Never gonna get that…doing most jobs.
commonrail:
Never gonna get that…doing most jobs.
Average wage is a little over 28k, so definitely not average! But better than any truck!
robroy:
[Enjoy it while you are at that phase, because reality will soon set in, and you will eventually see the industry for what it really is…a crock of [zb]…
I’ve had old boys trumpet this at me since the day I started. They even do it now until I point out I’ve be at it over 20 years, sometimes longer than those telling me I’ll hate it in the end. Still don’t, probably never will, job is what you make it and I make sure I make it good.
A lot of drivers have a negative attitude , I quite like being behind the wheel once out of the yard its just me and the motor sort of thing. No need to get all stressed if you cant make a delivery time just say “I will take it back then” . If it cant be done then don’t do it.Could do without the DCPC nonsense managed fine for thirty years without it.
switchlogic:
robroy:
[Enjoy it while you are at that phase, because reality will soon set in, and you will eventually see the industry for what it really is…a crock of [zb]…
I’ve had old boys trumpet this at me since the day I started. They even do it now until I point out I’ve be at it over 20 years, sometimes longer than those telling me I’ll hate it in the end. Still don’t, probably never will, job is what you make it and I make sure I make it good.
What’s good about your post is that you have been on the other side of the coin you have also did and do a lot of different sections of the game
What you have is people staying in a job they hate so all they do is knock it to anyone that will listen and also knock the whole industry
These people don’t have the balls to move or change its a no confidence thing so there stuck working for a company doing a type of work that they hate
When all it takes is to move and change things yourself
switchlogic:
robroy:
[Enjoy it while you are at that phase, because reality will soon set in, and you will eventually see the industry for what it really is…a crock of [zb]…
I’ve had old boys trumpet this at me since the day I started. They even do it now until I point out I’ve be at it over 20 years, sometimes longer than those telling me I’ll hate it in the end. Still don’t, probably never will, job is what you make it and I make sure I make it good.
I fully agree Luke, the job is what you make it yourself.
Make no mistake I certainly look after numer uno, and let the rest of the clowns around me be hassled, ran ragged, be told where and when to park and all the rest of it…and just laugh at them.
It was the actual ‘‘industry’’ (like I said) it’s self.
Over regulated, ran by ■■■■ whits with no transport experience, ridiculously long hours with minimum rest periods, and generally crap t.s and c.s across the board…topped off with poor wages.
As you rightly say, how you deal with all that crap personally determines how good or bad your job/life is.
Oh yeh and call me an ‘‘Old boy’’ again and I’ll come looking for you. 
switchlogic:
robroy:
[Enjoy it while you are at that phase, because reality will soon set in, and you will eventually see the industry for what it really is…a crock of [zb]…
I’ve had old boys trumpet this at me since the day I started. They even do it now until I point out I’ve be at it over 20 years, sometimes longer than those telling me I’ll hate it in the end. Still don’t, probably never will, job is what you make it and I make sure I make it good.
I haven’t got too long to go now, and yernow what? i’ll miss it cos i still enjoy my job, the job is exactly as you say, what you make it, you have to take an interest.
Yes there are some jobs i wouldn’t do, and top of that list are deliveries to RDCs, so i don’t do that type of work, happy days 
I got talking to a lad before the boat last night from Rosslare as he was unsure of a few things. The reason he came over when I parked next to him was he spotted the companies Bristol address and he was going to Avonmouth. Anyway, he was younger then me (Im 31) and it was his second trip in a artic over to England and he was well up for it, after he was going to Liverpool for a load and then straight back to Ireland so just a one day trip but happy with that.
I chatted with him for probably an hour before getting on the boat and never did he complain about money or hours when some older lads can’t wait to ask how much im on blah blah blah. Took care of ‘his’ truck, it was his first unit, bet his gaffer loves him as this England trip was a last minute thing and he got on with it.
He was better at the endurance aspect though as once off the boat he was just getting a 3hr break and starting at 4am again when I couldn’t be bothered this morning to move till 8am
I’ve no regrets.
From the young singleton…to the 2.4er
There’s something in this industry for everyone.
Helps massively…if you like lorries though
And I love talking about lorries
Yeah…sometimes you’ll be asked to"make a difference"
But you’ll always have some bunce in yet pocket.
And that’s what counts.
afterleaving school at 16 to work at the farm,then onto forestry a chance as a machine operator with the local highways yard at 19.Getting soaked ,frozen and generally damp or sunburned the chance to get my licence at 21 was a godsend. Been at it since 1981 seen the uk all o Ireland bits o euro then in 2008 western Canada and now back into northern USA work all because I went for my hgv as a young un!
A lot of good points made here. Most are undoubtedly correct to a greater or lesser degree. But the youth of today are also a different breed. I know it’s a cliche, but there is truth to the common perception that many of the young in our time are both more ambitious in theory, and less resilient in practice. For their prospects in a job like HGV driving, both are omens. Driving trucks is neither “cool” nor easy enough to compete with the largely mythical ideas that constitute success for this generation.
jronnquist:
A lot of good points made here. Most are undoubtedly correct to a greater or lesser degree. But the youth of today are also a different breed. I know it’s a cliche, but there is truth to the common perception that many of the young in our time are both more ambitious in theory, and less resilient in practice. For their prospects in a job like HGV driving, both are omens. Driving trucks is neither “cool” nor easy enough to compete with the largely mythical ideas that constitute success for this generation.
The problem with this is that we know (some members of) every previous generation said the same!
I’m 24 passed my class one in December. All the lads that I meet my age are keen and never moan about the hours they’ve got to do especially as I do mostly Euro work. To the OP if your looking for Euro work give me a PM
commonrail:
I’ve no regrets.
From the young singleton…to the 2.4er
There’s something in this industry for everyone.
Helps massively…if you like lorries though
Yup, its a massive industry, you have to take what you can get at first in the learning stage (not as we ever stop learning), but over time you’ll find your niche, once you do you’ve cracked it.
I do not understand why experienced drivers are slogging away on poor money doing a job they hate or at the very least get no satisfaction enjoyment from.
Go out and find another branch of the industry which gives some job satisfaction and pays well 
, these jobs are still out there, just don’t expect them to come to you, you have to go and find them.
Juddian:
commonrail:
I’ve no regrets.
From the young singleton…to the 2.4er
There’s something in this industry for everyone.
Helps massively…if you like lorries thoughYup, its a massive industry, you have to take what you can get at first in the learning stage (not as we ever stop learning), but over time you’ll find your niche, once you do you’ve cracked it.
I do not understand why experienced drivers are slogging away on poor money doing a job they hate or at the very least get no satisfaction enjoyment from.
Go out and find another branch of the industry which gives some job satisfaction and pays well
This is it exactly. There is no point in saying “Truck driver is a horrible job”. Driving what trucks and for who?
There’s such a massive difference between driving to various RDCs for tesco and driving a mixer. Or containers and new car transport.
Yes you might have to start off with the ■■■■■■ local multidrop to corner shops but there’s more to it than that ( even though I know some people love it).
There’s so many different types of driving work.
I drive a mixer for small concrete company and I really enjoy it. Lots of variety, fast paced, constantly meeting new people, no handballing and I make about 30 a week in tips. Yes there’s downsides to but nothings perfect.
When I move up to class 1 I know I don’t want to do regional work for tesco or anything like that. I’m hopefully going to do European trips or try and get into timber transport for a forestry company.
The jobs what you make it. Some people are just to sour and miserable to make a change.