Welshlad32:
Well I’m starting the dcpc periodic training course tomorrow but will have to do the refresher course separately… Which is a pain in the rear ah well.
Why? As already stated if you find a jaupt approved centre that can do your refresher then it will count towards 7 hrs of your DCPC, if you can’t find one locally come down to Swansea as the lot I’m doing mine with offer this (I mentioned their name in my last post I’m not going to spam it) Its also a lot cheaper than what you quoted even with your fuel costs on top
Its heads of the valleys training who said that. Also I rang big wheelers in Cardiff and the other day they told me the refresher day would count towards the CPC but now today when I rang they told me oh no we can’t do that! Ffs these are well established companies!
Welshlad32:
Yes I do enjoy driving, I passed my car test on my 17th birthday and I love it. When I was having my HGV lessons, even though I was ■■■■■■■■ myself, I really did enjoy it!
What appeals to me about the job is the open road, travelling to new places, seeing the changing of the seasons, the feeling of power and responsibilty and being king of the road! Cheesy I know.
Being self employed over the last 5 years I’m used to working alone mist of the time so that doesn’t really bother me.
This might be a silly question but is class 1 pay that much better than class 2? I know you said you went straight onto the artics but would I be better off looking for rigid work to begin with our not?
Hi Ref your queries, driving lorrys is good but as everyone will tell you its definitely not all plain sailing, and really does depend on what job you take. For example Car Transporters are a marmite job (you either love or hate it) I tried it and passed training and cracked on with the job etc but found I was always chasing my tail but the money was good however wife and kids so family won on that occasion but if your single etc then well worth a look. the only thing a bit annoying as with most driving jobs is that the planners are totally unaware or appear to be unaware of the real world out there when they call you and ask why you aren’t there yet they seem to think you can levitate over traffic roadworks accidents and other delays but as we all know you cant. Dont get me wrong I love lorry driving prefer artics myself and life on the road as I wouldn’t be doing it else eh?
On the subject of pay that really depends massively on where you are in the UK and also what role you are wishing to do as in if you go class 2 get your HIAB or MOFFET as well and that will boost the money slightly but as a rule class 1 is better paid BUT depending on what your doing e.g. distance or night trunk and so on. good luck with whatever you decide if you go artic etc and consider yourself a fast learner try car transporters out of portbury or newport etc thats real good money if you don’t mind hard graft and time away (Stobart Automotive (ex Autologic), good luck.
Thanks for the info Chris. I’ve got 2 more CPC days to complete and then I will be looking for work. There is a haulage company with vacancies not far from me who work mainly flat bed, construction work.
I spoke to the tm today he seemed tidy enough and that the older drivers would help me out of needed but I’m not sure if I want to start with that type of work, sheeting, roping pipes and steel etc!
I might register with a few agencies and try and get supermarket trunking work, I’m not sure what’s the best place to start tbo.
I’m eager and willing to learn but I don’t want to be thrown in the lions pit as a novice!
Welshlad32:
Thanks for the info Chris. I’ve got 2 more CPC days to complete and then I will be looking for work. There is a haulage company with vacancies not far from me who work mainly flat bed, construction work.
I spoke to the tm today he seemed tidy enough and that the older drivers would help me out of needed but I’m not sure if I want to start with that type of work, sheeting, roping pipes and steel etc!
I might register with a few agencies and try and get supermarket trunking work, I’m not sure what’s the best place to start tbo.
I’m eager and willing to learn but I don’t want to be thrown in the lions pit as a novice!
Hi there, glad I could help. Ref the work side I have to say I started agency and I have to say it was a good one and they never stitched me up and looked after me so all good there. I also must say that the majority of firms I worked for all the old drivers etc are full off very useful info specially about how to get to drops etc. You always will find the odd s**t who will think they are the bees knees but the majority will give good advice and don’t judge you as we have all had totally crap days (reversing etc).
Ref roping and sheeting that’s a dying art and a really useful one to learn so maybe worth a try. On the supermarkets, some are ok I know tesco are after people all the time just be aware all there drops are designed for left hand drive and to be honest alot of supermarkets lidl etc are for some reason, so blind side reverse mostly for us but easily done if worried get a spotter to see you back as they say.
Trunking is easy money mate depot to depot etc and good to start on but after a while a bit dull if you like a challenge.
As they say it all depends on what you want basic rules I use are first impresions last, trust your gut instinct, and never be afraid to ask as in this job you never stop learning. Good luck.
I have known jobs paying the same rate on 7.5 t as on class 2 , and class 1 'straight across the board ! ',
It depends on the employer & what the job entails , these will both dictate what your pay is going to be.
Pity you dont live in East Yorkshire, You could work for Heron Foods…apparently they let a young lad who only passed his class 2 a couple of months ago take a newly qualified driver out to show him the ropes…more work for the insurance company!!!
snookysilversurfer:
Pity you dont live in East Yorkshire, You could work for Heron Foods…apparently they let a young lad who only passed his class 2 a couple of months ago take a newly qualified driver out to show him the ropes…more work for the insurance company!!!
That’s because the jobs so bad they are always desperate for drivers. The one who only passed 2 months ago may have been there longest serving driver.
Passed class 2 5 weeks ago, been tramping 4 weeks now out of West Yorkshire. Good luck!
I started at £8.5 basic £10.75 o/t £21 nights out, now gone ltd with another agency £10 basic, £13+ o/t and £25 nights out. IMHO there are 4 types of employees in any game:
Don’t really care
Dumb
Ones that care
Smart
If you can combine and prove to employer that you are worth holding on to by being smart and caring about the business, then it ought to be advantageous.
