cyrus123:
When I got a bad flue in my old job (a small family firm) , was told that “it’s man-flue, work it off”.
A point I made earlier. I know colds or flu don’t stop you getting up and around, but a) without proper rest they take much longer to disperse, and b) it’s not easy driving a 44t lorry while your whole body aches, you’re spaced out on Beechams, and are absolutely knackered
This is a truck drivers forum isn’t it. Not mumsnet
midlifetrucker:
This is a truck drivers forum isn’t it. Not mumsnet
Doesn’t matter what it is, if you don’t feel 100% you shouldn’t be driving a lorry, end of. Just look at the Glasgow bin lorry scenario. Do I want that on my conscience, because I wanted to be a macho trucker, getting my load of waste paper from a to b for a days money? Do I ■■■■. How would you like it if a lorry driver fell asleep and killed your family?
OVLOV JAY:
midlifetrucker:
This is a truck drivers forum isn’t it. Not mumsnetDoesn’t matter what it is, if you don’t feel 100% you shouldn’t be driving a lorry, end of. Just look at the Glasgow bin lorry scenario. Do I want that on my conscience, because I wanted to be a macho trucker, getting my load of waste paper from a to b for a days money? Do I [zb]. How would you like it if a lorry driver fell asleep and killed your family?
Bang on Jay, I had a good dose of flu (had the flu jab without realising that I already had the flu virus in my body and was off work for a month) and the gaffer was very understanding about it. He put a local chap on my truck, a top class driver always in demand for relief work, and there was no problem apart from the sick pay of course! 
No way could I even walk for two weeks so driving was a no no.
I also sent the boss home one day, one of his lad’s had a serious health problem (which cleared up thankfully) and I could see that his mind wasn’t on the job so sent him home! 
When I took the job with the small company I did it on the understanding that I could have time off when needed, the boss didn’t work weekends and didn’t expect me to (though I did do them, and nights, occasionally) and all he expected of me was that when the truck was working I treated it like my own. I did most of my own maintenance including MOT prep and found a lot of my own work when our regular place was slack, I worked my wages out in advance and if my figures were more than theirs then they paid me the higher figure. It worked out fine for both parties and I would have no qualms about doing the same again.
Pete.
i’ve worked for a few…some good,some bad.last one the gaffer was a right clown.‘my’ lorry wasn’t earning enough because the quarry was giving me crap work,yet he blamed me 
the one before was well run by a decent bloke…then his brother elbowed him out the way and ruined the firm,which went bust a couple of years ago.all the lorries,including a T cab Scania,who’s driver kept it immaculate,were all sold off cheap.
carryfast-yeti:
i’ve worked for a few…some good,some bad.last one the gaffer was a right clown.‘my’ lorry wasn’t earning enough because the quarry was giving me crap work,yet he blamed me
Squires■■?
Some mixed experences. The TM’s at the small family companies, where they all exerienced hands or were some brand new out the box and taking on the role either as the TM or TM/MD of the family business. As a senior driver did you perhaps share your experience to bring them on or were they giving it the the whole, i am the TM you are the Driver approach.
tango boy:
carryfast-yeti:
i’ve worked for a few…some good,some bad.last one the gaffer was a right clown.‘my’ lorry wasn’t earning enough because the quarry was giving me crap work,yet he blamed meSquires■■?
got it in one! 
There are 5 people in my company, 3 drivers, two office staff.
Within reason I get any time off I want, very easy going about doctors appointments etc If there is a problem it gets discussed and resolved, every body knows what’s expected.
As regards to illness, I’ve been ill this week, so I’ve put my self on reduced work, I was home by 8.30am this morning and went straight to bed! Was home by 11am yesterday. I stay at 7.30! Boss doesn’t mind, as long as I make it up when I’m better.
Only downsides to it is sometimes you are expected to do things you would never do in a big company, like take the bosses crap to the tip, pick up random things to take places not associated with the business… Etc.
On the other hand, I too can use the vehicles for my own purposes, take my own crap to the tip, pick up random things for my self…
Works for me, the pros outweigh the cons by a lot.
I’ve been there almost 15 years and have no plans to go anywhere else.
carryfast-yeti:
tango boy:
carryfast-yeti:
i’ve worked for a few…some good,some bad.last one the gaffer was a right clown.‘my’ lorry wasn’t earning enough because the quarry was giving me crap work,yet he blamed meSquires■■?
got it in one!
Shame that was!!!
tango boy:
carryfast-yeti:
tango boy:
carryfast-yeti:
i’ve worked for a few…some good,some bad.last one the gaffer was a right clown.‘my’ lorry wasn’t earning enough because the quarry was giving me crap work,yet he blamed meSquires■■?
got it in one!
Shame that was!!!
sure was.still see Rich Squires now and then.back in 'sorrell last i heard,driving for his mate.i think his brother is still in the pub! 
Every cloud 