I’d like to get back into European work and would like some advice. I drove in France Italy Spain 1990 to 2009 furniture and removals in a box lorry. I have full ADR except 1 and 7 which if needed I could get but have only petrochemical tanker experience. I found in my 20 years of European work truck-stops and foreign truckers were getting less Brit friendly over the years. I speak fluent French understand German Italian and Spanish and speak basic Russian. I’ve never driven a curtain-sider so don’t understand the security implications. I’d like about £14 an hour for working time. Any advice. Spoke to a few local removal companies but they don’t get much European work. I live a few miles west of London. Advice please. I’ve even thought of getting my PSV and driving holiday coaches.
Removals wise, Lukers, Britannia, Franklins, Bishops Move, amongst others, all get about a bit. Ive no idea how they`re paid or if they have vacancies, just see them around the ferries.
I think you will struggle to find Euro work that pays £14 p/hour. The European jobs I have had, have been paid on “day rate” + N/out … OK N/out was more than UK N/out money … but day rate would never equate to £14 p/hour for hours worked.
Not sure what people pay on haulage, but unless it’s really specialist I doubt £14 ph would be common and those that pay wouldn’t advertise but have a supply of those with current experience.
There is a company near me called Eurogroup who do removals, I think they do a lot for the forces, also seen Richard Longs are using an employment agency to find drivers.
Then there are the specialist car transporter companies like CARS near Bury St Edmunds or EM Rogers (Kentvale) there is often a job advertised for a driver for fine Art deliveries based in London, Brian Yeadleys put a post on Facebook looking for full time drivers for exhibition work.
As for truckstops becoming less Brit friendly, my experience is they’re pleased to see anybody who will actually use their restaurant/cafe as opposed to having EE drivers camped out self catering.
PS before anybody says I’m having a go at EE drivers, I blame the system that allows a group of workers to work in countries at well below the minimum wage, not those trying to make a living doing so.
St Georges removals in Northfleet were looking for a Class 1 driver. They specialise in Spain and you can be abroad for 4-6 weeks if you wanted to be.