Kicked off with a cup of coffee and a chat with the other new starter. It went on to a load of paperwork to fill out, a fire alarm test and a driving assesment. This was stressed that it wasn’t a test to pass or fail, just to see weather you needed training up on anything. I went through this okay and didn’t need it, although they did take me round some tight bends and through the middle of Coalville, I managed not to clip any kerbs. Unfortunatley the other chap, who I feel immensley sorry for, as I’ve been in the same position through nerves in the past didn’t do so well and he asked not to continue the day .
We the went back for some more paperwork and procedures and I was allocated my run. This was to be to Avonmouth and back with a 12.30pm start. I also got my vehicle, a reasonabley new DAF CF with air onditioning etc.
I’d been thinking about this and realised I’d very quickley get board with it, so I’ve gone in as a cover driver. This means I’ll recieve extensive training on every vehicle they’ve got, rather than just the artics (although the bloke who’s supposed to be doing it is on a course next week, so I’m backward and forewards from Coalville to Long Eaton . They can tell you on the Thursday what your going to be doing that week and use agency drivers to cover anything “too out the way.”
When I’d finished my lunch, it turned into a wagon and drag training session. I can tell you, the front box is easy enough to put on, but the back one’s a [zb] to get lined up on. Trainer will have a few days out with me next week to get that shipshape (to be honest, I did need more time on the whole process and told him so). I could pick one up and put it down ok with a couple of mistakes, but it needs a few more goes to get the procedures into my head properly. I also found muscles I didn’t know I had.
They seem to be an extremley professionaly and fairly run company. The money’s not as good as some, but I think I’ll be extremley happy their.
Liberace:
I can tell you, the front box is easy enough to put on, but the back one’s a [zb] to get lined up on.
Are you able to hitch the trailer to the front of the unit, or is it one where you can only hitch at the back? The “hitch-at-both-ends” units seem much easier - I’ve never driven either, but I’ve been a passenger with a driver that’s done a “both ends” one.
Liberace:
I can tell you, the front box is easy enough to put on, but the back one’s a [zb] to get lined up on.
Are you able to hitch the trailer to the front of the unit, or is it one where you can only hitch at the back? The “hitch-at-both-ends” units seem much easier - I’ve never driven either, but I’ve been a passenger with a driver that’s done a “both ends” one.
Lib, don’t they allow you to load the back box first??
Pick the box up with the wagon, hitch the trailer up, drop the box again and pull the trailer thro till lined up level. Saves all that trying to reverse thro the legs and damaging them. Thats how we used to do it but then we were using A-Frame trailers and they were harder to reverse.
TheBear:
Lib, don’t they allow you to load the back box first??
Pick the box up with the wagon, hitch the trailer up, drop the box again and pull the trailer thro till lined up level. Saves all that trying to reverse thro the legs and damaging them. Thats how we used to do it but then we were using A-Frame trailers and they were harder to reverse.
Beat me to that one, was gonna say the same thing. We used to do that when I was on for Moores because, like Ian says, they’re a 'mare to get lined up on otherwise although it comes with practice.
Steady, he’s got an urgent requirement to get one sorted out for himself first
Not a chance, I’m not furnishing my landlady’s flat for her . Although their is a decent amount of staff discount .
You don’t need to furnish it for her. Tell her to get shut of her sofa as you’re bringing your own in, that’s what I’ve done here in the place I’m renting because the original sofa here was as equally horrific as what yours is.
Just be careful though, you might organise it with her to remove it whilst you’re out but when you come back the sofa’s still there but you suddenly find that you’re missing a shirt … Easy mistake to make, I’m sure you’ll agree, although the loss of either wouldn’t be any great, er… loss.
Steady, he’s got an urgent requirement to get one sorted out for himself first
Not a chance, I’m not furnishing my landlady’s flat for her . Although their is a decent amount of staff discount .
You don’t need to furnish it for her. Tell her to get shut of her sofa as you’re bringing your own in, that’s what I’ve done here in the place I’m renting because the original sofa here was as equally horrific as what yours is.
Just be careful though, you might organise it with her to remove it whilst you’re out but when you come back the sofa’s still there but you suddenly find that you’re missing a shirt … Easy mistake to make, I’m sure you’ll agree, although the loss of either wouldn’t be any great, er… loss.
Anyway, back on topic :lol:.
I forgot to mention they pay their parking fees up front . They don’t expect you to put it on your card or pay out your own pocket Bob .
I was also suprised at how well the drags drove and the trailer followed you round. The only downside is that their may be a couple of nights out per week, and you know I detest them, but I can take that, as they’re a good company to work for. They’re paid at £22.50 per night out, which I think includes a meal allowance. Parking is paid up front in cash, just include the recipts and change in your paperwork.
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:lol:.