Good afternoon everyone, I hope you are all well. First time on here, got some questions regarding a new job offer. RB have offered me the role out of Boroughbridge, 4o/4o. They have said they can pretty much guarantee 15 hour days, but seem reluctant to put anything in writing to that effect. I had a search on here, but a lot of the comments about them are pretty old, so I wanted to see if theres any current or recent drivers that would know what they are like.
15 hour shifts - is that frequent? Are they likely to be having me out on the road overnight, or do they pretty much plan on getting you out and back in time, then top your hours up with other work, lead in/out?
Is there o/t available? Having 4 off gives scope for me to work extra days with them, but if thats not an option, I can probably get shifts in through agency or previous employer, assuming RB wouldnt have an objecton to me doing that…?
Do they still not pay parking fees?
Theres a clause for damages caused by negligence - how strict are they with this? Like, scrapes happen, sometimes with you not even in the vehicle. Will they claw back cash for every little thing, or just for something silly like not uncoupling properly?
Thanks for listening. I’ll probably have more questions later!
I’ve never worked for them so take what I say with a pinch of salt but I’ve never heard anything good about them, either on here or from anyone who has done work for them.
My reading of your post about the 15 hour shifts is that its something you want to do? If so, really and why??? If not my apologies.
I’d be running a mile from any company that openly states you’ll be doing anything remotely approaching 15 hours.
I don’t do nights out (not trying to start the usual dayman/tramper debate) but again not paying parking for a night out is a no no.
Also and this is the biggest red flag is the driver being expected to pay for damage. Sorry if this offends anyone but any driver working for a company under this term is quite frankly a mug.
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All very good points there, also if your doing 15 hours a day you wont want to do overtime on extra days, more likely sleeping
Hi guys, cheers for the responses. Bit of background: I’ve been class 2 for 9 years, just put myself through class 1 as my current employer doesn’t have any class 1 vehicles and so wouldn’t put me through. I need to maximise my earning potential, and am well used to long shifts (60+ hour weeks are not uncommon where I am now), so that side of things is not an issue, I manage fine on short sleep. 4o/4o gives plenty of time off, I would likely do maybe 1 extra day per week if offered, as I still value family life.
The damage clause is definitely an issue, but the only other reference to it I’ve seen was from somebody saying they’ve never known it be enforced, so was just wondering if anyone else has had different experiences. Obviously they do have plenty of drivers, so it can’t be all bad!
A lot of truth in what you heard
It’s probably worded like any damage but that’s probably there to cover themselves against careless drivers and nutcases
But if also keeps most people on their toes
I don’t agree with it but it would not bother me, if you’re a safe and competent driver you have nothing to worry about
It wouldn’t have a chance in a court of law, that’s what insurance is for
End of the day if there willing to give you a chance being a new driver take it.
Don’t think many places take on new drivers..get some experience and maybe your like it and stay then again you might not.
People on here have lots bad things to say about certain places yet others have good things to say..
If hours and money suit you thats the main thing.
As for damge think lot places now have clauses saying your responsile for the first £x worth of damge.
Doubt thed enforce it over a few minor scratches scrapes etc. though
Are you sure?
If it says in your contract of employment that you are held liable for damages than that will likely be a legal deduction from your wages. Understanding your pay: Deductions from your pay - GOV.UK
If it not clear in the C of E then it will likely be illegal.
Insurance does not have to be fully comp.
Insurance is cheaper for the company if they make no claims. They have an incentive to avoid claims for damage. They have an incentive to get money from an employee rather than claim.
IMHO it should be a business expense…stuff happens.
If an employee needs a financial kick to avoid damage to trucks?
Consider sacking the monkey. If they repeatedly scrape the truck get rid of them.
Maybe pay a bit more to attract better drivers.
Or consider a bonus that will be withheld in case of damage.
If it’s 4o4o tramping then happy days.. max your hours for 4 days (or nights) then 4 off. I applied to them but wanted out of Leyland not Boroughbridge.. too far for me. You could do a lot worse than Reed Boardall.. they offer a lot of casual work aswell, can earn good money with them. But as with all fridge work be prepared for a lot of down time 
It’s not tramping as per contract, but I’m wondering how much I can expect to actually be stuck at the side of the road, seeing as I believe they don’t pay for parking. It’s not a problem if I do get stuck out, I would just like to be able to plan for it.
And downtime is also fine, I’ll have my laptop and my pillow!
If you’re going to do 15 hrs on days , then go and work for prev employee , agency , then your on your way to an early grave or health issues .
I know your healthy , but it will catch up with you eventually
I’d go tramping , 15 hrs days , then commute , shower , tea , your going to be down to 5/6 hrs sleep on days , at least tramping you’ll more likely get 7/8 hrs sleep , I’m no fan of tramping but 15 hr days is ridiculous on a regular basis , I did 11 today & had enough , 15 I’d be suicidal.
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I did tramping for years while back and no big deal doing 13 hrs a day plus. As once parked up you only sit around watch TV get bored may well crack on get few hours extra pay.
But where I worked they were laid back didn’t expect you to start again 9 hrs later. Was just given a load drop off tomorrow at say 8 am . Then upto you do long day park up outside have a lie in.
Or have a shorter day n set off early next day.
plus I found my man cab bed lot comfier than bed at home used sleeper better in a truck than at home