Will be doing my training with the forum sponsor but am wondering if firms ever let wannabes get some experience from the passenger seat on an unpaid, voluntary basis.
I guess there is an insurance liability risk.
I am interested in what the non driving part entails in this scenario, such as loading, securing, protocol at venues, axle load distribution, weighbridges, etc. Also the physical requirements loading, unloading, etc.
Might sound daft but I have had decades of desk jockeying in work and last saw daylight in 2002 (probably vitamin d deficient).
So, want to see both the physical side and the preparation and doing side, since it will be no use me rocking up with a freshly minted licence and no clue how a pump truck even works.
In return, the driver could have a dogsbody (me) on weekends or even over Christmas.
Anyone ever heard of such a thing in trucking or know of any firms I could try in the Spalding/east Cambs area?
My guess it would be on an individual basis and you would probably need to know someone who is a driver. A lot of places certainly don’t allow unauthorised passengers.
In terms of getting involved in any work, most companies that are squeaky clean wouldn’t allow this because it could be seen as slave labour. Most companies now carry a modern slavery statement on their main website.
Having said this, I am of the opinion that a couple of days viewing without any pressure of getting involved would be beneficial. You have to bear in mind, though, that it would slightly elevate the stress involved for the driver who has someone watching him/her all day and perhaps asking questions. What is the incentive for the driver to accept such an arrangement if the person is not an employee and it isn’t part of the job description?
My thought is that applying to some driving agencies enquiring about ‘second man’ work would your best bet. For cash and carry deliveries or furniture / white goods, this is quite common. For artic work, it is less common, but can happen if, for example, a driver is returning to work after being on sick leave.
Noremac:
My guess it would be on an individual basis and you would probably need to know someone who is a driver. A lot of
places certainly don’t allow unauthorised passengers.
In terms of getting involved in any work, most companies that are squeaky clean wouldn’t allow this because it could be seen as slave labour. Most companies now carry a modern slavery statement on their main website.
Having said this, I am of the opinion that a couple of days viewing without any pressure of getting involved would be beneficial. You have to bear in mind, though, that it would slightly elevate the stress involved for the driver who has someone watching him/her all day and perhaps asking questions. What is the incentive for the driver to accept such an arrangement if the person is not an employee and it isn’t part of the job description?
My thought is that applying to some driving agencies enquiring about ‘second man’ work would your best bet. For cash and carry deliveries or furniture / white goods, this is quite common. For artic work, it is less common, but can happen if, for example, a driver is returning to work after being on sick leave.
That is a really well worded reply. Thanks.
You make very good points.
I see the world through a desk jockey’s eyes, where we have wannabes and work experience in frequently.
I guess being in a cab with some noob asking beyond basic questions would get old, fast.
Just had a look at a job site and there are posts for full time driver’s mates locally, though 7.5t.
Can’t hurt to drop them a line and see if they want a part timer.
So long as you know you would be insured as a third party, which cannot be avoided by any vehicle insurance in this country.
Agreed, they might consider you as increasing their risk.
Good luck, I’d like to think they would be glad of the free help.