Hey guys/girls i am 18 years old and interested in getting into being a lorry driver. Specifically working for a container company (tramping)
My question is what is the full daily routine of a lorry driver in this type of work?
Thank you 
For container work?
1 - Get in lorry
2 - Drive to tipping destination
3 - Park where they tell you to
4 - Make tea
5 - Go for a sleep
6 - 4 hours later, you will be tipped
7 - Take a break
8 - Take container to docks
9 - Get another container
10 - Take another break
11 - Repeat steps 2 to 6
12 - Park up for the night
13 - Repeat the next day
Container work is a lot of sitting about. You can be queuing in docks for hours and be hours getting tipped at places.
Make sure you have a good stack of dvds and books!
The-Snowman:
For container work?
1 - Get in lorry
2 - Drive to tipping destination
3 - Park where they tell you to
4 - Make tea
5 - Go for a sleep
6 - 4 hours later, you will be tipped
7 - Take a break
8 - Take container to docks
9 - Get another container
10 - Take another break
11 - Repeat steps 2 to 6
12 - Park up for the night
13 - Repeat the next dayContainer work is a lot of sitting about. You can be queuing in docks for hours and be hours getting tipped at places.
Make sure you have a good stack of dvds and books!
Thank you very much for the information, to be honest that is pretty much what i am looking for
I am fairly interested in knowing what specifically happens when you turn up to the yard or whatever on a Monday morning. Do you have to go into an office and do stuff? or do you literally go straight to your truck and then ring them to know what happening? I honestly have no clue haha.
Josh641:
I am fairly interested in knowing what specifically happens when you turn up to the yard or whatever on a Monday morning. Do you have to go into an office and do stuff? or do you literally go straight to your truck and then ring them to know what happening? I honestly have no clue haha.
Go to the office and they will tell you what to do. If the container is in the yard then you hook up the trailer and head to the delivery point. You might need to go to a docks to pick it up or it might be a trailer sitting somewhere that was being tipped or loaded that you need to pick up. Whatever happens though, they will have paperwork with the delivery/collection address on it and they will tell you what to do.
I only did day work but if you are tramping then first thing in the morning you need to phone in so they can tell you whats happening and youll need to fill in your own paperwork. Unless they give you it the night before.
You sound VERY wet behind the ears mate, and at 18 im guessing you are not long with the CE category (I assume youve passed your test?) so I wouldnt worry to much about trying to know what exactly to do on your first day. All companies operate differently but the guys in the office will keep you right. They’ll know you are a newbie and sort you out with whats what long before they let you head out the gate
The-Snowman:
Josh641:
I am fairly interested in knowing what specifically happens when you turn up to the yard or whatever on a Monday morning. Do you have to go into an office and do stuff? or do you literally go straight to your truck and then ring them to know what happening? I honestly have no clue haha.Go to the office and they will tell you what to do. If the container is in the yard then you hook up the trailer and head to the delivery point. You might need to go to a docks to pick it up or it might be a trailer sitting somewhere that was being tipped or loaded that you need to pick up. Whatever happens though, they will have paperwork with the delivery/collection address on it and they will tell you what to do.
I only did day work but if you are tramping then first thing in the morning you need to phone in so they can tell you whats happening and youll need to fill in your own paperwork. Unless they give you it the night before.
You sound VERY wet behind the ears mate, and at 18 im guessing you are not long with the CE category (I assume youve passed your test?) so I wouldnt worry to much about trying to know what exactly to do on your first day. All companies operate differently but the guys in the office will keep you right. They’ll know you are a newbie and sort you out with whats what long before they let you head out the gate
Ok, thank you for the information and yes i am extremely new to this and just a wannabe. The only reason i’m asking questions like this (even though they sound ridiculous) is just to gain a better understanding of the job. Little bits of information like this is nowhere to be found, so thank you 
You know them guys who take low paid jobs like back door staff in a supermarkets or Fork lift truck drivers or even security guards. Well them sort of people dictate a lorry drivers daily routine.
Go figure…
chester:
You know them guys who take low paid jobs like back door staff in a supermarkets or Fork lift truck drivers or even security guards. Well them sort of people dictate a lorry drivers daily routine.
Go figure…
Do they really give you lorry drivers that much hassle?
Don’t forget as a new driver, you have to take your turn in the barrel once a week. 
see dipperdave for details.
The-Snowman:
Container work is a lot of sitting about. You can be queuing in docks for hours and be hours getting tipped at places.
Make sure you have a good stack of dvds and books!
Not as much as Air Freight, Lucky to get over 2 hours drive time a week
Mine normally starts with a quick â– â– â– â– against a wheel.
Hi Josh, i’m a new poster here too, so questions like this are very interesting to me. Just be aware that I have now discovered that you don’t have to find the Golden Rivet, no matter what the Old Hands tell you.
I haven’t done containers for years, but from what I remember they were a doddle. Old wo/mans job really. Sitting on docks watching Jeremy Kyle then sitting on a bay or ramp watching Bargain Hunt.
Sent from my GT-P5210 using Tapatalk
Why do you want to have all the hassel of getting the licence to then spend all day watching a tv screen? Surley get a job were you actually drive the truck see places.
Josh641:
The-Snowman:
For container work?
1 - Get in lorry
2 - Drive to tipping destination
3 - Park where they tell you to
4 - Make tea
5 - Go for a sleep
6 - 4 hours later, you will be tipped
7 - Take a break
8 - Take container to docks
9 - Get another container
10 - Take another break
11 - Repeat steps 2 to 6
12 - Park up for the night
13 - Repeat the next dayContainer work is a lot of sitting about. You can be queuing in docks for hours and be hours getting tipped at places.
Make sure you have a good stack of dvds and books!Thank you very much for the information, to be honest that is pretty much what i am looking for
I am fairly interested in knowing what specifically happens when you turn up to the yard or whatever on a Monday morning. Do you have to go into an office and do stuff? or do you literally go straight to your truck and then ring them to know what happening? I honestly have no clue haha.
At our place we’re loaded and have all the paper sorted the night before. All we do is roll into the yard, climb in, card in, make sure its strapped and secured (but you should of done it the night before), continue with the checks so lights, tyres, body, ADR kit etc for ten minutes then its down to business.
The-Snowman:
For container work?
1 - Get in lorry
2 - Drive to tipping destination
3 - Park where they tell you to
4 - Make tea
5 - Go for a sleep
6 - 4 hours later, you will be tipped
7 - Take a break
8 - Take container to docks
9 - Get another container
10 - Take another break
11 - Repeat steps 2 to 6
12 - Park up for the night
13 - Repeat the next dayContainer work is a lot of sitting about. You can be queuing in docks for hours and be hours getting tipped at places.
Make sure you have a good stack of dvds and books!
And then he hunts you down and removes your fingernails and toenails for convincing him that this is what ALL container work is like and he ended up on short sea work! 
I’ve been doing container work for 11 years, I only work part time now, semi retired, old mans job. But I think containers are a good place to start and get experience driving. I only work days but it goes like this. First thing clock on go to the office to get paperwork and keys check paperwork ask any questions while some one is there in front of you, because getting some one to answer the phone can be very challenging to my patience. Find the truck, check it over, find the trailer, mine is usually attached to the truck but it’s worth checking. Next check the container number and check the box itself. If your tipping check it’s got a seal on and write down the number. If your loading make sure it’s fit for purpose and you have been issued with the correct seal.
Then if you are happy every thing is right off you go. Like others have said some times you are kept waiting for hours other times I actually have to stop for a break not often though as I usually have them while I’m being tipped. I rarely go to the docks but often go to rail terminals to pick up/drop off boxes. The queues at these can be horrendous along with all the petty rules and regulations.
robroy:
Don’t forget as a new driver, you have to take your turn in the barrel once a week.
+1
Be sure to PM me on your first night out so we can meet up and I’ll happily show you the ropes, might even untie you in the morning.
Been a tramper for a while now on boxes and usually jobs are given out on a pda thing with calls to planners when tipped or loaded.
Usually 2 jobs per day which include tipping and reloading the box. Can be just one job though.
Boxes are collected and dropped at various ports, rail heads.
The variety of the job is good with long hours and some would say low pay made up with various meal and night out allowances. Translates to about 32k a year.
Not for everyone but suits me at the moment.
Only times I go in the office is for seals, paperwork, delivery notes (not always needed) etc.
Planners leave you alone unless there’s problems and tip/load times vary from 1 hour to all day , a 3 hour is common allowing you to extend your day if you choose to.
All in all once you’ve cracked the dock and railhead procedures your onto a winner.
Box jockeys are also the best backeruppers due to variety and a higher skill level than other sectors…
But the job can lead to weight gain if one isn’t careful.
Anyway get a tablet, decent Wi-Fi/phone tethering thing and brace yourself for a level of â– â– â– â– â– â– â– â– â– â– â– â– not seen since one first discovered self pleasuring.
Xhamster will be your favourite pet.
It won’t be easy getting a good job, they take time. To start with you’ll be faced with a choice, either drive an old nail for a subby for ■■■■money, or drive a newer but basic one for wincanton, but most of the work will be shunting, trunking and setting up etc, with lots of trailer changes etc. For a subby you’ll get the sitting about you desire. Most reputable firms like mine, don’t take under 25’s. What part of the world are you in?
I don’t want sound like a bore and put you off driving.
Me personally if I was you and your age I don’t know you personally so don’t take this the wrong way.
If I had no more options except driving and needed a decent paying job I would do it otherwise I would stay away.
It’s not a job for young lad Tramping all week.
If I did do it I would use my time sat on a bay wisely and use your free time to study and educate yourself while get a decent pay.
I ended up driving after leaving the forces and made decent money out of it.
The money I make now would be very hard to make for any other job or 5 days almost impossible.
But me and my wife have to make alot of sacrifices for the job your away 5 days a week ant not my women can handle it.
m_attt:
Why do you want to have all the hassel of getting the licence to then spend all day watching a tv screen? Surley get a job were you actually drive the truck see places.
Don’t forget i am a young’un, i watch tv a lot without getting paid… 
and surely those containers actually have to be driven somewhere? 
#
robroy:
Don’t forget as a new driver, you have to take your turn in the barrel once a week.
For some reason, i’m not looking forward to whatever that is lol
Kerragy:
Hi Josh, i’m a new poster here too, so questions like this are very interesting to me. Just be aware that I have now discovered that you don’t have to find the Golden Rivet, no matter what the Old Hands tell you.I haven’t done containers for years, but from what I remember they were a doddle. Old wo/mans job really. Sitting on docks watching Jeremy Kyle then sitting on a bay or ramp watching Bargain Hunt.
Sent from my GT-P5210 using Tapatalk
Thank you for taking the time to write to me and that all sounds fine to me i don’t mind waiting long hours if i have something to keep me occupied.
knight2:
I’ve been doing container work for 11 years, I only work part time now, semi retired, old mans job. But I think containers are a good place to start and get experience driving. I only work days but it goes like this. First thing clock on go to the office to get paperwork and keys check paperwork ask any questions while some one is there in front of you, because getting some one to answer the phone can be very challenging to my patience. Find the truck, check it over, find the trailer, mine is usually attached to the truck but it’s worth checking. Next check the container number and check the box itself. If your tipping check it’s got a seal on and write down the number. If your loading make sure it’s fit for purpose and you have been issued with the correct seal.
Then if you are happy every thing is right off you go. Like others have said some times you are kept waiting for hours other times I actually have to stop for a break not often though as I usually have them while I’m being tipped. I rarely go to the docks but often go to rail terminals to pick up/drop off boxes. The queues at these can be horrendous along with all the petty rules and regulations.
Wow, firstly thank you for taking the time to write that out . That is exactly the detail i was looking for. Like i have said before on this post, information like that is soo hard to come by on the internet. I have literally looked everywhere. and surely i can’t be the only one looking for stuff like this?
Defiantly sounds like the right sort of job for me
Dipper_Dave:
+1
Be sure to PM me on your first night out so we can meet up and I’ll happily show you the ropes, might even untie you in the morning.Been a tramper for a while now on boxes and usually jobs are given out on a pda thing with calls to planners when tipped or loaded.
Usually 2 jobs per day which include tipping and reloading the box. Can be just one job though.
Boxes are collected and dropped at various ports, rail heads.
The variety of the job is good with long hours and some would say low pay made up with various meal and night out allowances. Translates to about 32k a year.
Not for everyone but suits me at the moment.
Only times I go in the office is for seals, paperwork, delivery notes (not always needed) etc.
Planners leave you alone unless there’s problems and tip/load times vary from 1 hour to all day
All in all once you’ve cracked the dock and railhead procedures your onto a winner.
Box jockeys are also the best backeruppers due to variety and a higher skill level than other sectors…
But the job can lead to weight gain if one isn’t careful.Anyway get a tablet, decent Wi-Fi/phone tethering thing and brace yourself for a level of ■■■■■■■■■■■■not seen since one first discovered self pleasuring.
Xhamster will be your favourite pet.
Being ■■■■■■■really isn’t my thing so i might pass on that thanks Dave haha
Thank you for the solid piece of information and advice. After reading all of these posts, i can really see myself doing this sort of work. Sounds like it would fit me perfectly
OVLOV JAY:
It won’t be easy getting a good job, they take time. To start with you’ll be faced with a choice, either drive an old nail for a subby for [zb] money, or drive a newer but basic one for wincanton, but most of the work will be shunting, trunking and setting up etc, with lots of trailer changes etc. For a subby you’ll get the sitting about you desire. Most reputable firms like mine, don’t take under 25’s. What part of the world are you in?
Yeah i know it is going to be an amazing struggle getting a job but it’s worth the try if you don’t mind me asking, what firm do you work for? I have been looking at something like container lift? They seem to be an awesome company and i have even seen somewhere that they don’t mind taking on noobies like me The pay seems amazing, the job sounds perfect for me. I am from wales currently but i have a very very good friend in Southampton that would more than happily let me stay with him if i went for a job down there. (money seems to be better down there than here in wales). It would also fit in with my girlfriends plans of going to uni there.
Themoocher:
I don’t want sound like a bore and put you off driving.Me personally if I was you and your age I don’t know you personally so don’t take this the wrong way.
If I had no more options except driving and needed a decent paying job I would do it otherwise I would stay away.
It’s not a job for young lad Tramping all week.If I did do it I would use my time sat on a bay wisely and use your free time to study and educate yourself while get a decent pay.
I ended up driving after leaving the forces and made decent money out of it.
The money I make now would be very hard to make for any other job or 5 days almost impossible.But me and my wife have to make alot of sacrifices for the job your away 5 days a week ant not my women can handle it.
To be honest i really don’t have much option but to find a job now. and really that is what i want. I don’t want to be sitting around all day doing nothing like i currently am. I literally spend all of my time sat at a desk on my computer. I really don’t want a job in a supermarket or something like that and the only thing that really interests me is driving. Especially driving big lorries (admittedly the only experience i have had driving one was on a farm i used to work/live on and it was amazing. Being in a cab all day and night really wouldn’t put me off as to be honest my bedroom really isn’t no bigger and I spent most of my time in here sat in a chair.
Going back to college really isn’t an option as personally that isn’t the sort of thing for me. Don’t get me wrong, I love learning and getting to do new things but sitting in a classroom all day surrounded by annoying, loud and obnoxious welsh teens really isn’t my thing 
As for the wife or girlfriend situation in my case, We have been together over 4 years now and to be honest everything is perfect. (Apart from not being able to see her that much) Even if i got to see her every week end that would be better than now. She is completely the opposite to me in terms of studying, she absolutely loves it. She is currently looking at the university in Southampton to do her degree and i think a phd in a biomedical course? or something like that anyway. and i think that is somewhere in the region of 7 years of studying? or something like that anyway. She is really down to earth and knows exactly what she wants to do in that sort of area of her life. Probably if i didn’t get a job like this i would see her less often than if i did. Personally i really do think the job will suit me perfectly! Maybe after she has finished with her uni stuff and get’s her own job then i will maybe stop with the tramping all week if it gets to be too much for us but i’m not sure yet as i have no idea of the pressure it will put on us. but hopefully we will be fine
Sorry for the long winded reply, but thank you ever so much for helping me out
Josh641:
robroy:
Don’t forget as a new driver, you have to take your turn in the barrel once a week.For some reason, i’m not looking forward to whatever that is lol
An 18 yr old got a job with a container firm.
Boss says ‘‘We look after our drivers here, we are our own community, we pay you, feed you, and even provide ■■■■■■services for you’’
Lad says ‘‘Wow, what’s the story with the ■■■■■■services’’
Boss says ‘‘Have a go now, go in that old container in the garage, you will see an old barrel with a hole in it, ‘do the business’ through the hole, and come back and tell me what you think’’
Lad goes in, sees the barrel with the hole in it and does it.
He comes back to his boss and says ‘‘That was great, how often can I use it’’
Boss says ‘’ As many times as you like except on a Wednesday’’
‘’ Why not on Wednesdays said the lad’’
Boss says…‘‘Cos it’s your turn in the barrel on Wednesdays’’
The OLD ones are the best.
Thank you and goodnight. 