HGV Class1

[AndyBug]

Hi, just wanted to see if there were any readers on here that would be fit to help me. I passed my Class 1 test 18 months
ago but cannot seem to find anyone that takes on newly passed drivers. Most firms need two years experience, but how do you get experience if no one gives you a chance.I have had my Class II for over ten years with a lot of experience but Class II work is very hard to come by. My work has always been in the construction industry but have had to give it up due to an injury so was looking to get into wagon driving full time.Any advice would be gratefully recieved.

[AndyBug]

strata21 said:

Try nationwidedrivers.com

They have strategic agreements with some of the countries biggest hauliers where they will accept freshly passed drivers subject to a driving assessment....

0800 644 4433

Never say never....

Thanks for the info, will give them a buzz.

[AndyBug]

R0G said:

Before doing any of the LGV categories did you do extensive research into the jobs market especially for those with a new category?

No didnt do any research at all as i only done my test so i would have something to fall back on if things didnt work out in my current job which was mainly heavy construction work, but since ive injured my shoulder ive had to think of changing career.

[AndyBug]

philmots said:

I've just Google Map'd around Stafford..

I've found some big industrial estates.. Mustang Drive.

There's Culina, a big Wincanton run site i cant make out and a fair few other big distribution centres.

I know there's a Sainsbury's in Stone and Stoke.

All decent blue-chip companies.

Get out there, go to receptions/gatehouses.. Find out who's in charge of recruitment. Be pro-active.

I did and landed a great job within a month of passing class 1.

Good luck.

Yeah ive beem to all depots round stafford, signed up to agencies in Telford, Ashbourne, Tamworth, Stoke and Walsall and still no luck but its only been 3 wks so maybe something will come soon, fingers crossed.

[AndyBug]

Super Slo Mo said:

There's a DHL Logistics depot in Stoke, I know the Transport Manager, so if you want, I can get his details to you. Might be a help. Most of their class 1 stuff is nights trunking, or what there is on days is multi-drop (up to 15 drops generally, to convenience stores), however, you have to be prepared to do both class 1 and 2.

Also, the Sainsbury's in Stoke is a DHL contract, but they are VERY fussy about their driver standards, a number of the agency guys I used to know, and who drove for Sainsbury's via the agency, tried to go full time at Sainsbury's, but failed the driving assessment. Subsequently they were stopped from driving for them on an agency basis too.

There's also Blue Arrow, the agency, they used to be pretty good at getting me work when I was driving. You might have to go and do some class 2 multi-drop for a bit just to prove yourself. Again, if you want, I'll see if I can find out who's the person to talk to there.

That would be excellent,really helpfull, thanks.