Where's the Money

NEW AND WANNABE DRIVERS (INTERACTIVE)
1

Hi Guys,

I know this isn’t a straightforward question, as everyone seems to pay crazy different rates.

But, in general, where is the money to be made:

  1. Is class 1 more than class 2
  2. Does ADR pay more than non ADR
  3. Is night / shift work better pay
  4. Are long haul, European trips better pay

Just in general, what is better pay? While I’ve got the money to spend on training, where should I spend it? Are there any specialist jobs that pay well and need training? I thought ADR, but that doesn’t seem to be paid any differently.

Cheers,

Jason

2

mrjmegson:
Hi Guys,

I know this isn’t a straightforward question, as everyone seems to pay crazy different rates.

But, in general, where is the money to be made:

  1. Is class 1 more than class 2
  2. Does ADR pay more than non ADR
  3. Is night / shift work better pay
  4. Are long haul, European trips better pay

Just in general, what is better pay? While I’ve got the money to spend on training, where should I spend it? Are there any specialist jobs that pay well and need training? I thought ADR, but that doesn’t seem to be paid any differently.

Cheers,

Jason

1.) NO
2.) Would depend on the company but generally no
3.) NO
4.) Generally Less

Best firms to work for are those that are doing transport as a by-product of their main business as opposed to those that run transport for profit.

3

Hi M1cks,

You got any examples of the companies you’re meaning?

Jay

4

As so many people now have ADR due to dcpc it dont really pay more

Depends where you are in the country as depends on wages

Contracts tend to make more money then long haul / night out

Something like Tyneside safety glass they do there own transport as well as the glass stuff might pay a bit better

5

Hi Animal,

Thanks for the reply. It’s really interesting to find out that you can gain extra qualifications and get no extra reward.

Also thanks to you both for explaining the better pay at companies who do other things as theit main business, i. e. The local kitchen company who deliver there own products.

6

You might even find that satisfaction and locality make up the difference than being paid a pound more

7

As a new driver you should maybe take any work that is offered, get the experoience now, and the money will come later.

8

Trotsky, totally agree.

My post makes me sound like I’m all about the money, when in fact I’m actually all about life, and would take less money anD more time to spend with family.

I’m just interested in where the money is. I thought it would be driving petrol tankers, or maybe the super wide loads.

Just interested really.

9

Agency! If you get a good one and are a good driver for them. They will keep you in work an pay well. But as allready said worry about passing and getting experiance first.

10

Hi M_attt,

I totally agree about the experience, and it’s interesting you mention agencies, as that is how I thought I stood the best chance of gaining experience.

Am I right to think this?

My theory is to drive for an agency for a while, to not only gain experience, but also to experience the different jobs within driving, to hopefully find something I really enjoy doing, at which time I would try to get a permanent job in that role.

Jay

11

agencies will (“might”) give you a bit van work or 7.5 tonne work, till you prove you are competent, with agency most likely there wont be people to help you with any questions you may have, loads, routes, tachos, etc. and you will be expected to turn up and drive profesionally, as opposed to a company taking a little time to train you what their needs are.

12

Hi Trotsky,

Thanks for the reply, that’s really given me food for thought. I assumed that an agency would give me work to start with to get experience.

I never even thought about the fact that I would be expected to just turn up and know what I’m doing, so that now makes me think agency won’t be right for any new starter.

As for Van driving, I regularly drive a sprinter around central London.

Thanks for the advice, these are all the things I need to know. Keep em coming.

Jay