switchlogic:
As for UPS subbies, as we were, at least weren’t even allowed in the warehouse let alone help unload. We used to do a run into Europe to a frankly enormous UPS hub but I can’t for life of me remember where so waiting on my Dad name it if he can
The zb ‘union agreement’ which put us/me on the dock 
didn’t affect any line haul operations subbies or our own drivers.They were immune from it not being ‘Feeders’.
The main Seabourne/UPS depots I knew of in the day were Mechelen or Milan and also maybe Paris that you referred to.
If I’ve got it right like ours Seabourne’s was a direct trunking operation not a hub system.I actually applied there for a job at Barking soon after they’d been taken over and unknowingly at the time shortly before we also were.
As usual it all sounded too good to be true at the interview and I was ‘put off’ by the pictures of UPS planes on the walls of the offices.
I rightly put two and two together regarding where it was probably heading at that point and gave it a miss.Ironically the guvnor there who’d interviewed me then ended up as my overall guvnor after we were taken over and no surprise I was refused a request for a transfer to Barking ‘line haul’ at that point which would have thereby also kept my service time intact.
Although even I didn’t know that they’d sub out what work remained there which is how Barking’s old Seabourne drivers, previously well known for their dead mans shoes Euro trunking job, more often ended up sitting with us on UK work, rightly moaning about it all at Nuneaton hub, at least until we ended up having to work on the dock.Interspersed from what I heard mostly Calais changeovers with foreign drivers. 
It’s also the proof that the difference in our career paths was all about right place at the right time and vice versa.All it would have took was a decision to knock subbing out Euro work on the head and my transfer to Barking to have been approved that would have got me the Euro ‘experience’ that I needed to move on. 
As opposed to a broken back by the age of 40.
Carryfast:
It’s also the proof that the difference in our career paths was all about right place at the right time and vice versa.
Maybe so, although we also have radically different ideas about what the job entails as well. That’s not to say one is right one is wrong, just different, to you I’m probably a bit of a ‘yes man’ 
Carryfast:
It’s also the proof that the difference in our career paths was all about right place at the right time and vice versa.All it would have took was a decision to knock subbing out Euro work on the head and my transfer to Barking to have been approved that would have got me the Euro ‘experience’ that I needed to move on.
As opposed to a broken back by the age of 40.
Why did you give so many years of service to UPS?
I’ve always hated the idea of EU work personally, but then I dislike driving trucks.
Also the money is very rarely better. Actually sometimes euro work often pays worse.
I know nothing about switchlogic’s career path. I may be completely wrong here but he seems the type of person who is willing to try new opportunities and not be so loyal to a single firm.
Personally, the thought of spending 15+ years at one firm… wow. That takes some commitment but I couldnt do it.
I mean the fact that he said he enjoys doing supermarket work… I’ve met so many drivers who just go “Nope not doing supermarket work, nope not doing parcel work, nope not doing container work.” Drivers are there own worse enemy by limiting themselves.
I personally have a policy of never being loyal to firms, if I see a better gig I will take it. I know I could probably get EU work by next month if I really wanted it. Then again, I am not tied down so I can do that. So, I dont think luck has a lot to do with it.
I think you should get back behind the wheel again Carryfast. Do a bit of agency work and then you can lecture all the debriefers and office clerks how to do there job. Be quite funny.
edit:
I am probably wrong with switchlogic probably been with the same firm for ages xD. Was just a guess.
switchlogic:
Carryfast:
It’s also the proof that the difference in our career paths was all about right place at the right time and vice versa.
Maybe so, although we also have radically different ideas about what the job entails as well. That’s not to say one is right one is wrong, just different, to you I’m probably a bit of a ‘yes man’
It’s clear that I only ended up on the scrap heap by the age of 40 because I was too much of a yes man instead of telling them all if you want a warehouse/site labourer employ one there’s the keys I’m out and in the case of UPS sack me.
More chance of working again after winning or losing an unfair dismissal claim than with a broken back.While you could obviously afford to be a yes man having the luxury of doing jobs like that Euro line haul job.
While I ended my career by breaking my back handballing 45ft trailer loads floor to ceiling and being used as a building site labourer long before that. 
adam277:
edit:
I am probably wrong with switchlogic probably been with the same firm for ages xD. Was just a guess.
[/quote]
I am a deeply loyal man… viewtopic.php?f=2&t=165999
adam277:
Carryfast:
It’s also the proof that the difference in our career paths was all about right place at the right time and vice versa.All it would have took was a decision to knock subbing out Euro work on the head and my transfer to Barking to have been approved that would have got me the Euro ‘experience’ that I needed to move on.
As opposed to a broken back by the age of 40.
Why did you give so many years of service to UPS?
I’ve always hated the idea of EU work personally, but then I dislike driving trucks.
Also the money is very rarely better. Actually sometimes euro work often pays worse.
I know nothing about switchlogic’s career path. I may be completely wrong here but he seems the type of person who is willing to try new opportunities and not be so loyal to a single firm.
Personally, the thought of spending 15+ years at one firm… wow. That takes some commitment but I couldnt do it.
I mean the fact that he said he enjoys doing supermarket work… I’ve met so many drivers who just go “Nope not doing supermarket work, nope not doing parcel work, nope not doing container work.” Drivers are there own worse enemy by limiting themselves.
I personally have a policy of never being loyal to firms, if I see a better gig I will take it. I know I could probably get EU work by next month if I really wanted it. Then again, I am not tied down so I can do that. So, I dont think luck has a lot to do with it.
I think you should get back behind the wheel again Carryfast. Do a bit of agency work and then you can lecture all the debriefers and office clerks how to do there job. Be quite funny.
edit:
I am probably wrong with switchlogic probably been with the same firm for ages xD. Was just a guess.
Firstly as I’ve said I viewed driving trucks as being paid to do an enjoyable hobby.
I like nothing better than to be out on the road driving and the challenges of driving trucks as opposed to cars actually just increases that enjoyment.So that’s clear.
I only ended up giving that service to UPS by the default takeover of my original employer.UK trunking ( line haul ) was the best of the rest jobs after Euro trunking as I said all defined by that opening scene in the Il Bestione movie.
You’ll see that I certainly wasn’t ‘loyal’ to the former to the point of not wanting to jump for the latter.Which is why I went looking at Seabourne/UPS for a job.
Ironically UPS figured in all this massively for me as you’ll see to the point of helping those like Switch’s career at the catastrophic expense of mine.
The bitter irony in all that has actually destroyed all of his previous bs directed at my career path in which he among others suggested that it’s all my fault and choices.
When it was clearly the choices made by an employer who I’d given good loyal service to which did it by obviously providing opportunities for subbies while breaking the backs of its own thereby ending their career by using them as warehouse labourers.No ifs or buts or grey areas in that.It really is that simple total zb’s.
switchlogic:
adam277:
edit:
I am probably wrong with switchlogic probably been with the same firm for ages xD. Was just a guess.
I am a deeply loyal man… viewtopic.php?f=2&t=165999
[/quote]
38 employers in how many years switch ?. 
Seriously though you doing subbed out UPS Euro line haul work is the supreme ironic thermonuclear bombshell that puts into perspective everything that those like you and Harry have said previously about my career ‘choices’ and progression.Strange that you’d kept that bit of your job history under wraps until now.
Ok, Switchlogic for benefiting at the expense of Carryfast you have to say sorry.
That is a pretty mean thing to do.
Also I watched the opening scene of Il Bestione. You referring to the part when he jumps out of the cab and does a massive ■■■■ ■■■■■■■ off the border guard?
youtube.com/watch?v=1WMOwujZRtA
I’m glad you had something that motivated you so much to start trucking. 
I totally agree with you Carryfast. Although I have never worked at UPS I did work for Nightfreight (now DX Freight) and Tuffnells. So, I know what it is like to unload a trailer full of parcels. You shouldnt of done it.
Dont be too bitter over it though. Your still quite young. You can get back on the road if you had a desire to.
I’ve known some truck drivers to go into their 80s.
Maybe switchlogic has some runs soon that could require doublemanning.
indeedhi.re/2LBwZfQ
indeedhi.re/2Z6kQTe
Carryfast:
Ironically UPS figured in all this massively for me as you’ll see to the point of helping those like Switch’s career at the catastrophic expense of mine.
Now I’ve seen you write some nonsense on this site but this beats most of it!
Carryfast:
The bitter irony in all that has actually destroyed all of his previous bs directed at my career path in which he among others suggested that it’s all my fault and choices.
When it was clearly the choices made by an employer who I’d given good loyal service to which did it by obviously providing opportunities for subbies while breaking the backs of its own thereby ending their career by using them as warehouse labourers.No ifs or buts or grey areas in that.It really is that simple total zb’s.
It is your own fault. Thinking it isn’t is just your way of coping with the disappointment I suppose. Main difference between you and I is when I wanted something different from my job I jumped ship and went and found it. Your loyalty as you surely must realise now and should of then means bugger all. Drivers are ten a penny, as long as you’re reliable and always work whatever notice they want drivers coming and going is simply the way it goes and less than an hour after you’ve walked out gate they’ll have forgotten you. If you are relying on ‘choices made by an employer’ you are going to be disappointed, that’s the long and the short of it.
I didn’t direct ‘bs’ at your career as in taking ■■■■. As I said I feel sorry for you, that’s all.
Carryfast:
While you could obviously afford to be a yes man having the luxury of doing jobs like that Euro line haul job.
I’ve done more than my fair share of crap. And fact is I got to enjoy the luxury of that Euro job because I went out and found it. I went through jobs at a ridiculous rate before I found my dream one
adam277:
Ok, Switchlogic for benefiting at the expense of Carryfast you have to say sorry.
That is a pretty mean thing to do.
Also I watched the opening scene of Il Bestione. You referring to the part when he jumps out of the cab and does a massive ■■■■ ■■■■■■■ off the border guard?
I totally agree with you Carryfast. Although I have never worked at UPS I did work for Nightfreight (now DX Freight) and Tuffnells. So, I know what it is like to unload a trailer full of parcels. You shouldnt of done it.
Dont be too bitter over it though. Your still quite young. You can get back on the road if you had a desire to.
I’ve known some truck drivers to go into their 80s.
No I’m deffo referring to after that part of the sequence.
That rising/setting sun shining across the countryside against the truck except generally heading into it in either direction in my case.Nice soundtrack too but On Days Like These is the definitive.
youtube.com/watch?v=1WMOwujZ … e=emb_logo 1.08 -
Yep with hindsight I should have told the TGWU to do one and then let the firm sack me or gone for constructive dismissal and taken the union to court for consultation and ballot ‘irregularities’ in the ‘agreement’ and on the grounds that no one has the right to collectively enforce manual handling duties on anyone, even if those had been kosher which they weren’t.
It did come very close to it ( an overnight ultimatum by management ) but I was stupidly talked out of it by a good mate who was the shop steward at our depot.
I’ll regret that to the end of my days.
Oh and it was tip the inbound trailer at the hub then load the outbound.
Too late for me but I always warn newbies not to be fooled by the injustices and people telling some that they have to do all the zb they are asked to do to get on while others laughably avoid it , that infests the job.
Obviously the winners in that exploitative scam like Switch etc don’t like the truth.
Carryfast:
No I’m deffo referring to after that part of the sequence.
That rising/setting sun shining across the countryside against the truck except generally heading into it in either direction in my case.
Too late for me but I always warn newbies not to be fooled by the injustices and people telling some that they have to do all the zb they are asked to do to get on while others laughably avoid it , that infests the job.
Obviously the winners in that exploitative scam like Switch etc don’t like the truth.
Laughably avoid it?! Give me strength. I’ve done work so s**t you wouldn’t have even left the house for it. I have put the work and miles in ten times over by now, not to mention way more than you, to have earned the opportunity to pick and choose what I want at this stage in my career. Which is common, many drivers are same. When I give young/new drivers advice it’s from first hand experience. You seem to think I’ve spent 24 years piloting a 750 round Europe
Anyhow, have a pretty sunset picture from Denmark. Loading bacon at Danish Crown
You guys would make a hilarious 2 man crew.
switchlogic:
Laughably avoid it?! Give me strength. I’ve done work so s**t you wouldn’t have even left the house for it. I have put the work and miles in ten times over by now
The ‘miles’ have never been my issue as you know.
I’m not seeing the time working in a factory or any building trades type jobs like scaffolding etc requiring site and yard labouring in your CV.While even working for the council as a ‘driver’ involved its fair share of ‘depot duties’ during those 5 years.
Leave it out a busted back by 40, in large part through the loading and unloading duties lumbered by the firm on its own long and loyal serving drivers , while you were handed the cream of Euro line haul subbed out on a plate says it all.
Nothing my fault about that other than believing all the bs about take the zb to get to better things and being stupidly bothered about the implications of being sacked to the point of risking my health and paying the price.
adam277:
You guys would make a hilarious 2 man crew.
[emoji3]
Wilfred Bramble and Harry H Corbett?
adam277:
You guys would make a hilarious 2 man crew.
You’ve an interesting definition of hilarious. I’ve only ever done double man in coaches and I don’t think Carryfruit has ever driven a coach so that’s out sorry. Are you new to the Carryfast legend? He’s like this with everyone who ‘debates’ him on here, I’m not special except to my Mum. And she’s clinically insane
Carryfast:
38 employers in how many years switch ?.
Seriously though you doing subbed out UPS Euro line haul work is the supreme ironic thermonuclear bombshell that puts into perspective everything that those like you and Harry have said previously about my career ‘choices’ and progression.Strange that you’d kept that bit of your job history under wraps until now.
Hilarious that you think I keep anything ‘under wraps’. You do know there probably isn’t another lorry driver on the PLANET who uses social media as much as me. I don’t understand what you are thinking I kept hidden so do enlighten me if possible.
And the post about my work history is 6 months old and you even commented on it at time so don’t feign shock
Carryfast:
I’m not seeing the time working in a factory or any building trades type jobs like scaffolding etc requiring site and yard labouring in your CV.
That’ll be because it was about driving jobs. My first job was for Davies Bros as an apprentice mechanic in a workshop with no doors that was colder than the Artic. This was Abergwili so our main job was maintaining frankly ancient Leyland Leopards and Tigers. My favourite bit of the job was moving them around in the small yard. In the winter I’d have to go round with two batteries on a crap trolley with a can of Easystart to get them running so they could go out on schools. I had a part time job working on forestry machines for a friend of my uncles. This turned into a full time job.
The forestry workshop was only marginally warmer than Abergwili. If you were lucky enough to be in it. Being the apprentice I usually drew short straw when it came to working on machines in yard. We also did on site work and if the weather was good it was amazing but when soaked to skin with crap waterproofs driving down forest tracks for half an hour in a Maestro van only to arrive and start lying in a foot of mud you start questioning your life choices. After I took a week off to do my international CPC I came back to the sack! Quite rightly, he wanted someone who was going to stay in forestry that he could mentor and it was obvious transport was my thing.
So I approached Davies Bros about a driving job as they put people through their tests. They said yes. But while waiting I spent 6 months in yard, tidying up, cleaning buses and coaches and dispensing petrol (it was one of those super old fashioned places, one pump in yard.)
Going even further back I used to go with Dad most weekends, he was a mobile mechanic, and at one place they were so impressed at how much I helped they gave me a summer job driving articulated Moxy dump trucks so my first driving job was at 15 on Haverfordwest rubbish tip!
So as you can see when I point out I’ve put more than enough work in to justify what I say.
Peace be with you
