with your local cowboy outfit and or a company that has a bad rep amongst drivers, you’ll learn lot and it will make you appreciate a good number.
Tell you what, you’ve passed your test that’s the easy bit. Get some experience then look to specialise. But I bet by then your enthusiasm has died slightly!
Good luck
Do not go in with the been there done that bought the tee shirt attitude.
Remember you are always and I mean always learning.
Where ever you go listen to the trainer and do not be afraid to ask him/her to explain or show again if your not sure.Unless they are a complete moron they will rather you ask then make a balls up, it reflects badly on them if you do.
Best of luck.
Juddian:
If you get into transporters and are good, then you will progress, far harder work than most would believe.
You might have to start somewhere where the pay isn’t that good to learn the job, and it takes several years, worth doing IMO for a keen and capable young bloke as good trannie!? drivers are already in short supply and thats only going to get worse, the rental market may cope with Bodgit and Scarper bendit merchants but manufacturers like Honda BMW Toyota etc demand high standards, the new car market is where the good money for drivers is/was and will be again.
edit…forget looking smart when you’re trying to get 11 cars on in the pouring rain in a gale on Immingham docks, you’ll look like the coalman.
Why do people keep trotting out this bull ■■■■? Show me hard evidence of this alleged “driver shortage” and I’ll show you a liar. (hmm that phrase doesn’t really work there but you get the idea I’m sure )
Hi Drew it is a shame that more drivers do not have the same attitude as you.I had similar thoughts when I started and was lucky enough to drive petrol tankers from the age of 26.
In my day the pay was excellent along with the conditions however as far as I know it is still one of the better jobs out there.
Driving petrol tankers you would probably be home every night as well if that is what you want.
As for transporters I only did a little bit one summer which I enjoyed but probably not so much fun in the winter.Basic wage not as good as tankers but more O/T and nights out probably depending who you work for.
Unfortunately the best jobs are the hardest to find and get but having a good attitude sometimes works wonders.
Ever thought about Transport Management eventually?
Juddian:
I as good trannie!? drivers are already in short supply and thats only going to get worse, .
Why do people keep trotting out this bull [zb]? Show me hard evidence of this alleged “driver shortage” and I’ll show you a liar. (hmm that phrase doesn’t really work there but you get the idea I’m sure )
You an out of work transporter driver looking for work?
Juddian:
I as good trannie!? drivers are already in short supply and thats only going to get worse, .
Why do people keep trotting out this bull [zb]? Show me hard evidence of this alleged “driver shortage” and I’ll show you a liar. (hmm that phrase doesn’t really work there but you get the idea I’m sure )
You an out of work transporter driver looking for work?
Juddian:
I as good trannie!? drivers are already in short supply and thats only going to get worse, .
Why do people keep trotting out this bull [zb]? Show me hard evidence of this alleged “driver shortage” and I’ll show you a liar. (hmm that phrase doesn’t really work there but you get the idea I’m sure )
You an out of work transporter driver looking for work?
No thought not.
What’s your point?
If i’m spouting bull carp you presumably know different, in my post i stated that there is a shortage of good transporter drivers, that is true and it is only going to get worse.
Our lot are looking for an experienced driver to deliver and move plant with a step frame low loader. For day work in the area there would probably be not much else paying as well, I know that what I earn on a Hiab rigid is a fair amount more than many of the class 1 jobs in the area and I don’t work shifts, weekends or nights out either.
But as usual the problem is getting the experience. I did a day’s work for a new customer the other day and was virtually offered a job working for them as they hadn’t managed to find someone with the right experience. Your best bet is to decided what field you want to work in and try and find a way in, it might be a rubbish job that will let you learn the ropes but if you use that as a stepping stone you will put yourself in a better position.
Juddian:
I as good trannie!? drivers are already in short supply and thats only going to get worse, .
Why do people keep trotting out this bull [zb]? Show me hard evidence of this alleged “driver shortage” and I’ll show you a liar. (hmm that phrase doesn’t really work there but you get the idea I’m sure )
You an out of work transporter driver looking for work?
No thought not.
What’s your point?
If i’m spouting bull carp you presumably know different, in my post i stated that there is a shortage of good transporter drivers, that is true and it is only going to get worse.
If you know different, please enlighten us.
I thought you were talking about a “shortage of drivers” in general, not just for transporters. In any case I don’t believe there’s a shortage of transporter drivers either. The problem is (imho) that the money for transporter work has been cut right back to the bone and quite simply drivers aren’t prepared to do that amount of graft for peanuts. Transporter work isn’t something I’ve done but an old agency mate of mine is on for a local company here in Leeds doing the car auctions and I went out with him one day. Suffice to say the job should be advertised as “Experienced contortionist required with C+E licence”. The money he’s on is utter garbage for the amount of graft involved but like many people these days he’s up to his eyes in debt and needs all the money he can get.
In summary : plenty of good experienced drivers about but no-one is prepared to pay what they’re worth.
Watch - listen & learn, if unsure -ask. Be prepared to be hands on & flexible.
Show me hard evidence of this alleged “driver shortage” and I’ll show you a liar. (hmm that phrase doesn’t really work there but you get the idea I’m sure 
)