Becoming a HGV driver.

[leggly]

Don't do it. Simple as that, it's a mugs game these days and there's no indication it's going to get any better.

[philmots]

If you get a good job it's a good job! But they're few and far between.

I learnt a couple of years back that nights is a lot easier than days, less hassle and more money.

I work for a Yorkshire RDC, nights is £15 hour. Work one overtime shift a month and you'll easily clear 40k, some of the highest earners (who also can't have much life) are hitting 50k.

[All that jazz]

philmots said:

If you get a good job it's a good job! But they're few and far between.

I learnt a couple of years back that nights is a lot easier than days, less hassle and more money.

I work for a Yorkshire RDC, nights is £15 hour. Work one overtime shift a month and you'll easily clear 40k, some of the highest earners (who also can't have much life) are hitting 50k.

How many hours are you expected to do at £15/hr? That's decent money round here as an hourly rate, but not if you're expected to do max hours for it and that's also weekend rate as well?

Not trolley work out of Sherburn is it per chance? They can't get drivers for love nor money to go out there.

[leggly]

Unless you're working for Royal Mail the job just isn't worth the hassle anymore. R.M work is mind numbingly boring but for an average night driver doing less than 48 hours per week average over a six month period it is easy to gross £38,000 per annum. How do I know? It's what I do. Having spent too many years in this industry, it really isn't one anybody would join if they knew what they were getting into from day one.

[philmots]

leggly said:

Unless you're working for Royal Mail the job just isn't worth the hassle anymore. R.M work is mind numbingly boring but for an average night driver doing less than 48 hours per week average over a six month period it is easy to gross £38,000 per annum. How do I know? It's what I do. Having spent too many years in this industry, it really isn't one anybody would join if they knew what they were getting into from day one.

That's more or less identical to my night supermarket work, with overtime available on top.

I wouldn't fancy doing any other type of work (maybe RM but I can't see it being much different) with deadlines and time limits etc.

[leggly]

philmots said:

leggly said:

Unless you're working for Royal Mail the job just isn't worth the hassle anymore. R.M work is mind numbingly boring but for an average night driver doing less than 48 hours per week average over a six month period it is easy to gross £38,000 per annum. How do I know? It's what I do. Having spent too many years in this industry, it really isn't one anybody would join if they knew what they were getting into from day one.

That's more or less identical to my night supermarket work, with overtime available on top.

I wouldn't fancy doing any other type of work (maybe RM but I can't see it being much different) with deadlines and time limits etc.

We have no POA and operate a closed door policy, we always run to time as it's more of a conveyor belt than anything else. It means you can plan downtime knowing you're not going to let anyone down. Maximum 48 hour week over a six month period is nice too but still more than I want to do these days.

[philmots]

Yeah I get that.

Have you no option to work 3 or 4 shifts a week to cut down? As sometimes long shifts simply can't be avoided.

[Mammasaid]

bigfatnick said:

I think we all need to be stood on bridges in the Lake District dropping boulders into the front of these self driving trucks they're supposed to be trailing in the Lake District.

You'd better have strong arms and the ability to throw your boulders a fair way, as the M6 (where the trials are due to take place) isn't actually in the Lake District, in fact it forms a boundary to the National Park in places.

Cumbria <> Lake District

[leggly]

philmots said:

Yeah I get that.

Have you no option to work 3 or 4 shifts a week to cut down? As sometimes long shifts simply can't be avoided.

There are various shifts available. Royal Mail do tend to look after and accommodate where they can. Easily the best transport job I've ever had when it comes to terms and conditions. I've still had enough of driving trucks though.

[GC8]

gus607 said:

Same CPC !

Definitely NOT the same DCPC according to the DVSA when asked for a written response a few days ago. The driver in question has to stop driving immediately and take an HGV DCPC course.

[The Turbonator]

Thought I'd give you all an update.

I started an apprenticeship with a large dairy company in September who collect milk from farms. I can honestly say that I'm thoroughly enjoying it and because it's an apprenticeship, they pay for my licence and everything.

I took a huge leap of faith, as whilst I'm on the apprenticeship I'm on half the wage as I was before. I'm confident I've made the right decision though and after the apprenticeship I'm on the same money as I was on the buses.