HGV Class1

[Super Slo Mo]

AndyBug said:

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.

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.

[Alfahorn]

AndyBug said:

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.

Andy, I run the driving desk for a recruitment agency in the Northampton area.

My advice is you will stand more chance of getting a job with a firm directly than working via an agency, this is due to a number of factors. If you are registered with an agency they are less likely to pitch to the client because of they're perceived risk. It is very easy to lose a contract, therefore the agency will always opt for the experienced guy of the novice (no offense intended). In our case the majority of our contracts include Drivers Neg, this requires us as an agency to provide drivers who have at least 2 years experience.

I have managed to place new drivers before, however it isn't easy. I think you increase your chances by going direct to transport offices/Gatehoues etc, because at least then the Transport Manager can meet you face to face and make his own judgement, which would probably be subject to a driving assessment.

I would also suggest looking out for shunting work, this can be a good way of getting started. Also, I think if you are working with a Haulier who use Class 1 and 2 then this helps too.

[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.

[Super Slo Mo]

Alfahorn said:

Andy, I run the driving desk for a recruitment agency in the Northampton area.

My advice is you will stand more chance of getting a job with a firm directly than working via an agency, this is due to a number of factors. If you are registered with an agency they are less likely to pitch to the client because of they're perceived risk. It is very easy to lose a contract, therefore the agency will always opt for the experienced guy of the novice (no offense intended). In our case the majority of our contracts include Drivers Neg, this requires us as an agency to provide drivers who have at least 2 years experience.

I have managed to place new drivers before, however it isn't easy. I think you increase your chances by going direct to transport offices/Gatehoues etc, because at least then the Transport Manager can meet you face to face and make his own judgement, which would probably be subject to a driving assessment.

I would also suggest looking out for shunting work, this can be a good way of getting started. Also, I think if you are working with a Haulier who use Class 1 and 2 then this helps too.

Maybe, depends on the company though, we used to be willing to try relatively novice drivers (mind you this was a few years back) from the agency, maybe on a 7.5 tonner for a few days, then a simple route on an 18 tonne rigid. Or perhaps a straightforward trunking route.

We also took a lot of our full time drivers from both the agency (existing temp drivers) and internally, ie, we would train them from scratch, for example, warehouse staff who wanted to get their licence.

A novice would not generally be allowed out without an assessment.

[Super Slo Mo]

AndyBug said:

That would be excellent,really helpfull, thanks.

Might take me until next week, the TM I can put you in touch with right away, the agency might take a few days. Let me sound out a mate who works there and find out the score.

[rumple]

Andy give Browns distribution in Stoke a ring, your Class 2 experiance might carry some weight with them, its general haulage, mostly ceramic tile distribution, if your willing to do 2 to 3 nights out a week that would help, Mick Stirzacker is the man to speak to, dont know there number sorry, not the best job in the world, they also have a bad reputation but over the last few years they have improved alot,from personnel experiance when dealing with agencys it pays to pester them alot, waiting for the phine to ring dosent really work, but you need to ring a few hauliers as agency work will die off in january, think positive with a can do attitude and your class 2 experiance youll be ok.

[Super Slo Mo]

I'm trying to PM you OP, but PH isn't playing ball.

See if you can send me an email, and I'll respond with some details for you.

[strata21]

Not sure why the Intersport Mosler didn't run as it came off the rollers with plenty of time........

[TwigtheWonderkid]

OP, they don't need 2 yrs experience, they need drivers who have held a full class 1 licence for 2 yrs.

This is a common issue driven by LGV insurance, which often states all drivers must be over 25 with a full licence for at least 2 yrs.

Once you hit your 2 yr anniversary, more doors should open, even if you have no experience!!!

[FlashmanChop]

W Malcolms take on new drivers, and young drivers too as they self insure.

Not read the whole thread so apologies I dont know your loctaion.

[Krikkit]

My oh my, a PH thread absolutely chock-full of helpful souls! Good work all, and good luck OP.