During the late 80’s / early 90’s I used to drive for a firm based in Surrey that did a variety of continental work, nearly always with tilts (thankfully I don’t recall ever having to strip it down totally !). A lot of the work was airfreight, but I used to enjoy frequent wine groupage trips to southern France and occasional full loads to / from Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
In 1996 I decided to leave the transport industry as I had been offered my ideal job elsewhere , but sadly I have just been informed of my impending redundancy on June 1st this year. Due to the ongoing automation of the work I do now and the fact that I am 46 yrs old, it is extremely likely that I will have to leave this line of work.
As I have not driven an artic, let alone gone around the Peripherique, through La Jonquera or any other border, for 17 years, is there any advice you folks could give me please ?, I did take my medical last year, which I believe should help, but what else should I know/ have to train for / pay for ? I realise it may be a strange request but I think this may be my only option at present, and I have literally been out of touch for that long, many thanks for reading this, regards - Larry.
Wow. To think how much things have changed since you last did the job. I’m a similar age to you which is why it struck a chord.
Where to start ? Continental work is now hard to get & probably lower payed than uk. But ultimately more fulfilling if you can get it.
If your licence is up to date & you have your medical your free to go. However next September sees the introduction of the dreaded dcpc ( driver certificate of professional competence ) so you will need to do some training for that. I would suggest you start with tachos as many of the rules have changed since you last drove & they are much more vigorously implemented.
Otherwise good luck.
I had 17 years off then got back into it through a job loss, all I did was sign on at an agency got a good load of work and after a year got a job with a big company where I’ve now been for 4 yrs, good luck.
Many thanks for the feedback, appreciate it - Larry.
You will need a digital tacho card from DVLA and I would suggest going on the stone ridge and Siemans web sites and practice on the simulators.
Also a day with a driving school as a refresher may be good, they too could help you with some things you need to know.
Good luck!
Firstly if you really really want euro work then I would ring that surrey firm up and see if they have anything going for a start as if its the same surrey firm I am thinking off then you cant go wrong… secondly if your going back on the trucks to get work then find something either local or uk as they pay a lot more money and you could be home every night…!
Thanks again everyone, all input is very useful to me. Big Jules , I have sent you a PM.