After I had passed my class C on the 19th, I decided to register with a local agency in Barnsley. Imagine my total and utter shock when they asked if I would like to do a double manned night run to Glasgow for John Dennis in Barnsley…oooer! 
I found myself saying yes to this offer, as I didn’t want to appear ungrateful (after all how many “newbies” get offers like this after only holding their licence for only 4 hours!
The job started at 12.30am but I arrived there at 12.00am to introduce myself, find the driver who I would be working with and have a look at the lorry. I was told that we would be leaving a little late as the chilled goods hadn’t arrived from Liverpool so it was cup of coffee time, refuel the fridge tank with red and a tankful of white for the 54 plate MAN.
The chilled stuff finally arrived at about 02.00am, after a quick load we were on our way for 02.30, at long last! I took the first stint at driving and made sure I took my time. Don’t want any ■■■■-ups on my very first shift!
We swapped over after I had done about 4 hours driving and the other bloke took over to drive to the supermarkets in the surrounding areas of Glasgow. We seemed to be dashing about all over the place from one area then back to the other, which I thought was a bit of a waste of time but I didn’t bother saying anything as I didn’t want to appear a know all. We did one drop in Glasgow, then an hours drive for the next drop, then back into Glasgow for another three drops? Would have been better to deliver to the furthest first, then work back me thinks.
Last drop was 12.45. We had a 45 minute break before heading for home. My turn to drive again and we decided I’d do the first 2 and a half hours then the other bloke would take over. After an uneventful journey back we finally arrived back at the yard at 18.30, making an 18 hour shift for me.
The other driver said they might offer me a full time job as they are desperate for drivers, I’m not surprised with the wages they pay. £5.65 for 7.5 tonners, £5.85 for class 2, not sure what the class 1’s get but if the other pay structure is anything to go by it won’t be sparkling.
They also pay to upgrade class 2’s to class 1, but they will contract you for at least a year,.no thanks I don’t fancy that idea so I’ll finance it myself I think.
I got paid £9 per hour from the agency as it was classed as a night shift, and time 1.5 after 8, so a nice earner for the first day.
Overall though a very good shift and I enjoyed the run and the experience.
