I’ve taken a week off, but that’s more to do with my other half’s health, than this virus crap. I’m lucky, I can afford a weeks holiday, and gave up chasing the pounds years ago (working 4 on 4off loses you at least £150 a week, but you’re off 4 days in a row… you makes your choice…).
My gut feeling is, is that most drivers are living to their wage, and could not afford to drop a shift, let alone a few weeks. As for drivers not taking the opportunity to add another 12 hours to the weekly 70 hours, come on…
Going back to the days of logbook(s) when no-one worked or drove over the legal limit, you could always tell someone was a ‘Lorry’ driver by their bloodshot eyes, cracked & blistered hands & falling asleep at the cafe table.
It never ceases to amaze me how things have changed & drivers now legally work 50% more hours yet always look healthy & refreshed 
whisperingsmith:
Going back to the days of logbook(s) when no-one worked or drove over the legal limit, you could always tell someone was a ‘Lorry’ driver by their bloodshot eyes, cracked & blistered hands & falling asleep at the cafe table.
It never ceases to amaze me how things have changed & drivers now legally work 50% more hours yet always look healthy & refreshed
In those days you were driving an old Atki, with no power steering, a 220 or less engine that saw a hill before you did, where you were constantly changing gears, and double declutching on a stiff clutch, no power steering, sat on an uncomfortable off set seat, riding on leaf spring hard to non suspension, constantly 'driving it’s as opposed to like now ‘steering it’ , roping and sheeting in strong wind and ■■■■■■■ rain, parking up and kipping across a makeshift bed with no night heater, then getting out the cab next morning walking like Quasimodo.
That is why we look ‘healthy and refreshed’ after driving a modern truck. 
Also in those days it was a 12 .5 hour spreadover, so look how the job has still gone down despite the driving conditions improving.
the nodding donkey:
I’ve taken a week off, but that’s more to do with my other half’s health, than this virus crap. I’m lucky, I can afford a weeks holiday, and gave up chasing the pounds years ago (working 4 on 4off loses you at least £150 a week, but you’re off 4 days in a row… you makes your choice…).
My gut feeling is, is that most drivers are living to their wage, and could not afford to drop a shift, let alone a few weeks. As for drivers not taking the opportunity to add another 12 hours to the weekly 70 hours, come on…
This last paragraph definitely.
Last week in was on SSP which is quite a drop from say £150 a day ish to less than £20, but I can afford it because I’ve got a safety net if needed. There are others I know that would massively struggle in that situation to the point where they’d drag themselves in rather than take appropriate steps for the good of all.
To get through this we all need to muck in together really, but that won’t happen because we’re a nation of selfish pricks generally speaking.
If we relaxed the rules as per the U.S. above, I think the last paragraph, " The declaration doesn’t apply to routine commercial deliveries or truckers hauling mixed loads that include essential supplies. Drivers that inform motor carriers they need immediate rest must be permitted at least 10 consecutive hours off duty", seems reasonable to me.
What do you reckon Rob, would you still say [zb] em ?
Regards. John.
old 67:
If we relaxed the rules as per the U.S. above, I think the last paragraph, " The declaration doesn’t apply to routine commercial deliveries or truckers hauling mixed loads that include essential supplies. Drivers that inform motor carriers they need immediate rest must be permitted at least 10 consecutive hours off duty", seems reasonable to me.
What do you reckon Rob, would you still say [zb] em ?
Regards. John.
Think you’re missing my point, it’s not getting sufficient rest after these extended shifts that I am on about, (I’m assuming I’ve picked you up right on that) nor is the fact that the hours are too long as it is under normal circumstances, without extending them…(although that aspect of it IS bad enough)
It’s the convenient moving of the goalposts situation when it suits that I object to, after it being continuously drummed into us that driving over your time is dangerous, and totally unsafe, and to reiterate, but suddenly that no longer is the case.
It’s also the cynical way we are treated by the industry it’s self, and the negative way we are all looked upon by most of the public, but then expected to co.operate by bailing everybody out.
So to answer your question …yes I would.
It’s looking very likely that I may have to dust off my class 1 as the coach company I work for are having cancellations left right and centre… 
At least this has given '‘them’ a bloody good excuse to stop drivers using their toilets now eh?
newsandstar.co.uk/news/nati … ronavirus/
How many of you now that said ‘We should all muck in,.rally round and do our bit’’ feel the same now.
Just another example of how we are looked upon. 
robroy:
At least this has given '‘them’ a bloody good excuse to stop drivers using their toilets now eh?
newsandstar.co.uk/news/nati … ronavirus/
How many of you now that said ‘We should all muck in,.rally round and do our bit’’ feel the same now.
Just another example of how we are looked upon.
The companies refusing drivers access to toilets should be named and shamed. If I knew I was meant to be doing a delivery to one of these sites I would refuse to go point blank
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robroy:
At least this has given '‘them’ a bloody good excuse to stop drivers using their toilets now eh?
newsandstar.co.uk/news/nati … ronavirus/
How many of you now that said ‘We should all muck in,.rally round and do our bit’’ feel the same now.
Just another example of how we are looked upon.
With you all the way on this one Rob, bloody disgraceful.
Regards John.
Talk about a ■■■■■■■ chip.
Rather than whine about being treated badly and using it as an excuse not to help in what could become a national emergency why not grow a pair?
Ffs…I used to dig a hole to take a ■■■■■■ A plastic bottle is just so…[emoji1787]
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Monkey241:
Talk about a [zb] chip.
Rather than whine about being treated badly and using it as an excuse not to help in what could become a national emergency why not grow a pair?
Ffs…I used to dig a hole to take a [zb]. A plastic bottle is just so…[emoji1787]
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Yeh?..Am I meant to be impressed. 
You’ve got your opinions, I’ve got mine bud. 
And btw my ‘pair’ are already intact…, but thanks for the concern anyway. 
Oh aye, the word you’re looking for is ‘‘reason’’ not ‘‘excuse’’
I really dont give a rats chuff if you’re impressed or not
The world splits between whiners and doers.
I know who I prefer to mix with.
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Monkey241:
I really dont give a rats chuff if you’re impressed or not
The world splits between whiners and doers.
I know who I prefer to mix with.
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Well done. …I’ll write that one down so I remember.
You do that.
You seem surprised that your opinion post attracts contrary opinion.
Bit odd really. Is that not the ■■■■■■ point of a discussion forum?
Now, pet, put on your big boy pants and crack on.
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down here in Dorset all the army drivers male and female are trained on late MAN drawbar motors with a private company, and I believe its nationwide
Monkey241:
You do that.
You seem surprised that your opinion post attracts contrary opinion.
Bit odd really. Is that not the [zb] point of a discussion forum?
Now, pet, put on your big boy pants and crack on.
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You’re right, that is entirely the point of a forum.
I ain’t got a problem with contrary opinion …err pet.
In fact I love an adult debate and discussion with adults on any issue.
Problem is it ceases to be anything remotely resembling adult,.when childish jibes are put in the mix…
So if you want to rewind a bit, and put YOUR big boy pants on, I’ll gladly discuss mine and your point of view on this.
I think you know my point of view.
If robustly pointing it out bothers you, you’ll find a number for the Samaritans online
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