SWTrucker028:
***Update - it’s been over a week now since I first posted so had a bit of time to think and take some comments in.
I think it’s time I gave driving a go. Like some of you commented, it’s better to live life without any regrets! Medical booked in, provisional application papers received in the post etc. so making headway.
I’ve phoned up a couple of training places. One of them a national based trainer with a setup nearby - very convenient etc. with finance options and links to recruiters/agencies but on the costly side too (nearly double that of local trainers) with no pass assurance.
The other local trainers seem cheaper but no direct partnership with agencies.
I don’t have any problems with applying for jobs and agencies directly after training but being completely new to the industry, can anyone offer any advice on whether it’s better to go with a national trainer with stronger links to agencies? I’m looking for jobs in and around Plymouth with an aim to start work immediately after passing. I suspect it will be Class 2 work for a bit as I have minimal to no driving experience work wise.
Cheers!
Sounds like a broker. There are no ‘national’ training companies. Avoid em. Closest you will get is Stobarts and they still only have one site. You are just going to be overpaying some office bod.
Oh and most agencies will let you sign on. Why would they prefer someone who trained with a certain company? It’s just a scam to part you with your money.
If I were you I’d go somewhere local with much lower fees - or get some recomendations from here. Don’t get ripped off before you start.
albion:
I’ve taken on drivers under 25, they are on £41-2k this year, with weeks varying from 40 ish hours to 65+ ferry time, it’s clean work and the customer treats them like part of the team. My van drivers are getting circa 28-30 k. I know we are a bit different to the average firm, but I’m not the only company that does the best they can for their drivers and will take newbies on.
Those figures really arent bad at all. Im betting you dont get many leave
About 52%…
Good guess…more like 20%, which is 10% not making the grade and getting binned after 6 months and 10% leaving (had two die on US, I’m guessing that wasn’t by choice… )
SWT, be very wary of training companies promising employment. People better inforned than me on that subject will come along and make some recommendations. Worth checking the stickies on the newbie board as well.
SWTrucker028:
***Update - it’s been over a week now since I first posted so had a bit of time to think and take some comments in.
I think it’s time I gave driving a go. Like some of you commented, it’s better to live life without any regrets! Medical booked in, provisional application papers received in the post etc. so making headway.
I’ve phoned up a couple of training places. One of them a national based trainer with a setup nearby - very convenient etc. with finance options and links to recruiters/agencies but on the costly side too (nearly double that of local trainers) with no pass assurance.
The other local trainers seem cheaper but no direct partnership with agencies.
I don’t have any problems with applying for jobs and agencies directly after training but being completely new to the industry, can anyone offer any advice on whether it’s better to go with a national trainer with stronger links to agencies? I’m looking for jobs in and around Plymouth with an aim to start work immediately after passing. I suspect it will be Class 2 work for a bit as I have minimal to no driving experience work wise.
Cheers!
Sounds like a broker. There are no ‘national’ training companies. Avoid em. Closest you will get is Stobarts and they still only have one site. You are just going to be overpaying some office bod.
Oh and most agencies will let you sign on. Why would they prefer someone who trained with a certain company? It’s just a scam to part you with your money.
If I were you I’d go somewhere local with much lower fees - or get some recomendations from here. Don’t get ripped off before you start.
Yep, sounds like a broker to me as well. Have a look in the New and Wannabe drivers forum, there is loads of info in it that will help you get started. The board mod Rog has a link in his signature to various tips. Good luck!
SWTrucker028:
***Update - it’s been over a week now since I first posted so had a bit of time to think and take some comments in.
I think it’s time I gave driving a go. Like some of you commented, it’s better to live life without any regrets! Medical booked in, provisional application papers received in the post etc. so making headway.
I’ve phoned up a couple of training places. One of them a national based trainer with a setup nearby - very convenient etc. with finance options and links to recruiters/agencies but on the costly side too (nearly double that of local trainers) with no pass assurance.
The other local trainers seem cheaper but no direct partnership with agencies.
I don’t have any problems with applying for jobs and agencies directly after training but being completely new to the industry, can anyone offer any advice on whether it’s better to go with a national trainer with stronger links to agencies? I’m looking for jobs in and around Plymouth with an aim to start work immediately after passing. I suspect it will be Class 2 work for a bit as I have minimal to no driving experience work wise.
Agreed avoid broker at all costs. If finance is an issue, a lad I work with took a loan from the bank and did it with a local training company. It pays for itself in the long run.
Thanks gents, I’ve posted in the new drivers forum so fingers crossed I’ll get some replies.
I was originally thinking of getting the class 2, getting experience then class 1, however, lots on here saying to do them back to back.
I’m all up for going with a local provider, however, the lack of links to agencies/employers is a slight concern. Interested to know if many other people had trouble finding work straight away. I suppose my concern comes from the fact I have minimum to no driving experience work wise. I was a drivers mate for a few months about 10 years ago when I was 18. Otherwise, I’ve had a clean license for over 11+ years.
I’ve noticed lots on here complaining about crap pay for HGV drivers - I can tell you now there are lots of worse paid jobs particularly in office work. Unless you have a specific skill/profession, it’s very likely you’ll be on under £20k at best (more like £16-18k) - staring at a screen all day, performing soul destroying tasks that essentially mean nothing that offer no job satisfaction; all whilst trying to manage a ridiculous workload. It’s no wonder so many office workers are stressed, particularly those who are more practical minded. Then, if you get promoted, you’ll have more responsibility for around £20k but you’ll be putting in 10 hour shifts 5 days a week (with occasional work in the evenings and on the weekend).
Bear in mind, the above is a generalisation like many of the negative HGV driving comments; I’m sure there are employers who pay well but they are few and far between. But if you’re not achieving any job satisfaction, it won’t matter how much you’re on. I’m not a negative person at all and like to work hard for my money, but as you can probably tell I’ve been ready for a change for a long time. I want to start a new chapter in my life and to earn somewhat decent money for my family.
Thanks for all the responses so far. I think this is a great site so I’ll keep on posting with updates!
SWTrucker028:
Thanks gents, I’ve posted in the new drivers forum so fingers crossed I’ll get some replies.
I was originally thinking of getting the class 2, getting experience then class 1, however, lots on here saying to do them back to back.
I’m all up for going with a local provider, however, the lack of links to agencies/employers is a slight concern. Interested to know if many other people had trouble finding work straight away. I suppose my concern comes from the fact I have minimum to no driving experience work wise. I was a drivers mate for a few months about 10 years ago when I was 18. Otherwise, I’ve had a clean license for over 11+ years.
I’ve noticed lots on here complaining about crap pay for HGV drivers - I can tell you now there are lots of worse paid jobs particularly in office work. Unless you have a specific skill/profession, it’s very likely you’ll be on under £20k at best (more like £16-18k) - staring at a screen all day, performing soul destroying tasks that essentially mean nothing that offer no job satisfaction; all whilst trying to manage a ridiculous workload. It’s no wonder so many office workers are stressed, particularly those who are more practical minded. Then, if you get promoted, you’ll have more responsibility for around £20k but you’ll be putting in 10 hour shifts 5 days a week (with occasional work in the evenings and on the weekend).
You can alway go to agencies & sing on with them & which ones you want not the broker but they don’t alway have that agencies or you will just be on book with no work offer as said there are no national trainers they are brokers stay well away
My son is 28 I told him to stay away from driving he has as seen what it has done to his mam although he earns more than me has a better work / life balance only does 35 hours per week normally as hardly ever does overtime & is happy but each to there own
Bear in mind, the above is a generalisation like many of the negative HGV driving comments; I’m sure there are employers who pay well but they are few and far between. But if you’re not achieving any job satisfaction, it won’t matter how much you’re on. I’m not a negative person at all and like to work hard for my money, but as you can probably tell I’ve been ready for a change for a long time. I want to start a new chapter in my life and to earn somewhat decent money for my family.
Thanks for all the responses so far. I think this is a great site so I’ll keep on posting with updates!
SWTrucker028:
Thanks gents, I’ve posted in the new drivers forum so fingers crossed I’ll get some replies.
I was originally thinking of getting the class 2, getting experience then class 1, however, lots on here saying to do them back to back.
I’m all up for going with a local provider, however, the lack of links to agencies/employers is a slight concern. Interested to know if many other people had trouble finding work straight away. I suppose my concern comes from the fact I have minimum to no driving experience work wise. I was a drivers mate for a few months about 10 years ago when I was 18. Otherwise, I’ve had a clean license for over 11+ years.
I’ve noticed lots on here complaining about crap pay for HGV drivers - I can tell you now there are lots of worse paid jobs particularly in office work. Unless you have a specific skill/profession, it’s very likely you’ll be on under £20k at best (more like £16-18k) - staring at a screen all day, performing soul destroying tasks that essentially mean nothing that offer no job satisfaction; all whilst trying to manage a ridiculous workload. It’s no wonder so many office workers are stressed, particularly those who are more practical minded. Then, if you get promoted, you’ll have more responsibility for around £20k but you’ll be putting in 10 hour shifts 5 days a week (with occasional work in the evenings and on the weekend).
Bear in mind, the above is a generalisation like many of the negative HGV driving comments; I’m sure there are employers who pay well but they are few and far between. But if you’re not achieving any job satisfaction, it won’t matter how much you’re on. I’m not a negative person at all and like to work hard for my money, but as you can probably tell I’ve been ready for a change for a long time. I want to start a new chapter in my life and to earn somewhat decent money for my family.
Thanks for all the responses so far. I think this is a great site so I’ll keep on posting with updates!
A broker does nothing whatsoever that you can’t do yourself. They simply charge you a fee to do it for you. Why not ring a couple of agencies up, tell them you’re getting your license soon and ask what sort of work they could give to a new pass.
SWTrucker028:
Thanks gents, I’ve posted in the new drivers forum so fingers crossed I’ll get some replies.
I was originally thinking of getting the class 2, getting experience then class 1, however, lots on here saying to do them back to back.
I’m all up for going with a local provider, however, the lack of links to agencies/employers is a slight concern. Interested to know if many other people had trouble finding work straight away. I suppose my concern comes from the fact I have minimum to no driving experience work wise. I was a drivers mate for a few months about 10 years ago when I was 18. Otherwise, I’ve had a clean license for over 11+ years.
I’ve noticed lots on here complaining about crap pay for HGV drivers - I can tell you now there are lots of worse paid jobs particularly in office work. Unless you have a specific skill/profession, it’s very likely you’ll be on under £20k at best (more like £16-18k) - staring at a screen all day, performing soul destroying tasks that essentially mean nothing that offer no job satisfaction; all whilst trying to manage a ridiculous workload. It’s no wonder so many office workers are stressed, particularly those who are more practical minded. Then, if you get promoted, you’ll have more responsibility for around £20k but you’ll be putting in 10 hour shifts 5 days a week (with occasional work in the evenings and on the weekend).
Bear in mind, the above is a generalisation like many of the negative HGV driving comments; I’m sure there are employers who pay well but they are few and far between. But if you’re not achieving any job satisfaction, it won’t matter how much you’re on. I’m not a negative person at all and like to work hard for my money, but as you can probably tell I’ve been ready for a change for a long time. I want to start a new chapter in my life and to earn somewhat decent money for my family.
Thanks for all the responses so far. I think this is a great site so I’ll keep on posting with updates!
Only the bit in bold.
But most people commenting have been driving too long and can’t see things from a new persons perspective.
On class 2 there is a lot of stuff you can learn - which is useful. How to use fridges, how to use tacho, how to open curtains, how to strap things down. And what situations you don’t want to get yourself into… etc… I could go on.
You can learn all that on class 1 but the problem is that any balls up’s are bigger to deal with. Not securing your load retaining bars on a rigid which is partially loaded is annoying. It would be soul destroying on an artic with far more stuff in the back rolling around on the floor causing a mess.
Also the difference in pay between class 2 and 1 isn’t actually that great. Certainly not for newbie jobs (rare exceptions may apply). So you may as well drive class 2 for a bit and see if you like it before you sink even more money into learning.
SWTrucker028:
Thanks gents, I’ve posted in the new drivers forum so fingers crossed I’ll get some replies.
I was originally thinking of getting the class 2, getting experience then class 1, however, lots on here saying to do them back to back.
I’m all up for going with a local provider, however, the lack of links to agencies/employers is a slight concern. Interested to know if many other people had trouble finding work straight away. I suppose my concern comes from the fact I have minimum to no driving experience work wise. I was a drivers mate for a few months about 10 years ago when I was 18. Otherwise, I’ve had a clean license for over 11+ years.
I’ve noticed lots on here complaining about crap pay for HGV drivers - I can tell you now there are lots of worse paid jobs particularly in office work. Unless you have a specific skill/profession, it’s very likely you’ll be on under £20k at best (more like £16-18k) - staring at a screen all day, performing soul destroying tasks that essentially mean nothing that offer no job satisfaction; all whilst trying to manage a ridiculous workload. It’s no wonder so many office workers are stressed, particularly those who are more practical minded. Then, if you get promoted, you’ll have more responsibility for around £20k but you’ll be putting in 10 hour shifts 5 days a week (with occasional work in the evenings and on the weekend).
Bear in mind, the above is a generalisation like many of the negative HGV driving comments; I’m sure there are employers who pay well but they are few and far between. But if you’re not achieving any job satisfaction, it won’t matter how much you’re on. I’m not a negative person at all and like to work hard for my money, but as you can probably tell I’ve been ready for a change for a long time. I want to start a new chapter in my life and to earn somewhat decent money for my family.
Thanks for all the responses so far. I think this is a great site so I’ll keep on posting with updates!
Only the bit in bold.
But most people commenting have been driving too long and can’t see things from a new persons perspective.
On class 2 there is a lot of stuff you can learn - which is useful. How to use fridges, how to use tacho, how to open curtains, how to strap things down. And what situations you don’t want to get yourself into… etc… I could go on.
You can learn all that on class 1 but the problem is that any balls up’s are bigger to deal with. Not securing your load retaining bars on a rigid which is partially loaded is annoying. It would be soul destroying on an artic with far more stuff in the back rolling around on the floor causing a mess.
Also the difference in pay between class 2 and 1 isn’t actually that great. Certainly not for newbie jobs (rare exceptions may apply). So you may as well drive class 2 for a bit and see if you like it before you sink even more money into learning.
Sammy only the bits in bold
Don’t generalize please, we were all newbies once!!! And when a lot of those as you say " have been driving too long " it was a lot more difficult when us oldies started, but it was a lot more fun !!!
Doesn’t matter if it’s a rigid or an artic, a “balls-up” is a balls up!!! Why is securing a part load more difficult on an artic? And it wouldn’t roll around the floor if it was secure whatever vehicle you are driving!
Swt, if you get a driving job, maybe join the RAF as a reservist.
By law, the employer must keep your if deployed to hostile and friendly countries.
Training is weekend, then courses for two weeks a few times a year.
Brize Norton is the base, you will load aircraft and go anywhere in the world to relief for earthquakes,disasters.
Training will take river rafting in the Ardeche gorges in the South of France.
Hiking in California.
Skiing in Europe.
Annual tax free bonus of about £ 1200.
Your class mates come from all walks of life.
Travel expenses paid to Brize.
You will work with the Army and Royal Navy on exercises, expect a helicopter to drop you in the middle of nowhere for mock battles.
Coming In a bit late here but my situation has been very similar to the OP. Did call centre work for years and mostly loved it, met decent people and made a lot of new friends but the money was £8 per hour… moved up into a proper office job and hated it, mega stress and was always dreading the Monday after a weekend off. Moved into shopping delivery on 3.5 tonne vans,job was very stressful at times trying to deliver to flats in brum city centre but it kept me fit and I did make some good work mates,the age range for all my previous jobs was from 18-55. Did that for 2 years then moved onto LGV Class 1 them it all changed… The first job I had was brilliant easy work short days overtime after 40 and paid breaks. I had to leave due to family issues. After that I literally had dozens of driving jobs and they were all rubbish in one way or another, if you can get a cream job ie 40 hours basic with overtime after and the company isn’t run for profit of the wagons you will find it a good investment of 3k. However there is a general Trend of poorly paid mega hours jobs out there, these are the biggest points to consider before going through all the hassle of getting class 1. It’s changed in the last few year and you now have to complete intiial CPC qualification. As soon as I can I want to jack it and possibly do it one day every other week to top up my money anyway these are the biggest points I’ll give you oh and I’ve been driving class 1 for 2.5 years, once you get 2 years it don’t mean your gunna find a better job.
1/2/3/4 am starts that are classed as “days”
General haulage can be the Wild West of distribution
No overtime rates just flat through for 60 hours
No paid breaks 45 mins a day deducted
Eddie Stobarts £8.60 per hour plus £15 a day “meal allowance”
Get a decent truck Sat Nav
London
M25
Delays/accidents that can be hours which mean you ain’t going home.
Old manky yards that a van struggles to get to
Filthy trucks
Motorway service areas( always full)
Running out of 15 hours and doing an unplanned night out
Feeling like a dogsbody by goods in and flt drivers and shunters
Having your new name (drive)
Agency lies be wary of LTD and umbrella schemes
Buy a sleeping bag
Buy some anti bac wipes
DVSA
doing 50-60 hours a week for £500 it sounds good wage but only because or the hours you do.
No pension (no decent one anyway)
Not being asked nicely to do things
RDC waiting rooms some are the pits some are ok
Working weekends ( If you want the decent rates)
Lots of foreigners in this game so get used to blank stares when you speak English
Car drivers
M6 average speed cameras
POA being used to fiddle more hours
Average age of English drivers is 45 plus not many young lads want this lifestyle.
In cab camera
Telemetrics amd fleetboard monitoring driving style
Pros
Can make a decent wage
Some freedom
Agency work can pay better than full time and you can have time off when you want
It’s a big string to your bow
You won’t be out of work if your flexible
One point that worries me of that you say “I don’t do nights”
Well my friend in this game day and night are the same thing.
What Luke said. I was exactly the same, office worker and IT support officer before going driving. I now do some occasional office work at the depot but its easy peasy. I won’t give up my driving shifts as that’s what I enjoy the most. The job is whatever you make of it. All those saying “I did it for decades and DONT do it”… makes you wonder why go on living?
)
