From the stories I hear from them, they are not good. The word regret comes up a lot.
What would you tell a new tramper nowadays?
It all depends on your relationship, I’ve been doing it for most of the last 24 years and we’re still married and happyish (tbh being away has probably saved my marriage more than anything else) Have 3 grown up kids, 29 and 27 from a previous relationship and a 17 yrs old from this one. With the first 2 it wasn’t a problem as I only saw them at weekends anyway and managed to get time off for important events. The youngest has known no different, infact I’m home more over the last 3 years being back on trucks that I was before being on the Railway. Asked her recently how she felt about it, and she didn’t have a problem as we made time to do quality things when I was at home, and took time off for important things like her prom last year.
As for advice, you’ve all got to go into it with your eyes open to not being able to get home for some things, and both of you being fully ok and onboard with that. You either have to have a partner who can sort things or a good support system around them to help, as you can’t do much if your 150 miles away and the power goes off or a water leak. You have to have a lot of trust in each other. Any doubts at all then its not for you or it will grow and cause problems at home. Also try and find a boss that appreciates the sacrifices made being away, I have a good one in that regard.
My Dad was away most of my childhood and me, my brother and sister are much closer to him than most people are their parents. It’s not how much time you’re there imo, it’s the quality of time you are there. Like me Dad has to be happy at work, and if he isn’t his home life suffers because he’s not happy. Work out what you need to do to be happy and do it.
There has to be balance. If you are happy tramping fine. It should not affect your life. Most of my friends who worked with their wives are now divorced. My mate and his missus both teachers divorced after 18 years her reason they spent too much time together.
My Mum used to joke that they’d have been divorced years ago if he was home all time, which is probably true. Instead they’ve been married not far off 50 years
Been married (3rd time) for nearly 20 years, been away for a lot of that.
20 years ago, got home Friday and she was all over me like a rash. 
Sat morning get asked When are you back to work? Can’t sleep with you in the bed. You make noises, I was breathing.Also did heavy recovery on M/ways and would be awat for 3 months.
I made sure we had Quality time together when i was home.
Now retired.
Wish I was still up the road.
I was already a tramper when I met Mrs,.she used to come with me as my girlfriend, and she knew what she was taking on with me…(it was like winning the lottery for her. 
)
Kids also used to come with me in hols, some stuff that sticks in my mind was ‘‘Why can you not get a job like my friends daddys, they are home all the time’’ then when having a spat with my eldest daughter…‘‘You were never here’’, that sort of stuff cut deep a bit,.and I did miss a lot looking back.
As for affecting them ,.we had a good family life when I was at home, all 4 have turned out great, which my Mrs can take a lot of credit for.
Also after a very long marriage me and my wife still get on great, and still have a bloody good social life that keeps things alive.
Who knows maybe all the time apart has been part of all that. 
,.a lot of my mates of similar age are on their 2nd or 3rd marriage…some have gone from one relationship to another all through their lives…they all tell me I’m lucky…so a good advert for a life of tramping or what?
On the other hand, if the job had been anything like it is now in those days, there is no way in hell I would be attracted to become a tramper, nor would I start it today.
I genuinely fail to see what attracts guys to it today, on the whole,.and especially those in a serious relationship.
It is a stress laden,.over regulated rat race with ridiculous hours, in comparison to when I was attracted to it,.so why risk your relationship for all that type of crap? 
One of the (many) reasons I talked my 2 boys out of it,who both initially wanted to be drivers after coming away with me in their school hols.
I tramped for many years, uk and abroad, it got to the point that my missus hated it, my kids hated it as I could never plan to do the school stuff for them when it happened. When cab phones became a thing, the kids would ring and I would help them with homework over the phone. I eventually gave it up and got a job more local that had me home most nights, I hated it.
Ended up up flipping around local jobs left right and centre, hated store delivery work, hated tipper work, got a decent job with another company that involved being out most of the week again, I was happier and we found a way for it to work for us both.
Ended up buying my own motor so I had the say over what I did or didn’t do, now running a fleet of 18, still spend my time late in the evenings and weekends working, but am home every night and things are good, so all that tramping put me in good stead for where I am today. Always told my son to learn a trade and do something good other than drive a truck, he never listened and today runs our business.
tc trans:
I tramped for many years, uk and abroad, it got to the point that my missus hated it, my kids hated it as I could never plan to do the school stuff for them when it happened. When cab phones became a thing, the kids would ring and I would help them with homework over the phone. I eventually gave it up and got a job more local that had me home most nights, I hated it.
Ended up up flipping around local jobs left right and centre, hated store delivery work, hated tipper work, got a decent job with another company that involved being out most of the week again, I was happier and we found a way for it to work for us both.
I tried doing alternate weeks days and nights around 98 ish.
Totally ■■■■ ed up my body clock,.hated nights, got bored doing days although one day of the week was a lunchtime finish which was good.
The firm was a Colchester firm who had ended up getting a contract up here.
I lasted on the day/night work about 2 month,.until I asked them if I could tramp for them with an out based home based truck,.and I was much happier doing so.
Wife understood as she knows what I am like, and she’s a good un , plus the weeks went in much faster for me,.in regards to seeing the kids.
You mention the kids and school work, it reminded me of when my little girl sang all the songs down the phone to me in her Christmas concert when I was parked up one night…for about 20 mins.
Got home 13.30 , washed car , garage door , bit of weeding , chat with mrs & roast beef tea ,then went next door & got the old lady who’s really ill dog , we went off & along the canal ( he’s become my best mate , didn’t like me at first at all ) but I love spending time with him , and the fact he’s there with his lead I think he enjoys his walks with me now , then take him home , see if old lady is ok , needs anything then home for a shower , then a cup tea/ bit tv & bed , mrs is having a early night as well
I prefer a normal life , seeing mrs , home cooked tea , my shower , my bed & my wanders with the dog, last 7 months have just confirmed to me this be made the right decision , I don’t miss tramping one little bit
My best job , days , looked after , if you had a crap day , they’d make sure you’d get a good day the next , then innovate , stobarts came along & it’s been downhill since , though present job is ok ,
dozy:
Got home 13.30 , washed car , garage door , bit of weeding , chat with mrs & roast beef tea ,then went next door & got the old lady who’s really ill dog , we went off & along the canal ( he’s become my best mate , didn’t like me at first at all ) but I love spending time with him , and the fact he’s there with his lead I think he enjoys his walks with me now , then take him home , see if old lady is ok , needs anything then home for a shower , then a cup tea/ bit tv & bed , mrs is having a early night as well
I prefer a normal life , seeing mrs , home cooked tea , my shower , my bed & my wanders with the dog, last 7 months have just confirmed to me this be made the right decision , I don’t miss tramping one little bit
See your point doze,.and make no mistake if I had a day job offered doing just 8 hours or so a day,.early finish, on decent money,.I’d snap their hand off.
Thing is as you know the majority of firms,.(well ones around my way anyway,.) want at least a 13 hour day on days, sometimes a 15.
I could not think of anything worse doing full.13 hour days, heading home, tea,.shower and kip (as that is all you would have time to do) then coming back in and having to start the same drudge tomorrow and the next day.
I prefer a relaxed night in my cab…but maybe I’m a bit odd.
Well, I am agency. I want nothing more then to do ONLY ONLY 8 hours a day max… But agency work does not go that way lol.
Sometimes I am lucky and do 6 hours other days I am close to hitting 15 hours… its quite annoying to be honest, I have no idea when I walk into the office how long I will be out for until I get my paperwork. To be honest I am just waiting for the right shunter role to turn up or even the right forklift job. Annoyingly most shunter roles are 12 hour shifts… so not doing that lol.
robroy:
dozy:
Got home 13.30 , washed car , garage door , bit of weeding , chat with mrs & roast beef tea ,then went next door & got the old lady who’s really ill dog , we went off & along the canal ( he’s become my best mate , didn’t like me at first at all ) but I love spending time with him , and the fact he’s there with his lead I think he enjoys his walks with me now , then take him home , see if old lady is ok , needs anything then home for a shower , then a cup tea/ bit tv & bed , mrs is having a early night as well
I prefer a normal life , seeing mrs , home cooked tea , my shower , my bed & my wanders with the dog, last 7 months have just confirmed to me this be made the right decision , I don’t miss tramping one little bitSee your point doze,.and make no mistake if I had a day job offered doing just 8 hours or so a day,.early finish, on decent money,.I’d snap their hand off.
Thing is as you know the majority of firms,.(well ones around my way anyway,.) want at least a 13 hour day on days, sometimes a 15.
I could not think of anything worse doing full.13 hour days, heading home, tea,.shower and kip (as that is all you would have time to do) then coming back in and having to start the same drudge tomorrow and the next day.
I prefer a relaxed night in my cab…but maybe I’m a bit odd.
I agree rob , when I started this job in jan it was a nightmare , midnight / 1 am starts with 13/15 hr days , I’m not convinced I’d of actually gone tramping but the thought did cross my mind ( never been so tired ) , but it’s settled down now , still midnight / 1 am starts but like today I’ll be done by 9 latest , sensible days now , and I’m enjoying it , time at home , but if work picked up it could all change over night
But I’ve not got long until I pack up so would just ■■■■ it up , as with my record of not being able to pick a decent job for love nor money , I’ve no doubt next job would be worse
I have been asked if I’d cover for holidays , drivers leaving etc , tramping , but the last time I did temporary / cover ended up 4/5/6 yrs or whatever it was so no chance , though my boss is decent
adam277:
Well, I am agency. I want nothing more then to do ONLY ONLY 8 hours a day max… But agency work does not go that way lol.
Sometimes I am lucky and do 6 hours other days I am close to hitting 15 hours… its quite annoying to be honest, I have no idea when I walk into the office how long I will be out for until I get my paperwork. To be honest I am just waiting for the right shunter role to turn up or even the right forklift job. Annoyingly most shunter roles are 12 hour shifts… so not doing that lol.
I get similar ( employed ) , but more short shifts that long , think that’s more not a lot of work rather than them ( company ) listening to my I’m struggling to keep my eyes open , but boss is ok so maybe he took onboard my moaning !!
Dozy, why have you started posting pics on their side? You didn’t use to do that
stu675:
Dozy, why have you started posting pics on their side? You didn’t use to do that
■■? The picture looks ok to me ( pic I posted ) , it looks like you’ve put it on its side ( or have moderators rectified it ? ) been through this , can’t remember who but one of the moderators said I phones do it , if I take normal then it’s at 90 degrees to normal , so take pic at 90 degrees and commies out correct orientation
As I say it looks ok the pic I posted !!
dozy:
My best job , days , looked after , if you had a crap day , they’d make sure you’d get a good day the next , then innovate , stobarts came along & it’s been downhill since , though present job is ok ,
dozy obviously your experience was different to mine at corby chilled it started off ok then the hours got longer the pay stagnated more and more crap shifts on last day of the week ■■■■ poor planning favoritism to the blue eyed boys disparity of salery between depots ( some got paid more and did less )
i did leave before they were taken over the first time and as i understand it even that was a debarcle
Notimetoulouse:
dozy:
My best job , days , looked after , if you had a crap day , they’d make sure you’d get a good day the next , then innovate , stobarts came along & it’s been downhill since , though present job is ok ,dozy obviously your experience was different to mine at corby chilled it started off ok then the hours got longer the pay stagnated more and more crap shifts on last day of the week ■■■■ poor planning favoritism to the blue eyed boys disparity of salery between depots ( some got paid more and did less )
i did leave before they were taken over the first time and as i understand it even that was a debarcle
My experience at Corby Chilled was the same, most days treated like cr*p, salaried for 10 hour shifts but most were over and you rarely got under 10 hours… also bank holidays, christmas eve and day, new years eve and day were all flat rate !!
Tooz:
Notimetoulouse:
dozy:
My best job , days , looked after , if you had a crap day , they’d make sure you’d get a good day the next , then innovate , stobarts came along & it’s been downhill since , though present job is ok ,dozy obviously your experience was different to mine at corby chilled it started off ok then the hours got longer the pay stagnated more and more crap shifts on last day of the week ■■■■ poor planning favoritism to the blue eyed boys disparity of salery between depots ( some got paid more and did less )
i did leave before they were taken over the first time and as i understand it even that was a debarcleMy experience at Corby Chilled was the same, most days treated like cr*p, salaried for 10 hour shifts but most were over and you rarely got under 10 hours… also bank holidays, christmas eve and day, new years eve and day were all flat rate !!
I guess I was a blue eyed boy , I’m sure my contract was 11 hrs , 55 pw , they certainly looked after me , most of the runs were a drop / Coll , so I’m not sure how you were getting to 10 hrs never mind above it ,
We had a fair few drivers like you two though who’d find something to moan about !! Well actually everything to moan about !!