Hi guys and gals.
I posted on another forum on here about me getting my first break and landing a class 1 job. After many congrats messages and some good advice, someone suggested that I write a diary on here so others may have an idea what its like when you first start out. Good idea I thought so here I go.
To start, I thought it might be worth explaining where I’ve come from. As i passed my car test in 1990 I have ‘grandfather’ rights so i went into driving 7.5t for a couple of years doing multi-drop. After passing my cat ‘C’ in Dec 07 i went to an agency and managed to get a temp to perm driving class 2 with Hiab (i’d done my crane course right after my driving test). After a year there i was laid off due to the start of the credit crunch. Two years later i passed my C+E first time which was only 6 weeks ago.
After MANY MANY phone calls and app forms filled in, a mate called me to tell me that they needed someone at his place and he’d put in a good word for me. Interview later that day and, after my mates ‘word’, I was offered a job and I started this morning (Saturday).
So, 8am today I had to report to the transport office of Seymour Transport in Barnsley. Induction over and I’m shown the monster that I will be driving for the next couple of weeks. An automatic Volvo Globetrotter 6x2. It’s ■■■■■■■ HUGE and much bigger than what I took my test in, a DAF CF. Anyhow, as I’m doing tramping work, I get my gear from the car and start making the Volvo something like home. I’ve been wondering/worrying where I’m gonna store all my kit but after climbing into the cab for the first time I find i had nothing the be bothered about.
For those of you that have never been in a BIG truck before, like me before today, let me try and explain the layout a little (I’m sure someone my correct me if I’m not quite right). Above the windscreen you have three hatches, a large one in the centre and two smaller ones either side. Turn around and you will find this repeated above the bunk. On this Volvo you will find a fridge in the right hand side one but I’m not sure this is the norm. Below the bunk there is a large slide out draw which looks to have been used for paperwork in my turck. There is also a lock box which looks like a safe. In addition you have your normal cubbyholes and cup holders that you find in most vehicles.
If you jump out the truck and stand next to the door, reach inside the cab and you will find a ‘pull’, give it a tug and a bin will open on the outside behind the open door. This I have used for my ‘mucky’ stuff in the past on class 2. Stuff like Hi Viz and boots. This is repeated on the other side.
So to my ‘grafting’ part of the day today. The load for Monday are sheets of reinforced mesh. Three stacks of the stuff and I think I read it was 29t worth. Hell, this is gonna be fun. Three ratchet straps per stack and then its time to drive to thing. Ok here we go, looked for the clutch peddle then remembered its an auto. Selected ‘A’ and eased my foot on the gas and it moved. So far, so good. However, the forward motion didn’t last long, about 40m. Then, my first time in a big truck, I had to reverse about 200m, down a slope and around a bend to park it up ready to go at 4am on Monday. I took my time and went steady and after a couple of little shuffles i managed to get it where i wanted it and without hitting anything. I was well happy!
Scotland bound on Monday. Heading to Dumfries then Motherwell and then on to East Lothian. I’ll be northbound A1 then A66 west then M6 north. I’ve no idea who long this is gonna take me as I’ve done nothing like it before. The last drop is in East Lothian and I will be dropping the trailer there too and heading south ‘Bobtail’ (I think thats what they call driving without a trailer, lol.).
My intention is to post again as soon as I get near the internet and I’ll do it day by day. I hope to include all that I have learnt as a new driver of class 1 in my first few days/weeks. My aim is to try and help anyone in my position today, sat here nervous about driving a proper truck for the first time.
Apologies if this has gone on a bit but i hope it has been of some use.
If you see me this next week, white Volvo with Seymour, Logistic Magicians across the front in red, do two things for me. One, please don’t get in my way or it could go very wrong! Two, give me a wave and let me know someone has bothered to read this to the bottom.
Take care,
Gloria.
