At the moment I’m an employee at a decent firm (25k for 50hrs,Mon-Fri). Its not haulage ,just delivering the companies manufactured goods to the same customers on the same day of every week.1 night out per week , no waiting around as we are the main delivery of the week and no back loads. There are 2 18tns, 3 artics (plated at 32 tns with Moffett)and 1 drawbar outfitwith Moffett. We’ve just been told that the 2 18tns are to be replaced next year for 2 drawbar outfits with Moffetts. This is because the fleet is all more than 5 years old and all bought new,therefore maintenance is expensive. The plan is some sort of contract hire for the new motors and keep the rest till they die.
The thing is that I’m in a position where I’ve been offered a drawbar outfit (£20k) which has the Moffett brackets,correct dimensions etc. How do I approach my employers about having a rethink about their plans.
As this is not run as a transport firm costs are high and I think I could do it myself alot better.I’ve heard that the trucks are costing £2.10 per mile so obviously a guy with all the knowledge of our slightly specialised operation,with a good record within the company and who already has a decent face to face relationship with the customers is the ideal person to do it, especially when it will cost less. Will a new contract hire agreement be worth it for them or would it be easier to go for it with me ?
Yes its a cushy artic job,Mon-Fri 6-7am-- 3-4pm, 1 night out and £25k. (+a bit of overtime).
I’ve done all the sums and initially it will be very tight ,but could become a real earner.
As its a bit specialised,would I quote higher rates or just get my foot in the door ?
Do I go to them with a business plan or just put it to the transport manager in general conversation ?
Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.
It says ERF not RAF:
At the moment I’m an employee at a decent firm (25k for 50hrs,Mon-Fri). Its not haulage ,just delivering the companies manufactured goods to the same customers on the same day of every week.1 night out per week , no waiting around as we are the main delivery of the week and no back loads. There are 2 18tns, 3 artics (plated at 32 tns with Moffett)and 1 drawbar outfitwith Moffett. We’ve just been told that the 2 18tns are to be replaced next year for 2 drawbar outfits with Moffetts. This is because the fleet is all more than 5 years old and all bought new,therefore maintenance is expensive. The plan is some sort of contract hire for the new motors and keep the rest till they die.
The thing is that I’m in a position where I’ve been offered a drawbar outfit (£20k) which has the Moffett brackets,correct dimensions etc. How do I approach my employers about having a rethink about their plans.
As this is not run as a transport firm costs are high and I think I could do it myself alot better.I’ve heard that the trucks are costing £2.10 per mile so obviously a guy with all the knowledge of our slightly specialised operation,with a good record within the company and who already has a decent face to face relationship with the customers is the ideal person to do it, especially when it will cost less. Will a new contract hire agreement be worth it for them or would it be easier to go for it with me ?
Yes its a cushy artic job,Mon-Fri 6-7am-- 3-4pm, 1 night out and £25k. (+a bit of overtime).
I’ve done all the sums and initially it will be very tight ,but could become a real earner.
As its a bit specialised,would I quote higher rates or just get my foot in the door ?
Do I go to them with a business plan or just put it to the transport manager in general conversation ?
Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.
Prepare a business plan.
Slightly exaggerate your costs, and make an offer to them below their current costs, but not to low, as it’s never easy to get a rate increase.
Take this to the person, you feel, wiil be most likely to decide on this, and good luck.
You are in the ideal position to make a go of owner driving (Who you know plus insider niche knowledge of the job).
Quote under what it costs them at the moment but not that much under! (Say £1.90 each way) I presume this £2.10 cost is all miles there and back and not just one way. £1.50 per mile is generally around the point you would have to think twice about bothering. A lot of this depends on the length of the runs and how how much waiting time you will have each day, not much good if you only do 100 miles per day. If you know them well you should be able to get the peachy distance runs! You could also quote for each destination seperately on a “by the job basis”.
See if you can get a guarantee that they willl keep you running full time, not park you up and keep the other vehicles running when it goes slow (at least get senior peoples agreement toward this.) At that price, it won’t be the end of the world if you are not running all the time. Get payment terms no more than 30 days from invoice date or worst case 30 days from month end.
Get a fuel duty escalator built in to the agreement (may be too complicated) or at least a price review each year where the understanding will be the price will increase in line with fuel costs.
If you don’t get a maintenance agreement from the vehicle maker (recommended) at least get decent call out and recovery services as you will probably break down at some stage in an older vehicle.
Check as much as you can that the company isn’t likely to go bankrupt and keep checking.
Remember if it goes pear shaped you will take a knock of varying degrees dependant on your personality.
Also make sure you will be able to sell the “specialised” vehicle if it doesn’t work out for hopefully not a massive loss. Some finance companies will allow you to hand the vehicle back after a year of payments if it doesn’t work out. Make sure the house won’t go if you fail! If you can get them to agree to give you back your job driving one of their motors if it doesn’t work out, so much the better.
You also need a lot of liquid cash in your account before you get paid by the company, say £10k. Cash flow is a major reason for business failure.
Last but not least make sure you are fully conversant with VOSA safety compliance and record keeping and also tachograph undertakings. You will be visited shortly after starting up.
A lot of the above is based on best case scenario and is also my personal opnion.
Thanks for your advice. But before I do, have you any idea what sort of lease hire contract cost my employers will be paying for (for eg)a MAN TGA 6x2 drawbar + trailer ?
I will probably need some figures so I can go to them with a very competitive alternative price( without shooting myself in the foot).
Also ,would it be worth going to them with a lower mileage rate but charge them a set amount for each delivery as at the moment I only average between 1200mls-1500mls per week and make 2-4 deliverys per day ?
Thanks again.
It says ERF not RAF:
Thanks for your advice. But before I do, have you any idea what sort of lease hire contract cost my employers will be paying for (for eg)a MAN TGA 6x2 drawbar + trailer ?
I will probably need some figures so I can go to them with a very competitive alternative price( without shooting myself in the foot).
Also ,would it be worth going to them with a lower mileage rate but charge them a set amount for each delivery as at the moment I only average between 1200mls-1500mls per week and make 2-4 deliverys per day ?
Thanks again.
It’s fairly specialist, but if you want I can ask a couple of mates for some guideline prices, You certainly want to tie in a price per drop.
Phone MAN yourself and ask for a quote for the same equipment deal X2, then you will know.
Can’t help on the price per drop/day/week side, i’m not very scientific when working out prices I just make sure i’m on a clear winner per mile or walk away. Work out ALL your costs, get a daily figure and the rough cost of diesel for a day in the old motor then add how much you want to be earning on top for the agro plus profit.
Basically you want to charge them as much as you can get away with so maybe an informal chat to bounce some high figures around then move slowly lower if you get frowned upon…
Unless you can make a very good living (double your salary) it’s not worth the grief/risk.
Just letting you know I’ve had a word with one of the bossess who had a look at some ‘figures’ which I gave him. He wanted to make sure I was serious about this venture before anything goes further.I’ve assured him that I’m serious and as my figures are on a par with existing costs he now knows I’ve done some research with regard to cash flow ,running costs etc etc.
The new motors haven’t been ordered yet and a lease deal looks to be around £1600-£1700 per month.
He has now arranged another meeting with me and another of the managers in a couple of weeks ,this gives me time to put together a proper business plan.
I’ll let you know of any further developments in the coming weeks/months.
Oh, by the way ,I’ve booked myself on the next CPC course, exam December.(might as well add another string to the bow).
It says ERF not RAF:
At the moment I’m an employee at a decent firm (25k for 50hrs,Mon-Fri). Its not haulage ,just delivering the companies manufactured goods to the same customers on the same day of every week.1 night out per week , no waiting around as we are the main delivery of the week and no back loads. There are 2 18tns, 3 artics (plated at 32 tns with Moffett)and 1 drawbar outfitwith Moffett. We’ve just been told that the 2 18tns are to be replaced next year for 2 drawbar outfits with Moffetts. This is because the fleet is all more than 5 years old and all bought new,therefore maintenance is expensive. The plan is some sort of contract hire for the new motors and keep the rest till they die.
The thing is that I’m in a position where I’ve been offered a drawbar outfit (£20k) which has the Moffett brackets,correct dimensions etc. How do I approach my employers about having a rethink about their plans.
As this is not run as a transport firm costs are high and I think I could do it myself alot better.I’ve heard that the trucks are costing £2.10 per mile so obviously a guy with all the knowledge of our slightly specialised operation,with a good record within the company and who already has a decent face to face relationship with the customers is the ideal person to do it, especially when it will cost less. Will a new contract hire agreement be worth it for them or would it be easier to go for it with me ?
Yes its a cushy artic job,Mon-Fri 6-7am-- 3-4pm, 1 night out and £25k. (+a bit of overtime).
I’ve done all the sums and initially it will be very tight ,but could become a real earner.
As its a bit specialised,would I quote higher rates or just get my foot in the door ?
Do I go to them with a business plan or just put it to the transport manager in general conversation ?
Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.
You have examined the market, You have done a little homework, You have seen a Niche, You realize there is an opportunity, as Del says HE who dares wins, Go for it,
routier:
It says ERF not RAF:
At the moment I’m an employee at a decent firm (25k for 50hrs,Mon-Fri). Its not haulage ,just delivering the companies manufactured goods to the same customers on the same day of every week.1 night out per week , no waiting around as we are the main delivery of the week and no back loads. There are 2 18tns, 3 artics (plated at 32 tns with Moffett)and 1 drawbar outfitwith Moffett. We’ve just been told that the 2 18tns are to be replaced next year for 2 drawbar outfits with Moffetts. This is because the fleet is all more than 5 years old and all bought new,therefore maintenance is expensive. The plan is some sort of contract hire for the new motors and keep the rest till they die.
The thing is that I’m in a position where I’ve been offered a drawbar outfit (£20k) which has the Moffett brackets,correct dimensions etc. How do I approach my employers about having a rethink about their plans.
As this is not run as a transport firm costs are high and I think I could do it myself alot better.I’ve heard that the trucks are costing £2.10 per mile so obviously a guy with all the knowledge of our slightly specialised operation,with a good record within the company and who already has a decent face to face relationship with the customers is the ideal person to do it, especially when it will cost less. Will a new contract hire agreement be worth it for them or would it be easier to go for it with me ?
Yes its a cushy artic job,Mon-Fri 6-7am-- 3-4pm, 1 night out and £25k. (+a bit of overtime).
I’ve done all the sums and initially it will be very tight ,but could become a real earner.
As its a bit specialised,would I quote higher rates or just get my foot in the door ?
Do I go to them with a business plan or just put it to the transport manager in general conversation ?
Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.You have examined the market, You have done a little homework, You have seen a Niche, You realize there is an opportunity, as Del says HE who dares wins, Go for it,
Hopefully I can make a go of it without looking like a PLONKER and this time next year I’ll be a millionaire. Cushty- AUREVOIR.
It says ERF not RAF:
this time next year I’ll be a millionaire.
I wouldn’t hold your breath… 
It says ERF not RAF:
routier:
It says ERF not RAF:
At the moment I’m an employee at a decent firm (25k for 50hrs,Mon-Fri). Its not haulage ,just delivering the companies manufactured goods to the same customers on the same day of every week.1 night out per week , no waiting around as we are the main delivery of the week and no back loads. There are 2 18tns, 3 artics (plated at 32 tns with Moffett)and 1 drawbar outfitwith Moffett. We’ve just been told that the 2 18tns are to be replaced next year for 2 drawbar outfits with Moffetts. This is because the fleet is all more than 5 years old and all bought new,therefore maintenance is expensive. The plan is some sort of contract hire for the new motors and keep the rest till they die.
The thing is that I’m in a position where I’ve been offered a drawbar outfit (£20k) which has the Moffett brackets,correct dimensions etc. How do I approach my employers about having a rethink about their plans.
As this is not run as a transport firm costs are high and I think I could do it myself alot better.I’ve heard that the trucks are costing £2.10 per mile so obviously a guy with all the knowledge of our slightly specialised operation,with a good record within the company and who already has a decent face to face relationship with the customers is the ideal person to do it, especially when it will cost less. Will a new contract hire agreement be worth it for them or would it be easier to go for it with me ?
Yes its a cushy artic job,Mon-Fri 6-7am-- 3-4pm, 1 night out and £25k. (+a bit of overtime).
I’ve done all the sums and initially it will be very tight ,but could become a real earner.
As its a bit specialised,would I quote higher rates or just get my foot in the door ?
Do I go to them with a business plan or just put it to the transport manager in general conversation ?
Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.You have examined the market, You have done a little homework, You have seen a Niche, You realize there is an opportunity, as Del says HE who dares wins, Go for it,
Hopefully I can make a go of it without looking like a PLONKER and this time next year I’ll be a millionaire. Cushty- AUREVOIR.
Its better to try then say “what if” for the rest of your life
Just letting any interested readers know that last week saw meeting number 2 which was rather unproductive. I was told that they are still unsure as of what to do and that I might have to jiggle the figures (I took your advice with an inflated quote anyway)so this was expected. The accounts dept and various big wigs are meeting again in the next couple of weeks as vehicle quotes for the new fleet are starting to come in. (Transport Dept needs the OK from accounts to spend its budgets).
Hopefully accounts dept might say no to initial outlay for a whole new fleet and inadvertantly put me in a better position to get the nod.
Also, today saw me fail my CPC (actually ,I think I did OK on the first 2 papers but failed with the case study). I put this down to a very poor course/teacher last week and a very limited time to do any revision. I believe an ADR course on its own lasts 1 week. It is covered in the CPC as a module in its own right together with another 15-20 modules and you’re only given a week of study.
I can understand the course lasting a week as it would be too expensive if it lasted any longer ,but I believe a longer period should be in place between the end of the weeks course and exam.
I thought I was alone in thinking this but the other students agreed regardless of their background,inc- drivers, owner drivers,secretarys,fleet managers ,university graduates and other officed based positions.
I’m not bitter, I just know that with abit more time I could have passed as I understood all the questions and knew what they wanted to see, I just couldn’t cram all the info in my head in such a short space of time.
The thing is, I want to learn all this stuff, not just pass an exam (maybe this is the wrong way off thinking and I should stop whinging and concentrate on passing).
Thats the lasted ,anyway I’ll keep you posted on any results.
Which exam did you take, September’s? If you took December’s you wouldn’t have the results yet, You might be suprised.
I used a bloke called Graham Lewsey for my Nat’ & Int’ home study courses. He is cheap and his study notes are very good, I have no problems recommending him.
westoxoncpccentre@tiscali.co.uk
grahamlewsey@xalt.co.uk
If you don’t get a reply from the email, let me know and will give you his number.
Best of luck.
Chucky:
Which exam did you take, September’s? If you took December’s you wouldn’t have the results yet, You might be suprised.I used a bloke called Graham Lewsey for my Nat’ & Int’ home study courses. He is cheap and his study notes are very good, I have no problems recommending him.
westoxoncpccentre@tiscali.co.uk
grahamlewsey@xalt.co.uk
If you don’t get a reply from the email, let me know and will give you his number.Best of luck.
Thanks, I think I should be OK now that I have a couple of months to get stuck in to the books. (Yes I did Dec’s test, I’m just not very confident).
Hi
Ispent the best years of my life as an owner driver,on a somewhat different “specialized type. Of transport”. Eastern Europe , Turkey and Middle East. Its all about who you are on for. They must pay promptly and honestly, and you. Must be prepared for some paycheques not to have much left after all the inevitable extra expeneses from time to time.
Be strong and have broad shoulders. You will have a great time being your own Boss.Go for it Rodders.!!
I wish you good luck.
GS OVERLAND.
Check out some of my earlier posts. I.E. My first Job.
Just got my C.P.C results. Passed the first 2 papers.
Failed the case study.
As for the truck. They have not yet decided so I’m still waiting and waiting and waiting and wa…
It says ERF not RAF:
Just got my C.P.C results. Passed the first 2 papers.
Failed the case study.
Thats exactly what happened to me.
It’s much easier with just the case study to focus on rather than all the guff you must learn for the multi-choice!
I did a intensive study course (1 day) before hand and that really helped. Most places do them and its worth it if only to get the bloody thing out of the way! 
Well, its nearly a year since I started this thread. I’m now a CPC holder as I passed Mod 4 in June.
We still have all the vehicles we did a year ago and nothing has changed.
I’m back to square one really , for the last year my Employers have been restructuring and relocating. The new fleet has not been a priority. The full move to the new factory is still ongoing due to the scale of the move and will not be complete for another month. Once this is complete and everything starts running as it should the new fleet will be back on the agenda.
The factory move involved merging 3 of our other sites,one of which uses a contractor. That contract expires early 09, so the new fleet will be a lot bigger than originally planned unless that contract is renewed.
So I’m still in with a shout, but pretty glad its dragged on really due to the present economic situation .