I started driving for a agency on Tuesday.During the interview i had to fill out a questionaire on what type of things i had done in the passed(i.e side curtains, handball, fridges,etc) one of them was roping and sheeting,of which i hav’nt done.
So on Tuesday they sent me to a company in Bradford delivering timber,it was okay till Wednesday came and it was chucking down and the TM says you will have to sheet it.I told him i don’t know how to, so he did it.
It was going well till i got to my first job then had to re-sheet it,how it did’nt blow off i will never know.
Anyway i am thinking of ringing agency up and asking them to take me off this job,as i don’t know how to rope and sheet.
Just wondered what anybody else thinks,should i stick it out and struggle. I know i am there next week.
I’d say its all down to you and your confidence in doing the job.
You could always ask the TM to show you how to do it again on monday. He’ll be happy to show you if he want s his load to arrive safely
I had the same problem when I did agency work at a packaging and pallet making company in Bradford.
I’d learned roping and sheeting 15 years ago and not had to do it since, the sheeting wasn’y a problem but like hell could i remember how to tie a dolly.
The TM was a good bloke though and roped the wagon about four times untill I got it right.
I was asked back there everytime they needed a driver, and offered the job permant.
Stick it out, the more you do it the easier it becomes. Yesterday, watched a bloke sheeting bags of fertiliser, on a wagon and drag, in Falmouth docks. Couldn’t have taken him more that half-an-hour (if that) and he did a really good job - very professional!
When I started, I didn’t have a clue either - still don’t! However,there will be plenty of blokes on this forum who can give you sound expert guidance. Also, look out for other sheeted loads on your travels and talk to the drivers, they’ll show you the “ropes”!
when i next get asked about roping and sheeting i am going say i have read about it in books…tilts same answer in books…to which i expect to be asked what do i mean…to which i will reply thats where history belongs
It’s upto you really, you can tell the agency that you said you didn’t have rope and sheet experience and shouldn’t be at this place.
However if you want to stick it out, tell the TM that you don’t have the experience, but are willing to learn. Also ask other drivers, it’s still one of the jobs where others who know will help you.
Roping and sheeting is hot and sweaty in summer and cold and wet in the winter. However being able to do the job would give you another skill and it’s still in demand. many flatbed loads still require sheeting.
I say stick with it only if the money’s right. If you’re on the same money for doing that as you are for doing say rag-sider pallet work then I’d tell them to either up the money substantially or “do one” and suggest they find you some work that you know how to do and like.
However, this comes from a Yorkshire bloke who knows what work he’ll do and what work he won’t and for what price too so that I no longer find myself getting stressed out doing work I hate and/or doing work for zebidee money.
Mark, it seems too late now but I would have said stick with it, anyhow don’t give up on the agency due to having to travel into Leeds. I worked for a one man band type agency in Huddersfield and he was a top man, They call him Ian and he runs Driver and warehouse, I’ll get the number from the wagon in the morning if your stuck.
He might not able to sort you out there and then but if he can’t he’ll be straight up with you and will call you if something suitable turns up. He’s the best I’ve worked for and I did the agency circuit for a few years round here.
