First step to becoming a HGV driver
Discussion
Hello everyone.
My first day of work finished and Im shattered!
Only picture I got today:
My role was staying within the yard picking up whatever the 'baggers' needed and driving it over to them. Its easy and straight forward enough but gave me a good opportunity to learn a much bigger vehicle without having traffic and pedestrians in the way.
Using the tipper was good, i was shown a few times with the other guy driving, then I drove for a few hours, then he just left me too it. I did get out on the road as we needed fuel, that when he commented on me being a new pass, i was slowing down for the corners etc.
I really enjoyed myself and have work for the rest of the week, and as long as I do well I should get ongoing work, but a friend has just been in touch and said he may have something that would get me off agency and into a permanent position! - Fingers crossed!
My first day of work finished and Im shattered!
Only picture I got today:
My role was staying within the yard picking up whatever the 'baggers' needed and driving it over to them. Its easy and straight forward enough but gave me a good opportunity to learn a much bigger vehicle without having traffic and pedestrians in the way.
Using the tipper was good, i was shown a few times with the other guy driving, then I drove for a few hours, then he just left me too it. I did get out on the road as we needed fuel, that when he commented on me being a new pass, i was slowing down for the corners etc.
I really enjoyed myself and have work for the rest of the week, and as long as I do well I should get ongoing work, but a friend has just been in touch and said he may have something that would get me off agency and into a permanent position! - Fingers crossed!
Hi all
Sorry for not updating for a while, its been busy and I've been absolutely knackered!
So its been two weeks on the tipper lorries, My Volvo 8 wheeler got swapped for a little Renault 4 wheeler. Its definitely the truck that they give to all the agency staff, its been abused and has a terrible gearbox, but its small and can get in and out of bays in one go instead of having to take a shunt like in the Volvos.
in other news i have been desperately seeking some HIAB work and i'm getting the same response of 'you need experience before we can offer you any work' I asked on a trucking page on facebook and all responses were 'Lie' - now I will if i really have to but I would rather keep to the honest route.
In the mean time I did find an agency who take on new starters for HIAB work and I have an interview with them Monday!
and then on friday i got a phone call from Travis Perkins, I had applied for a HIAB position with them and they called me back to offer an interview, I explained that i had only just got my HIAB ticket and had no experience, they said that its fine and they do take on new passes.
I am over the moon that i have an interview there, Its a step back in pay but im on the bottom step of a ladder that leads a lot higher up. that interview is the following week so i have a long wait of being both excited and nervous, this is exactly the sort of job i had in mind when i set about getting my training.
...and to answer your question, I do not have the EPIC card, although i have heard a little bit about them, I think they are only required for when you are working in a quarry? Im not in a quarry as such, its more of a sorting station for what comes out of the quarry next door. I will ask the guys at work about this (who are great by the way, all very helpfull and a good laugh.)
Sorry for not updating for a while, its been busy and I've been absolutely knackered!
So its been two weeks on the tipper lorries, My Volvo 8 wheeler got swapped for a little Renault 4 wheeler. Its definitely the truck that they give to all the agency staff, its been abused and has a terrible gearbox, but its small and can get in and out of bays in one go instead of having to take a shunt like in the Volvos.
in other news i have been desperately seeking some HIAB work and i'm getting the same response of 'you need experience before we can offer you any work' I asked on a trucking page on facebook and all responses were 'Lie' - now I will if i really have to but I would rather keep to the honest route.
In the mean time I did find an agency who take on new starters for HIAB work and I have an interview with them Monday!
and then on friday i got a phone call from Travis Perkins, I had applied for a HIAB position with them and they called me back to offer an interview, I explained that i had only just got my HIAB ticket and had no experience, they said that its fine and they do take on new passes.
I am over the moon that i have an interview there, Its a step back in pay but im on the bottom step of a ladder that leads a lot higher up. that interview is the following week so i have a long wait of being both excited and nervous, this is exactly the sort of job i had in mind when i set about getting my training.
...and to answer your question, I do not have the EPIC card, although i have heard a little bit about them, I think they are only required for when you are working in a quarry? Im not in a quarry as such, its more of a sorting station for what comes out of the quarry next door. I will ask the guys at work about this (who are great by the way, all very helpfull and a good laugh.)
The Mad Monk said:
Dave
I hope you will forgive me. You will be applying for jobs - if not now, then at some time in the future.
The letter or application that you send in will be examined by someone who will make a judgement based upon what they read.
May I respectfully point out that the word 'licence' is spelt like that. Two 'C's, no 'S's.
It's licence, not license.
My apologies if this causes offence.
Eek! Good spot! Thank you, I will correct that now! I hope you will forgive me. You will be applying for jobs - if not now, then at some time in the future.
The letter or application that you send in will be examined by someone who will make a judgement based upon what they read.
May I respectfully point out that the word 'licence' is spelt like that. Two 'C's, no 'S's.
It's licence, not license.
My apologies if this causes offence.
carmadgaz said:
I hear that bud. Was supposed to be going out tonight but I'm physically FUBAR so collapsed with the OH in front of the telly.
That second steering axle makes one helluva difference doesn't it! Still missing the 8 wheelers though tbh.
Good luck with your interview bud, it's nice to be off somewhere different everyday and HIAB means no heavy handballing (which is currently knackering me.)
Ahh right. I was out of a quarry and a few places around here asked about it as alot of them run tippers.
Joys of something like TP is you'll get some b
ds of access jobs which really keep the job interesting (one of my previous roles involved ordering bits from TP for our sites and some of them were royal pigs to get at!)
Get used to some lovely lanes like this bad boy I was trundling down on Thursday
Sorry completely missed your post! That second steering axle makes one helluva difference doesn't it! Still missing the 8 wheelers though tbh.
Good luck with your interview bud, it's nice to be off somewhere different everyday and HIAB means no heavy handballing (which is currently knackering me.)
Ahh right. I was out of a quarry and a few places around here asked about it as alot of them run tippers.
Joys of something like TP is you'll get some b
ds of access jobs which really keep the job interesting (one of my previous roles involved ordering bits from TP for our sites and some of them were royal pigs to get at!)Get used to some lovely lanes like this bad boy I was trundling down on Thursday
Ive been naturally waking up at 5am now so feel like my body is starting to accept this new routine.
Just got back from my appointment with the recruitment agency, my first impression of them was not great but i will keep my options open. When i was heading back to my car I saw another agency asking for HIAB drivers so I popped in there and registered, Im waiting for a call from them for some work.
in the mean time My regular agency has given me some work tomorrow for a different client, only basic details so far But i assume i will be in a tipper out on the road this time! I cannot wait!
I was so worried about work before I started but as long as you are willing to chase (pester) people for it, then they will deliver. I will update in a day or two after I have done some work for this new client, Im glad to be getting some variety (even if it is still tipper work)
All this week I have been working for a different company, still on tipper trucks but I'm actually out on the road picking up and tipping locally.
I have pretty much been left to it, had a run sheet and a set of keys handed to me and told to get on with it. Although I was extremely nervous about it I tried to show confidence and just get on with it and I think I've been doing ok, until Friday, I had been in the 'agency truck' all week this truck was battered, gearbox was rubbish, would only blow hot air inside the cab, it was filthy smelly and noisy. But on Friday we had another agency guy turn up so I got an Upgrade! This truck was much nicer, quieter and the air con worked!!
I got to a section of road that is extremely thin, and a coach comes the other way, I have managed to get most of the way past it and then I hear a smash!
My sheet motor has struck the rear most side window and shattered it! I asked the coach driver if the passengers were ok, she said they were, we exchanged details and that was it.
I called the office to tell them, I had to fill out an accident form. I'm back there on Monday but I'm really worried they will say they don't need me anymore.
It actually shook me up a little and I pulled over for 10 mins as I was so pissed off with myself for doing it. I knew it was my fault and I could have avoided it if I had looked properly.
I will wait to see what happens next week, my agency say they have other jobs they can put me on if this company don't need me anymore, but I've been really enjoying it there, drivers are nice office staff are alright and I enjoy the work.
Fingers crossed this doesn't go against me and the rest of my good efforts can cover up this one misdemeanour!
I have pretty much been left to it, had a run sheet and a set of keys handed to me and told to get on with it. Although I was extremely nervous about it I tried to show confidence and just get on with it and I think I've been doing ok, until Friday, I had been in the 'agency truck' all week this truck was battered, gearbox was rubbish, would only blow hot air inside the cab, it was filthy smelly and noisy. But on Friday we had another agency guy turn up so I got an Upgrade! This truck was much nicer, quieter and the air con worked!!
I got to a section of road that is extremely thin, and a coach comes the other way, I have managed to get most of the way past it and then I hear a smash!
My sheet motor has struck the rear most side window and shattered it! I asked the coach driver if the passengers were ok, she said they were, we exchanged details and that was it.
I called the office to tell them, I had to fill out an accident form. I'm back there on Monday but I'm really worried they will say they don't need me anymore.
It actually shook me up a little and I pulled over for 10 mins as I was so pissed off with myself for doing it. I knew it was my fault and I could have avoided it if I had looked properly.
I will wait to see what happens next week, my agency say they have other jobs they can put me on if this company don't need me anymore, but I've been really enjoying it there, drivers are nice office staff are alright and I enjoy the work.
Fingers crossed this doesn't go against me and the rest of my good efforts can cover up this one misdemeanour!
GC8 said:
Get as far over as you safely can, and stop. Do not go off the sealed surface because you weigh too much. This type of incident isnt uncommon. Usually caused by the bus wker thinking that they are clear, but failing to see the sheet bar or easysheet motor which protrudes beyond the vehicle's body side, and pulling away. They then argue that you hit them... Unless they were stationary with their parking brake engaged, they probably arent free of responsibility.
They were parked and stationary.ker thinking that they are clear, but failing to see the sheet bar or easysheet motor which protrudes beyond the vehicle's body side, and pulling away. They then argue that you hit them... Unless they were stationary with their parking brake engaged, they probably arent free of responsibility. Edited by GC8 on Sunday 18th June 07:29
I've learnt it's better for me to stop and let traffic navigate around me, at least if I'm stationary And a car does hit me the blame is not on me.
Turned up and no work today.
I'm sure this is human error but a little bit nags at me that I won't be going back because of fridays run in.
I have a job interview tomorrow so will wait and see what my agency say about the rest of the week.
I'm off to enjoy a day paid for doing nothing!
I'm sure this is human error but a little bit nags at me that I won't be going back because of fridays run in.
I have a job interview tomorrow so will wait and see what my agency say about the rest of the week.
I'm off to enjoy a day paid for doing nothing!
So today was my interview with Travis Perkins for the HIAB position.
Ironed my shirt, updated my CV and headed off, I think it went alright the guys words were "you get experience from doing the job, its whether or not you fit in here that matters" which I thought was great of him, I felt quite relaxed on the interview and felt it went well.
Got a call this afternoon and they have offered me the job!! I start on Monday! (today being Tuesday) So I'm carrying on with my tipper work this week and will then start a proper, permanent, salaried job next week!
Im absolutely over the moon that I have managed to get a HIAB position without the '2 years experience' everyone wants and without having to lie my way in.
I will be working the grab unit, this is a set of Jaws on a crane mounted to a lorry, my HIAB ticket covers me for Hook, but TP are going to supply the training required for me, they also offered me a salary slightly higher than what was advertised, I do feel that this salary is not inline with what a HIAB driver should be earning, but its enough for me to be comfortable and its not bad for a new starter, Maybe in a years time i can look for something else but I think I will be quite happy here!
Ironed my shirt, updated my CV and headed off, I think it went alright the guys words were "you get experience from doing the job, its whether or not you fit in here that matters" which I thought was great of him, I felt quite relaxed on the interview and felt it went well.
Got a call this afternoon and they have offered me the job!! I start on Monday! (today being Tuesday) So I'm carrying on with my tipper work this week and will then start a proper, permanent, salaried job next week!
Im absolutely over the moon that I have managed to get a HIAB position without the '2 years experience' everyone wants and without having to lie my way in.
I will be working the grab unit, this is a set of Jaws on a crane mounted to a lorry, my HIAB ticket covers me for Hook, but TP are going to supply the training required for me, they also offered me a salary slightly higher than what was advertised, I do feel that this salary is not inline with what a HIAB driver should be earning, but its enough for me to be comfortable and its not bad for a new starter, Maybe in a years time i can look for something else but I think I will be quite happy here!
How did it go today Carmadgaz?
This week has been a bit all-over-the-place
Started Monday with doing my induction, which comprised of me sitting in front of a computer and watching videos on how to pick something up off the floor and all that bks!
Tuesday and Wednesday were training, I already have HIAB with hook but as we use grab I had to basically do the whole course again but for grab.
Wednesday afternoon I went out in a little Mercedes tipper for a few drops. No problems there, but today I went out in my truck on proper drops! I loved it. In and out the lorry, dropping the loads, getting forklifts or using the HIAB or handballing it off. We use this 'epod' system, it's pretty good, it's a daily check sheet/run sheet/ sat nav all in one little phone size unit. I have a Garmin in the cab too which works pretty well.
Ive really enjoyed today, chatted to customers, seen loads of the country side had music on and generally had a good time. I did manage to snap my crane retaining strap, we have a ratchet strap just for the crane when in transit, I forgot to undo it, lifted the grab up PING-CLONK. Had to humbally ask for a new one, but it was greeted to mickey taking rather than a telling off so all is fine.
I know I have at least two drops nearby tomorrow then another on whitestable so that will be a nice long run. I topped up the tank today so ready to go once I get in the yard tomorrow.
I will get some pictures up of my truck (which I love!) once I had a chance to clean it up a bit, it's a bit grubby!!
Toot toot!!!
This week has been a bit all-over-the-place
Started Monday with doing my induction, which comprised of me sitting in front of a computer and watching videos on how to pick something up off the floor and all that b
ks! Tuesday and Wednesday were training, I already have HIAB with hook but as we use grab I had to basically do the whole course again but for grab.
Wednesday afternoon I went out in a little Mercedes tipper for a few drops. No problems there, but today I went out in my truck on proper drops! I loved it. In and out the lorry, dropping the loads, getting forklifts or using the HIAB or handballing it off. We use this 'epod' system, it's pretty good, it's a daily check sheet/run sheet/ sat nav all in one little phone size unit. I have a Garmin in the cab too which works pretty well.
Ive really enjoyed today, chatted to customers, seen loads of the country side had music on and generally had a good time. I did manage to snap my crane retaining strap, we have a ratchet strap just for the crane when in transit, I forgot to undo it, lifted the grab up PING-CLONK. Had to humbally ask for a new one, but it was greeted to mickey taking rather than a telling off so all is fine.
I know I have at least two drops nearby tomorrow then another on whitestable so that will be a nice long run. I topped up the tank today so ready to go once I get in the yard tomorrow.
I will get some pictures up of my truck (which I love!) once I had a chance to clean it up a bit, it's a bit grubby!!
Toot toot!!!
Thanks for the comments guys. First week done and it's been great. Out on the road again today.
Got the truck stuck! Good and proper!
I should have taken a photo but I was panicking a little over it. It was a sharp right handed that went steeply up hill, it was also in a wooded area so very sludgy on the ground.
I raised the air suspension as my rear leg was getting caught on the ground. stuck the diff lock on, TC off and gave it the beans in manual (1st) managed to pull forward enough to give me room to get back to where I was before I turned on to this hill. It was so tricky, I had a branch close to taking out one of my beacons. A tree to my left meaning I couldn't go full lock. Really wish I got a picture of how bad it was!
Told the guys back at the yard about it, I had to explain the ton of foliage I had accumulated in the process!
Lots of fun today! Really enjoying the work as a whole and really getting the hang of the crane. I can scope out a site and know what I can and can't do before doing it.
Got the truck stuck! Good and proper!
I should have taken a photo but I was panicking a little over it. It was a sharp right handed that went steeply up hill, it was also in a wooded area so very sludgy on the ground.
I raised the air suspension as my rear leg was getting caught on the ground. stuck the diff lock on, TC off and gave it the beans in manual (1st) managed to pull forward enough to give me room to get back to where I was before I turned on to this hill. It was so tricky, I had a branch close to taking out one of my beacons. A tree to my left meaning I couldn't go full lock. Really wish I got a picture of how bad it was!
Told the guys back at the yard about it, I had to explain the ton of foliage I had accumulated in the process!
Lots of fun today! Really enjoying the work as a whole and really getting the hang of the crane. I can scope out a site and know what I can and can't do before doing it.
mattfuey said:
I see you're in Kent Dave?
What Travis are you based from if you're going to Whitstable out of curiosity? Only ask as I order from most Travis' through Kent when at work!
I'm at the Ashford branch. I did do a drop in whitstable on Friday! What Travis are you based from if you're going to Whitstable out of curiosity? Only ask as I order from most Travis' through Kent when at work!
Do say hello if you see me around!
carmadgaz said:
Looks smart bud. Haven't ticked a Scania off yet 
. I don't mind the CFs except the 8yo 220 18T I'm in this week is painfully slow when loaded
How are you getting on?
Still really enjoying it. . I don't mind the CFs except the 8yo 220 18T I'm in this week is painfully slow when loaded How are you getting on?
Had a pallet of blocks fall over the other day, luckily they fell inwards and not outwards, I had to get on the bed (they keep telling us not too) and stack them all back up that took some effort.
Im really enjoying the variety, each site i visit is different, each load is different and unloading takes a bit of fore thought as to best unload it. I enjoy the challenge each drop provides, sometimes its a tight lane/driveway im trying to reverse up, sometimes its an awkward load sometimes theres obstacles in the way like walls or telegraph poles etc.
I have not yet had to refuse a delivery, some do take me longer than i think they should, but i do feel like I'm getting quicker at it. Im also starting to plan ahead a little more, like when I finish one drop, I start getting the next drop ready, like pre-slinging the load or moving stuff about while the crane is up to make the next drop quicker. etc.
Ive not been in a DAF yet, think ive been in everything but a DAF. MAN, Volvo, Renault and Scania. The Volvo was a nice truck but this Scania is my favourite, Maybe its just because its mine and Ive got it the way i like, but I'm really happy with it, I know its not the best one there but I know it and I enjoy driving it. I remember thinking on Sunday 'cant wait for work tomorrow' - that's something I haven't felt in a long time!
Is the Marquee work seasonal? I saw a marquee getting set up in headcorn today in the sunshine by 4 jays and it made me think if work could drop off in the winter months? I worry the same could happen for me being construction based.
Sorry for no update for a while, time flies when you're having fun!
Work is going well, had a few issues, chipped someones wall as i was maneuvering in to a very tight drive, scraped along a fence post tearing a sticker off the side of the truck, but all pretty minor stuff.
Its been busy and ive had some challenges but im finding the job easier as i gain confidence with the truck but also working a little more efficiently, I spend a lot of time walking from one side to the other un/doing straps, dropping sides, out riggers in and out, so im starting to plan ahead a little and have the products placed in a certain way on the bed that makes it quicker to off load, im also learning some of the repeat customers so I know the guys at 43 want stuff dropped just over the wall, whereas the guy at 19 wants stuff up the end of the drive and the like.
Had a few difficult days and a few easy days but its the variety of it that im enjoying the most. I might have a full load of 1 tin bags, i might have a lorry full of all sorts for 5 different customers.
got soaked today with all the rain, but i still left with a grin on my face!
Work is going well, had a few issues, chipped someones wall as i was maneuvering in to a very tight drive, scraped along a fence post tearing a sticker off the side of the truck, but all pretty minor stuff.
Its been busy and ive had some challenges but im finding the job easier as i gain confidence with the truck but also working a little more efficiently, I spend a lot of time walking from one side to the other un/doing straps, dropping sides, out riggers in and out, so im starting to plan ahead a little and have the products placed in a certain way on the bed that makes it quicker to off load, im also learning some of the repeat customers so I know the guys at 43 want stuff dropped just over the wall, whereas the guy at 19 wants stuff up the end of the drive and the like.
Had a few difficult days and a few easy days but its the variety of it that im enjoying the most. I might have a full load of 1 tin bags, i might have a lorry full of all sorts for 5 different customers.
got soaked today with all the rain, but i still left with a grin on my face!
GC8 said:
Get out and look more. Drive slowly enough that you are able to watch both sides.
Agree. Had 6 drops today and 5 of them were tight to get in to. But managed them all by getting out taking a look and sorting it out. The last one I got it first time, pulled forward, started reversing, got full lock and it swept right in through the gate.
Im pleased for you Adz, Im still enjoying it overall.
What i'm not enjoying:
Getting wet gloves from strapping down in the morning and them being wet through the day (even though i put them on the heater vents in the cab)
Having to work in the cold/wet
People who don't understand what indicators are or what they are used for!
People who have no idea how much room a lorry needs to maneuver.
Getting the truck dirty (it gets filthy!)
Things I am enjoying:
Driving a lorry!
Operating a crane
Being left to get on with it.
Breaks in laybys - its actually quite nice to have scenery on your break.
Banter with the builders.
The feeling that i'm earning my living - sending emails all day is not exactly challenging!
The variety that comes with the job.
I done an assessment drive in a Class 1 (artic) last week. did not realise I was near a shopping centre on black friday at school kick out time! that was not a good idea! but the drive went well, i rubbed the tires on one curb, other than that that the instructor said there were several things I anticipated and road position was good etc. So im pleased.
I will be looking to get my Class 1 early next year and move my career up a notch.
Ive noticed that i'm much more confident now with my truck (I now have a 18t DAF) Im finding managing my time a lot easier, doing the drops a lot quicker and most of the times things go smoothly (touch wood!) and this helped when I was in the Artic, I didnt feel nervous about it, I was aware the vehicle the longer, heavier and moved in a different way, but I was still happy squeezing between parked cars and getting round corners in it, I was just a little slower because of the way the back end moves.
All in all, Still really enjoying this and only thing i regret is not doing it sooner.
Best of luck to you Adz.
What i'm not enjoying:
Getting wet gloves from strapping down in the morning and them being wet through the day (even though i put them on the heater vents in the cab)
Having to work in the cold/wet
People who don't understand what indicators are or what they are used for!
People who have no idea how much room a lorry needs to maneuver.
Getting the truck dirty (it gets filthy!)
Things I am enjoying:
Driving a lorry!
Operating a crane
Being left to get on with it.
Breaks in laybys - its actually quite nice to have scenery on your break.
Banter with the builders.
The feeling that i'm earning my living - sending emails all day is not exactly challenging!
The variety that comes with the job.
I done an assessment drive in a Class 1 (artic) last week. did not realise I was near a shopping centre on black friday at school kick out time! that was not a good idea! but the drive went well, i rubbed the tires on one curb, other than that that the instructor said there were several things I anticipated and road position was good etc. So im pleased.
I will be looking to get my Class 1 early next year and move my career up a notch.
Ive noticed that i'm much more confident now with my truck (I now have a 18t DAF) Im finding managing my time a lot easier, doing the drops a lot quicker and most of the times things go smoothly (touch wood!) and this helped when I was in the Artic, I didnt feel nervous about it, I was aware the vehicle the longer, heavier and moved in a different way, but I was still happy squeezing between parked cars and getting round corners in it, I was just a little slower because of the way the back end moves.
All in all, Still really enjoying this and only thing i regret is not doing it sooner.
Best of luck to you Adz.
Congrats chedders!
Have you got work lined up? Is there something in particular you want to do?
(Tramping, continental, RDC, curtain side? Etc)
I honestly don't think you will regret it. It you think you will like it then you will probably love it!
Best advise is don't rush, if someone is making you under pressure just ignore them and get your job done safely.
Have you got work lined up? Is there something in particular you want to do?
(Tramping, continental, RDC, curtain side? Etc)
I honestly don't think you will regret it. It you think you will like it then you will probably love it!
Best advise is don't rush, if someone is making you under pressure just ignore them and get your job done safely.
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