I have recently passed my Class 2 HGV Test and now hold that License.
I have also done my CPC, ADR and got my drivers Card.
Im currently working for the NHS as a Logistics Operative doing around 37 hours a week and must say the work is fairly easy and the social life is very good there.
I take home around £1450 a month but could top that up to £1700 if I was to do around 46 hours a week.
I am in a permanent work position but have been told that I could have a three month carer break to work on becoming a professional Trucker and get some experience.
The main reason as to why I have decided to become a Trucker is because I am looking to increase my annual salary to at least £28k in order to afford a decent House.
My question is how hard it in the real Class 2 Truckers World to earn that sort of money and how long does it take to earn the experience to get that sort of an income.
I am still double minded if I should leave my current job to become a Trucker or not and would very much appreciate any advice and help.
Well I’ve not done it yet so don’t take my advice as gospel… but from the research I have done I don’t think many newbie truckers, even class 1, are going to be making 28k in their first year without working silly amounts of hours.
It depends on the area but many of the jobs in my area are £9 - £12 an hour. Assuming £10ph you are looking > 50 hours pw to get to 28k. Many of the better jobs want one to two years experience, but recently I have seen some class 2 multi-drop jobs offering £9.50 with new starters welcome.
From what I can work out your current hourly rate must be around £9? I don’t really see the benefit of leaving a secure job if you can increase your take home to £1700 that can’t be far off 28k?
You could probably earn more if you leave the NHS but mainly because you will work more hours not because the rate per hour is massively better. So it depends if you don’t mind losing the work/life balance and possibly other perks like NHS pension, good sickness terms, etc?
Is there any chance for promotion in your current job? Don’t forget if you have been there more than 2 years you get some job security where as with a new job they can basically fire you for any reason in the first 2 years.
Stay put. If your taking 1700 per month
Your on around 271/2 k and your not even maxing out.
To hit that in the real world of driving you’ll be maxing out on hours have no social life and be a grumpy sod.
spacemanZ10:
No you have the licence , not do some casual agency work for a bit of extra savings?
Looks a good answer to me. Since the OP has a licence there is obviously some itch there, needing to be scratched. Do some casual work, for the enjoyment, get some extra cash without too much pressure.
CovGuy:
Don’t forget if you have been there more than 2 years you get some job security where as with a new job they can basically fire you for any reason in the first 2 years.
Yes keep that in mind, I got caught out by this in my old job. They got rid of me just coz I got my class 2 license in my spare time, it contradicted their line of business. Pathetic excuse
