PaulNowak:
So what am I supposed to do, judge it and think that it won’t fit, then ring the office after it didn’t?
That’s what I’ve done for past 37 years.
Had a job last night, Lidl’s at West Howe, Bournemouth, roadworks with big hole right outside makes it virtually impossible to get in. Could have just got on phone to find out what to do, but no, tried everything, normal reverse, blind side reverse, tail lift through front of store, eventually found that by driving through car park and screwing it round on access road. after another 15/20 shunts and in and out of cab making sure I’ve cleared everything, finally got on bay after 1 1/4 hours. Job done.
But it did fit. I wouldn’t ring in because it wouldn’t fit in easily. I’ve never made the call, was just trying to tell the OP that there are measures in place for the times when it won’t. I’ve only been on class 1 for five minutes. And was trying to help a fellow newbie out for occasions he might find stressful in the near future. Wish I’d not bothered now.
PaulNowak:
But it did fit. I wouldn’t ring in because it wouldn’t fit in easily. I’ve never made the call, was just trying to tell the OP that there are measures in place for the times when it won’t. I’ve only been on class 1 for five minutes. And was trying to help a fellow newbie out for occasions he might find stressful in the near future. Wish I’d not bothered now.
Sorry Paul, didn’t intend anything, just all this risk assessment, compliance team, health & safety bollox winds me right up. All my days have been a case of there’s the truck, there’s the load, get on with it, but these days they seem to want to wrap the driver up in cotton wool, make all the decisions for you so all you have to do is turn steering wheel, open back doors/curtains. Just the way the world’s going I suppose.
Like in most things the job has many variables. In the main general haulage is exactly that, you can carry virtually anything anywhere. Can be half a dozen drops & can be a single hit. If you work for a company that delivers its own product you can do the same, I currently do no more than three drops, usually one, but did get offered a job with 19 drops over 2 days around city centres for the same money, guess which I took.
The only way to find out is jump in and start swimming my friend. If you’re nervous about going out in a class 1 contact a training centre locally, see if they offer an assessment drive or half a day/day with an instructor to get a bit of confidence. There is only one way to learn this job & that’s by doing it. You can get 20 pages of advice on here, most of it very good, but I guarantee you will come across something not mentioned on your first shift. If you don’t like it nobody will force you to carry on.
I moved up to rigids a few years back, and it’s the best move I’ve ever made. There isn’t a haulier in this world could pay me enough to lower my standards and drive artic’s again.
Remember - rigids require a lot more skill than artic’s, class 1doesn’t mean first class .
[quote=“threewheelsonmywagon”
Remember - rigids require a lot more skill than artic’s, class 1doesn’t mean first class .[/quote]
I’m making no comment on either statement. I’m sure that others will though!
When you post something that you’d like to be delivered quickly you put a 1st class stamp on it, something that you’re not bothered about you put a 2nd class stamp on it. So, class 1 versus class 2? Coincidence, or maybe conspiracy?
desypete:
when i first started i did general haulage, it was delivering all around the country and i loved the job, never knew anywhere i would end up, only had maps, a to z or the local garages in the towns to stop off at for directions, it was a great job and i learned so much, of course all the motors back then had gear boxes, no abs and no night heaters, you would freeze your balls off trying to keep warm at times
i would recommend anyone wishing to go into class 1 driving to do general first so as to gain so much experience of tight places, tight roads and finding how to get around the country like the back of your hand and the best part is you get paid for all this experience you will gain.
of course you have to be brave and just get out there and do it and not worry about not being experienced as the idea is to build up that experience. also firms who do general are more willing to give new drivers a chance.
I’m starting out on general haulage and love the variety. Some of the places we go to arent really suitable for an artic to be honest, and I’d be lieing if I said I don’t get stressed at times, but it will make me a better driver. I’m now actually starting to prefer to tricky places to the boring distribution centres, not least because at least with the small places they unload you straight away, sign your paperwork on the spot, and I can smoke a ■■■ while I’m unstrapping.
we’re superior 