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Just be careful the job you choose, I started a job yesterday and finished it today as wasn't happy with the tramping situation. Having to find a layby or industrial estate apparently don't work for my insides lol good 2 days running up and down motorway and pulling a flat and curtainsider.

I’ve been told off 3 agencies that they are only taking experienced drivers on in my area.

What area you in?

Hartlepool, north east.

Hovis based at Dagenham take's on new passes and also saw an advert for Aasda taking on new passes. I know a few drivers got in with companies via class 2 work. As for my place (HOVIS) we have got a few new pass drivers who are class 1 and the same boat as you, came to us did 6 months on class 2 now on mixture of class 1 and 2. Good Luck with your search. 😊

Agency are just filling the slot, I'm finding they can't put you in a class 1 but can stick you in class 2, makes no sense at all, there are jobs out there for new pass but you need to invest what you have in driving or traveling miles away then find some where to stay as your not going to do the traveling every day. If it's tramping then no big issue as your away 4 days, but never the less a pain in the arse, I got bills to pay ill stick out what I get but then I need to find a years experience in class 1 wake up company's this experience isn't growing on trees, your funding people and flooding the industry with drivers who have licences that are useless and like me a waste of 4k if I'm not using it even more so my periodic training.

The job is great/easy... But the pittance you earn per hour is ridiculous compared to the fines you could incur and the sh**/abuse/obnoxious gatehouse people you have to put up with from delivery hubs you deliver too... Most of whom can’t speak English, rant over, sorry and don’t start me on the really clever planners...

From my experience you may have to go class 2 or 7.5t first just to get comfortable and gain some experience then go onto class 1 but don't give up, your ship will come onto port.

No I've got over 30 year of class don't mean sh**.

Each to their own and I did say from my experience lol.

If you’ve held the licence for 3 years become a trainer.
New trainer £25 ph.
Over 80% pass rate trainer £30ph.
Harder job than you imagine but no nights out. 😂

Sorry mate but you’ve been thought how to pass your test only, you don’t have the ability of a person with thirty years experience, all passing your test means is your safe to go on the road and start learning the concept of professional driving. If you want work you will have to start pumping your CV with a supporting letter selling yourself, and bear in mind because you have no experience don’t think your in the same league as a driver who’s been on the road 30 years, don’t sit back and think a job in come walking to you, you have got to do the leg work. One guy who I recently spoke to said he applied for 100 jobs before he got a offer, so expect the fact your new into the industry and don’t set your sights to high to start with.
And I wish you good luck. 👋👋

In 2012 i was earning 12 per hour.
But strange enough, the company that i work for now, cut the rates in the last month with £2 per hour. I have seen there advertising.
We are heading to minimum wage?
I’ll gladly go and work on Europe than on minimum wage.

Plenty of work about you’re either not looking properly, expecting too much, or are too picky in what work you’re expecting, get in the car and go door knocking at all the haulage yards.

Depends what you're looking for. You can get tramping work as a new start on £1000 per week but you will be putting in the hours. If you want a job where you're home every night you will get less. Try looking at larger companies. Because they have more money they are more likely to take on new starts and are willing to pay the higher insurance premiums. Places like DHL, XPO, FEDEX take on new starts. Plus some of these companies offer class 1 training.

Yorkshire - 100% impossible ➡️↘️⬇️
Pass Class 1 two months ago and even though it is peak time in the transport & logistics industry no one hires new drivers. Blah, blah, blah 6 months least for insurance purposes, blah, blah, blah 1 year at least for experience purposes. No matter if it's class 1, 2 or C1 (7.5t). I guess there are too many drivers, at least in Yorkshire area.

Talk to the bigger companies like Turner's Goldstar Stobarts etc, they self insure so they are not dictated to by the insurance leeches.

Tried Stobart. Didn’t get very far.

Where abouts are you roughly?

People looking to pay for passing class 1, just search Skills Bootcamps HGV course. It’s funded by government and completely free even if you are working. Just passed my class 1 in August and didn’t pay a penny.

Dosser!

How can you call someone a dosser when you don’t even know me? Tell you what why not arrange to meet up and have the b*lls to say it to my face. FYI I was working full time while I done the course never been on the dole in my life.

No problem mate message me you’re number dosser.

Don't need nights out try supermarkets, DHL's, Culina etc plenty out there mate ring 10 agencies, go to sites and speak to security guard etc and don't waste your time responding to idiots on here criticising everything.

Getting started in heavy goods vehicle (HGV) driving is often challenging...

This is a great post, a lot of helpful information there. I will try them one by one after I have my licence class 1. Thanks.

Goodmorning All I am looking for a driver with license to drive HGV .if your interested please call me 07777937158.

Thanks

Stop being a nutter, dont work for free ever for any company. If you want a job go directly to the transport offices based at places, Howard Tennan has a small cabin at Toolstation in Redditch and speak to onsite supervisor. Stay away from agencies because we want them out of the industry, this industry is full of chancers and muppets that think £650 a week is good money after tax which is why the wages are depressed, truck driving the job itself is great be prepared to work with utter muppets like on these boards that couldnt make a cup of tea let alone form any Union.

It's always been like this we all been there so you're no more special than us that been doing it for years. I was lucky though not knowing much of the industry at the time I contacted over 20 companies on phone and 2 took interest. Luckily the closest one was always desperate for drivers as they had the coke contract and gave me the start I needed in under 1 month of passing. So I always say look for a company that is desperate. Even after 2 years I applied to 2 companies first one offered me a job but told me I be driving the worst truck they had and said who in right mind would give a new driver a 220k truck. We'll second company did which I took and then after another 2 years I went on to transporters been on them now since 2001 so happy days. It will finally work out for new passes if you put the hard work in finding that 1 company that will give you a chance but you are right it is daft but it is insurance rather than companies.

Sign up with an agency, you only need a conditional offer of work to do the course, all the agency have to say is that there’s work for you when you pass.

How do I go about that?

Ring an agency tell them what you’re planning to do, you might have to go in for an interview explain you need a conditional offer of work when you fill out all your details to do your training it will ask what agency or employer your offer of work is from, fill out the agency you choose and bobs your uncle.

I know you said has full class 1 but if your mate doesn’t have cpc they will need to do module 2 and 4 before being allowed to drive for hire and reward the picture doesn’t show if they have this or not.

Depends how old he is and when he got his licence - I went car to class 1 without module 2 and 4.

Aye he can drive but not for hire and reward without CPC. License is to drive, CPC is to drive professionally.

So you've quit your job as a teacher and are now unemployed.... Just to get on a government funded HGV training course.
It makes absolutely no sense to me. Why you'd want to end up unemployed, and skint, just to have a HGV license in your pocket. You get how many weeks of the year on holiday, you work what, 8 till 4? Yes you may take some work home to do. But compared to HGV driving, you probably currently do half the hours. I passed my HGV Class 1, 2 years ago. It cost me around £1800. That was all in - Medical, Theory, CPC plus the 5, half days of training and examination costs etc. Now for the bit you'll want to know. And if you've been on this forum for more than 5 minutes, you'll no doubt have seen the endless amount of posts of newly qualified drivers posting. There is NO shortage of HGV drivers. There is a problem in the industry with companies (particularly large organizations), of under paying. Take for example WS. They are currently paying £12.50 per hour I believe.... It's...

Fifth Gear Transport are looking for day and night drivers in Chelmsford. If you are interested give me a call Monday morning or send me a pm
01473 832800.

Best bet is go to the yards in work gear and say age etc eager to get going I'll sweep the yard for abit get some trust then push up hint at doing small delivery's in vans or smaller trucks and work the way up.

I was thinking the same. A forklift qualification might be good for the moment and for the future.

Yeah be much more beneficial helps with experience when it comes to loading and weight distribution.

I passed my Class 1 and went straight into 7.5 ton work because I knew I needed to earn my stripes for a few years.
With minimum wage rising in April, I think a lot of drivers will question if it’s even worth it at the minute. This in turn will create a demand again and wages will rise and so the circle continues. I think the industry needs a minimum wage if it’s own but what do I know I’m new.

Well done mate. You being a new pass I know you cant wait to start driving but you were right to put your post up about them and glad you heeded the warnings. Take your time and the right job will come along before you know it.

Probably not what you want but maybe try some class 2 work first to get your foot in the door, especially if companies have both rigid and artic.
You'd probably fall straight on pallet freight work.
Good luck with your venture, it seems impossible to start with but you'll find your feet, don't give up. 👍
I passed my class 2 through boot camp and found a job a week after passing, year later I did my class 1 through the boot camp and jumped on agency and I've drove for multiple different companies so the works out there. 🙂

Go to the big companies not the little ones and you’ll be fine! Culina are a good start!

nothing local with them at the moment

try their group they own loads of different companies 👍

I have. Have applied for 12 jobs today, 7.5t upwards. Hopefully hear back from some

Yeah agency is your best bet try Logistics People they supply Stobarts/Culina, maybe Turners ask which agency they use. Maybe enquire at Supermarkets like M and S, Ocado, Tescos, trouble with some is lack of experience plus they won't let you use sat navs. We all been there just keep trying look for Logistics companies who do post code pallet work cause that is class 1 and 2 work good luck.

Well thanks for all your help I now have 3 interviews this week and 1 next ❤️ your all stars ⭐️

My own opinion would be not to do this. I think it only serves to lower value for yourself and everybody else. I also don't think that any decent, worthwhile employer would take you up on this offer.
Keep calling round and speak to as many people as possible. Take any work you can get from 7.5 upwards and try to gain some experience. You're definitely in a very frustrating position having spent thousands on your license and also you're clearly very eager to get started. This is unfortunately not a very good time to be starting a hgv career as the industry is flooded with drivers. Do keep chipping away and be patient and you'll definitely get there with a little time.
Naturally you'll have to do what is right for you but as I say, I wouldn't recommend offering to work for free. I think you'll struggle to be taken seriously like this.
Good luck!

Contact lynch plant hire they are based in Northampton but work national looking for sweeper drivers £180 a day 10 hours a day and home not sure where the work is but they will have something close I bet I know it’s boring but it’s £900 a week before overtime and tax

When I first passed, I couldn’t get a start but was only 23
I got a job in a warehouse on a big Sainsbury’s contract
Didn’t tell them I was Class 1
Till about 6 months in
When a bay needed clearing
After that I was in and on the road
They had a spare driver in the warehouse 😁

There’s a few companies who help you through government funding. From what I can gather you submit a load of job applications and they put you through.

Go and get a trade. People want carpenters, plumbers, electricians, tilers, plasterers etc. They're home every night at a time they choose and are paid better. I got quoted £200 on Saturday to rod a drain. That's an entire shift as a driver. Honestly I love driving, I hate people but money and work life balance. Don't do it.

I’m currently a builder, have my own company. Just hate it now, when I am home I’m just doing quotes, invoices, making sure I have work lined up. Money isn’t everything, always been interested in lorry driving but if it’s not a great industry to get involved in then I may look at something else.

isn’t bad, depends on where do you live, and depends employer

Its always been the Same. No different in my day1986. I took anything. Started off on a 4 wheeler until I found a class 1 Job on nights (didn't want to work nights) until I found a sh*t job on days and did this until I found something better. Keep at it and be prepared to move about until the right job comes up.

I’ve been a trainer for 41 years. Obviously thousands of candidates. The real problem.
New passes think they have reached the top of the game.
2 very basic theory tests & 2 even more basic CPC tests and a driving test that most new car passes would crack.
Total cost and effort roughly £3k and 3 months.
The employers invest £60k-£100k in any decent truck. They also risk their O licence OCRS (how many newbies know what that means)
When you apply for a job you are trying to sell something. YOU!
Apart from a new wet licence what are you selling?
Offer to go out with their experienced drivers for nothing to learn what they know. You paid £000’s to get a licence why not learn what to do with it.
Sorry to sound a bit harsh but I 100% know I’m right.

I was told this is where the learning starts when I passed my test 6 months ago and I now know how right that is.

Looking for Class 1 or Class 2. Job any recommendation west London area close to Heathrow.

So like most people who are saying without looking at the contract it's unclear. However you will still have a case if you have not had a disciplinary procedure carried out regardless of what your Contract Says.
In accordance with Acas Code of Practice or Employment Law the following procedure should have taken place.
1 You sre invited to an Investigation as to why you were unavailable for your shift. There may have been reasons why you could not attend.
At the Investigation it should be explained to you that you could be facing a Disciplinary Hearing.
2. If you are invited to a Disciplinary you have the right to be Accompanied by a work Colleague or Shop Steward. A meeting is set up and a disciplinary takes place. At this meeting you should be told that you may be Dismissed due to Time Keeping quite frankly after your record it's a pretty piss poor excuse. May also be a Breech of Contract.
You also have the right to appeal and this should be done with a different Manager.
Failure to...

,,

Sudbury is abit far for me 2 hour commute

And if no joy there contact Stennetts Transport at Ingham, Suffolk

Thank you but I’m looking around the Northamptonshire area

Driver shortage was created to cause panick buying as it was around the same time as change of fuel to new rather than spend millions to dispose of old petrol stock that built up over covid lock downs make a driver shortage and people panick buy it.

And panick buy they did, good old globalist run BBC did there job.

Lads ,I don't normally get involved in posts here , as I'm the other side of the fence as I run a small transport company , four trucks and three van, I have every TRL , curtain, flat ,low loaders , extendable flats , stepframe flats, even a vessel carrier trailer , and I'm having days where I can't find work for my trucks , and finding back loads even worse , just been offered Leighton buzzard to Newport for £250 and that's not covering the fuel , let alone anything else , however , in five minutes that load had gone , actually there was two and they both went (keedwells if your interested ) , the point being , there is very little work , and our game is supply and demand , and the demand is very weak , if your looking for a job and can't find one, it's cos there isn't much work , not because of agencrobley ys , or areas , just little work , my advice , stay where you are , or look for food related work , or the bin trucks, as these jobs aren't affected by the economy. Good luck...

yes i remember i work at the dunmow site. That advert was posted tonight so maybe call again or apply online

is it for new pass do you no and is it great Dunmow

according to the advert im sure its for colchester crown depot.

OK is it new pass do you no

John A Stephensons builders merchants operate similar equipment like Moffet, drop side and Hiab. They seem to keep drivers for years so might be worthy of a look.

Good luck the works dead round the midlands … also you have no experience buddy … approach company’s direct

doing exactly that matey all I get is send us cv we will ring if anything changes basically. Either way I apply for at least 10 firms a week minimum today I rang to 7 different ones all morning

actually go in to the company’s … Don’t ring them bud

alright if that makes the difference I’ll give it a shot got whole day for that 👍

Get your mpqc card then you'll be good to go.

where do you work please

Nationwide platforms, we have depots all over, where are you?

Brownhills by Walsall

we have a depot in

Good luck m8.. I passed my test, 8 months ago. I worked about 1 month, around Christmas. Let me tell you, it ain't easy reversing on a bay. Training providers, must provide, training on a bay not around cones....

Maritime will take on new pass you have to spend a week listening to their driver trainer that know nothing if I was like my trainer who got put into a manual truck and didn't know how to drive it but hey ho.

Fed Ex do as they are asking near Nottingham and openly states on their Indeed advert. I’m based near there and recently passed my Class 2, now going for Class 1 as well. And before anyone starts, did my Class 2 to build confidence and as a back up just in case my Class 1 doesn’t go to plan first time.

A Norfolk trucking firm has gone into administration after it said demand had fallen for haulage services.
Lochace Ltd, trading as the Harleston-based Bomfords Group, will begin winding down today after more than 40 years in business another one, record number of haulage firms going bump since 2020.

All agency work goes a little dead for the first couple months of the new year, I’ve been on agency for nearly 12 years mate it’s normal as nobody is booking holiday time it’ll pick up over the next couple weeks.

They're taking the PISS

feels like that and I was expecting a letter today for when I’m going back in but nothing. I’ve had to start applying just in case

When I started, passed my test, joined 2 or 3 agencies, I took everything they offered me, to start it was usually 1 or 2 days here and there, van work, class 2, class 1 last minute stuff, worked some terrible jobs, drove some terrible trucks, I even worked a class 2 job for nearly 2 years on 8.50 per hour! It all added to the 'experience' companies want. Now I have the experience I get offered good, regular work, with good rates. You just have to go for it, keep at it.

I worked for a tipper company for 2 months
They tried overloading me almost every day told me I would be working direct then when I started I was self employed then 5 of us where off work for a week as they was quiet.
Almost ignored your calls I got fed up and left in the end I would like to go back into it but there's no vacancies in London unless you have a year experience I've only got 2 months experience on class 2 with class 1 licence

I got offered the job at slam, so obviously accepted it, looks a good set up, so looking forward to getting started on my Hgv journey

Dfds pboro looking for drivers

Join an agency bro, I know guys who been on 10 points working through agencies, you might be asked to take out your own insurance as cover. You might not get a cushy gig but you’ll definitely get work pal.

One thing for sure about road transport, if you can get goods from a to b and put up with all the crap associated with doing it there are no prejudices, restrictions, or qualifications (other than passing a medical) that will prevent you. Most operators would happily consider any functional life form human or otherwise, cheaper the better. DVSA would struggle to cope with the concept of more than one head or two arms.
Good luck. Rail is bigger money. Consider the benefits of union membership. Experience sorts the rest out but it won't all be good.

Best bet is agency. Depends where you live. I live in South Wales and there seems to be more drivers than there is jobs at the moment.
TDW who are a fairly decent sized company laid 20 of us off just over a month ago blaming a decline in work from tesco. I was lucky I got a hgv job £2.50 an hour less that what I was getting paid at TDW. I know some ex TDW drivers that have years of experience are still struggling to find something.

Try Smiths Cardiff depot there looking for workers Gloucestershire so might be looking in there Wales depot