I’ve wanted a start on Class 1 since I passed in September 2022, but have only had the odd day through my agency, so each time I get a shift, it feels like my first day, as they are so spaced out. I’ve been with one agency since I started driving but after 12 months of 3 long Class 2 placements, things fell off a cliff when I came back from holiday at the beginning of November. So I pimped myself out to another agency and I have done a few Class 2 shifts for them to make up my hours and just like that I have secured my first Class 1 gig with them. It’s mine for as long as I want it so I’ll have a good go at it.
I’m chuffed to bits. It’s all change for me, another steep learning curve coming up but I am basically upskilling myself and seeing this as an opportunity to get some valuable experience. I’ll be day trunking cheese from Devon up to Nuneaton, dropping a trailer and picking up another one with palletized freight from one of the Birmingham hubs to bring back down. I’ve never been to an RDC! It’s 4on 4off and although I’m used to having weekends off, I’m quite looking forward to trying it out and seeing if it works for us. I organized myself a reversing lesson this week, which was really helpful, had the induction today, and I start on Monday at 0630. Wish me luck!
dont be rushed by anyone the idiot jumping up and down moaning at you will be the first to complain if something goes wrong.
next tip is dont forget to open the bloody doors (if you need to) before reversing on the bay. Cant tell you the amount of times i would struggle onto a bay walk 1/2 mile to get to the transport office only to be told i had left the doors closed and have to trudge all the way back again when i first started.
dont be afraid to ask for help. Let the people know you are new and they might let you have an easyier bay or get one of the shunters to come help you
you will soon pick it up they obviously thought you were upto it as you have a start
It’s what you’ve wanted to do, since you got here, you’ve built up your experience, now’s time to take the next step. This step is not as big as the one you took when you started the first gig.
As others have said, don’t let anyone fluster you, that includes yourself.
We all know you’re capable enough, but not as fast as us; give it a couple of weeks and you’ll be up to speed, as good as the best of them.
Not that you need it, but the best of luck. Enjoy it.
Fantastic news, well done. You might find that the RDCs are easier to manoeuvre in than the places you usually go. They are purpose built for lorries after all
As already said, take your time and most people will be more than happy to help.
Of course we wish you luck, just go steady at the job, walk before you run, and remember, you are NOT gods gift at Class 1 driving…(none of us are, except Mr Carryfast. )
@grumpy_old_man I don’t think overconfidence is driveress’s issue, even though she has more experience than Carryfast, this century. She’ll be fine, a little trepidation is a good thing.
She’s got a good head on her shoulders and will be back in a couple of weeks telling us what a good time she’s having and she was worrying about nothing.
Just a thought if its cheese the trailers might well be refrigerated. They may have the type of mavis rail that comes right out and the suzies are at a reasonable height if your a short arse like me, If they dont or just have the type that slide back and forth on the same level find out if you can split couple if the headboard is close to the unit.
Goff, thanks and yes, manoeuvring in places designed for lorries is much more preferable than class 1 multi drop around provincial towns.
Yep, will continue to take it slow and steady and ask for help. There are 6 of us doing it - 3 on each of the set of 4 days and we already have a whats app group to help each other out (it’s a new contract, not sure if I mentioned that, so it’s new for all concerned). Good tip about the back doors!
Take your time, set your own pace from day 1.
If you go at it like a bull at a gate once, they will expect it all the time…the world will not end if people have no cheese to put on their crackers one tea time.
Don’t let some child in an office put you under pressure,
Prioritise on arriving safe over any book in times.
Best to get their safe and at a safe steady pace, than experiencing a t’s up scenario,.or not arriving at all.
Take your time reversing on a bay…if a ‘proper driver’ is around he will guide you on without having to be asked…and do not give a jot how many attempts you take, or how long it takes, keep getting out to check…practice makes perfect.
Take no notice of gob s***es and d/heads you will encounter in the job…Give them a wide berth,.and work on developing a zero tolerance towards them.
I have made a career of doing all the above, it works and makes for a better standard of working…and I am still as layed back (and good looking ) as ever, resulting in 'Supertrucker status…but my modesty needs a bit of work.
Seriously though…Good luck.x
Btw my mate Maoster is/was the ‘Frigo reefer king’ , I’m sure he will give you some good advice…(but don’t encourage him TOO much…if you know what I mean.)
For some of us barn doors instead of the usual roller shutters was always a continuing hazard.To the point of memory only kicked in after squeezing it onto a bay, dropping it and coupling up to the next trailer.
Ahhhh …… the heady days of fighting barn door trailer doors in a stiff breeze, although it’s preferable to getting smacked in the face by a curtain pole
Plenty of that sort of work around for those that want it and can be bothered to get it without making lame excuses about face fit’s BS or fantasy pecking orders.
My advice to the OP is don’t listen to anything Carryfast advices.
On a serious note. Sounds like you’ve got your head screwed on and have everything under control - especially with organising the extra reversing training. Plus the good advice you’ve been given by the other posters on here. As someone else said don’t be afraid to tell them or other drivers you are new to class 1. You’ll be amazed at how helpful ‘most’ drivers are in that situation with directions, where to park at places, where the office is, procedures etc.
re getting out and having a look. I’ve been doing this for 40+ years, we all have good days, and bad days, and normal days. Back in the heat of summer I had a rather awkward blindside between a container and a giant farm tractor & trailer. I had to get out and look 9 times over the course of some 10 to 15 minutes and it was all because I couldn’t get into a good place to start from after driving into the yard rather than backing in.
)
) as ever, resulting in 'Supertrucker status…but my modesty needs a bit of work. 