First off Well done on the pass !!
Getting a job is easy, getting a job that you want is harder, looking at some of what you have said:
• 2-6 drops per day (Not looking for multi-drop jobs / Plus as minimal handball as possible)
For class 2 this is going to make things more difficult, Most class 2 work is more collections, drop offs compared to full loads, not to say they are not around but its more common on class 1, and getting the first 6 months-year, personally I would say not to have this as much of a priority, Handball, varies on jobs, some have lots, some have allsorts, depends whats on the back of your truck really at the end of the day.
• 3-4 days per week (Am totally fine with early starts / Late finishes / Night-shift work though)
Will limit jobs quite a lot, driving lorries is a fulltime job for the vast majority of jobs, 4 on 4 off job patterns to exists but I normally see that on class 1 jobs, others might help with places that do this on class 2
• Ideally £14-£16p/h pay-rate
Definitely not likely to walk into that to start with in most of the country, even on class 1 that’s higher end of money on most jobs, ADR,MOFFETT,HAIB etc will usually get more but, as a new pass very unlikely to get into that type of work
Loading, securing etc
Most of it is common sence, anything not sure on just ask other drivers, forky etc etc, if not sure more straps never hurt anybody and unless its agency work you will get some training when you start so as long as you remember to ask questions you will be fine.
Paperwork
You will get shown what they want, if you are not sure ask somebody, paperwork etc varies by company, customer is it even there, places even arsed to deal with it
Checks etc
Well you have done your cpc mod 4, so thats most of it, plenty youtube videos on it, DVSA publish loads of info on it you can look at on their site, and see whats on the walkaround check paperwork.
How exactly I find the correct entrance & bay area at the places I will be delivering too
The same way you do it for anything else, look, read signs ask at the destination, yap to other drivers in the yard, google maps is bloody handy, will still end up driving around in circles, with dud addresses, nothing signposted or anybody with a braincell to tell you where they need ya, don’t stress its part of the fun lol
overqualified, applications etc
They will not give the slightest [zb] you have a degree, people drive lorries who have nothing other than the licence to people with PHD’s, its you and the licence they are concerned about, transferable skills will always be a bonus that’s about it.
The only things that might count against you is that you go in acting like you are overqualified for the job will get you shown the door, they see a new pass so go in be open that you are new, know sod all about it, but really want to take all the training they can offer and what do they want from you?
Just firing off CVS won’t really help, HGV industry really isn’t like that for a lot of companies still, knocking on door dressed for the job with your cards is a very good way of doing it, hammer the phone and talk to the people you need to good as well.
Good luck in the hunt, being in London will probably help with pay for sure but its not a place many people like driving lorries, so could help out as well
), but I imagine there is plenty of varied work around that area and members of the forum here will have some tips and advice I’m sure.