haggis Posted February 1, 2012 Report Share Posted February 1, 2012 Was thinking of learning to drive class 2 to add another feather to my cap. What's a good area to get into tippers bulk or multi drop etc? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve177 Posted February 1, 2012 Report Share Posted February 1, 2012 Haggis, There will be plenty of work around Thurrock/Basildon area come the summer, but after Christmas the driving game is dead on its wheels. I have me class 1, with experience in night trunking, but at the moment i am having to drive class 2 doing multi drop around east, and west sussex. Not complaing as its what i have to do to earn money. I would say go for it, but be prepared to work long hours, and for not a lot of money, or thanks for what you do. And you will have to take your cpc before 2014 as well HTH Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WelshLamb Posted February 1, 2012 Report Share Posted February 1, 2012 Theres loads of class 2 drivers about. Mostly because no one wants to shell out the extra for class 1. Just get your class 1. but you'll be hard pushed to find a job with no experience anyway. Even the agencies want 2 yrs experience. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the last engineer Posted February 1, 2012 Report Share Posted February 1, 2012 curious as to what is a CPC ?? anyone please?? Martin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WelshLamb Posted February 1, 2012 Report Share Posted February 1, 2012 its another way that the european govt can screw an extra few million out of the haulage industry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bakerboy Posted February 1, 2012 Report Share Posted February 1, 2012 (edited) curious as to what is a CPC ?? anyone please?? Martin. certificate of proffessional competence. You earn it over 5 year period, 7 hours each year, and as I understand, it is almost impossible fail, it also comes with Grandfather rights if have been driving for a number of years, but then renewable /retest every 5 years from 2014 . You can also take the 35 hours training all in one go at the end of the 5 year period, but of course, before the date expires. Please correct me if I am incorrect, it is a little while since I worked in a transport enviroment and this was just coming in as I retired. ps not to be compared with the CPC required to be held by transport managers/companies on hire and reward Edited February 1, 2012 by bakerboy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the last engineer Posted February 1, 2012 Report Share Posted February 1, 2012 certificate of proffessional competence. You earn it over 5 year period, 7 hours each year, and as I understand, it is almost impossible fail, it also comes with Grandfather rights if have been driving for a number of years, but then renewable /retest every 5 years from 2014 . You can also take the 35 hours training all in one go at the end of the 5 year period, but of course, before the date expires. Please correct me if I am incorrect, it is a little while since I worked in a transport enviroment and this was just coming in as I retired. ps not to be compared with the CPC required to be held by transport managers/companies on hire and reward thanks buddy, thats what i was looking for, i was kinda thinking along the transport managers licence idea, i sat that back in the 80's for my trucking back in Bristol, figured it must be a kinda modern day version Martin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
haggis Posted February 1, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 1, 2012 Had a price of £1100 for class 2 how much mores class1 do you think same again? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simondt Posted February 1, 2012 Report Share Posted February 1, 2012 If you are after class 1, go with a trainer that has a set up that just puts trailer onto class 2 truck. Passed mine this way a good few years ago, was i feel easier and you are used to the same unit. As has been said expect long hours, low pay (thanks to the migrant workers) and being treated like scum from everyone on the road. Thank god im out of it, you could have my class 1 entitlement if you could. oh, nearly forgot get used to the phrase "just nip" as the boss will use it constantly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WelshLamb Posted February 2, 2012 Report Share Posted February 2, 2012 anyone who thinks driving trucks is 'just a job' really has no idea, IMHO. I work on the continent, in an artic 6 days a week. Its not just a job, its a lifestlye. My long term partner broke up with me over my 'job' as I was never home... He left me and shacked up with a fat bird - another thread altogether. My life is pretty much governed by bl00dy tachograph hours . Anything I want to do, I have to plan around my work... However, ever since I can remember all I have ever wanted to do is drive a truck (have been to Uni, got my degree/MSc etc) 00 I take home on average, £500-650 a week. If I'm having a BAD week, its about £400 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ME Posted February 2, 2012 Report Share Posted February 2, 2012 Think of all the Yorkies, full English breakfasts and being able to overtake on a dual carriageway REALLY slowly at 56.5MPH for miles. I would do it just for that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
haggis Posted February 2, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 2, 2012 Think of all the Yorkies, full English breakfasts and being able to overtake on a dual carriageway REALLY slowly at 56.5MPH for miles. I would do it just for that deffo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
haggis Posted February 2, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 2, 2012 Welshlamb --Sorry to hear about your partner leaving you. I work in a garage that makes people redundant all the time and then employs someone else 3 months later when busy or puts us on a 4 day week I wanted something to fall back on just incase the golden finger points at me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaun4860 Posted February 2, 2012 Report Share Posted February 2, 2012 (edited) anyone who thinks driving trucks is 'just a job' really has no idea, IMHO. I work on the continent, in an artic 6 days a week. Its not just a job, its a lifestlye. My long term partner broke up with me over my 'job' as I was never home... He left me and shacked up with a fat bird - another thread altogether. My life is pretty much governed by bl00dy tachograph hours . Anything I want to do, I have to plan around my work... However, ever since I can remember all I have ever wanted to do is drive a truck (have been to Uni, got my degree/MSc etc) 00 I take home on average, £500-650 a week. If I'm having a BAD week, its about £400 *sits and waits* Think of all the Yorkies, full English breakfasts and being able to overtake on a dual carriageway REALLY slowly at 56.5MPH for miles. I would do it just for that Slander !...slander i say!!! (class 1 licence holder ) Edited February 2, 2012 by shaun4860 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the last engineer Posted February 2, 2012 Report Share Posted February 2, 2012 Think of all the Yorkies, full English breakfasts and being able to overtake on a dual carriageway REALLY slowly at 56.5MPH for miles. I would do it just for that Ithought Yorkies were "NOT FOR GIRLS" something change in the years i've been gone,,,,,, women truck drivers ? whatever next...... Martin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
haggis Posted February 2, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 2, 2012 What about if I had my own lorry? What sort would you go for flat bed with hiab? Tipper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WelshLamb Posted February 3, 2012 Report Share Posted February 3, 2012 Mate just don't bother. There's easier and cheaper ways to earn a living Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
haggis Posted February 3, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 3, 2012 Thought containers would be good to get into Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thunderbird Posted February 3, 2012 Report Share Posted February 3, 2012 As far as I'm aware the least popular work is multi drop, so why not look for an agency who has that type of work but also has a scheme to put you through your class 2 then class one. Despite what some might say not all agencies are thieving, lying shameless con men, just like not all LGV drivers are fat, lazy, opinionated, bloody minded, pedantic road-hogging..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Sweepy Posted February 3, 2012 Report Share Posted February 3, 2012 If you like your home comforts, Dont do it If you like to spend time with your famliy,Dont do it If you like to know what your doing from one day to the next, Dont do it And if you still want a marriage at the end of it, Dont do it. Your relationship with your partner will always come second to being on the roads I found that out on my Honeymoon Their are so many drivers out off work at the mo.Firms really can pick out the cream of the crop. To have a decent wage,You really do have to give up on having a home life and the spare time you have for shooting xxxxSuzy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leeds chimp Posted February 3, 2012 Report Share Posted February 3, 2012 I was a driver's mate for 3 weeks with an agency and I could not hack it in the end...traffic jams, sleeping over in the cab. working to that stupid tach meter and all the rest of it.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ME Posted February 3, 2012 Report Share Posted February 3, 2012 (edited) What about if I had my own lorry? What sort would you go for flat bed with hiab? Tipper Then you could join the hordes of owner drivers that call our office every day looking for loads. No joke, I get about 50-60 emails A DAY from hauliers with empty trucks. You will also find that your one truck is never in the right place in the country. Have one prang or puncture and that's a few weeks or days money gone. If you have money to invest and no skills I would look at a small franchise. This morning I had the wheels refurbed on my Sport by Chips Away (franchise), Mrs ME has her oven cleaned by a franchise man, our dog is groomed by a mobile dog grooming lady who has a franchise. There are some good, some bad, but at least you are your own boss and it is a proven business model. Edited February 3, 2012 by ME Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobt Posted February 3, 2012 Report Share Posted February 3, 2012 As far as I'm aware the least popular work is multi drop, so why not look for an agency who has that type of work but also has a scheme to put you through your class 2 then class one. Despite what some might say not all agencies are thieving, lying shameless con men, just like not all LGV drivers are fat, lazy, opinionated, bloody minded, pedantic road-hogging..... you forgot murdering prozzies :unsure: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thunderbird Posted February 3, 2012 Report Share Posted February 3, 2012 Their are so many drivers out off work at the mo.Firms really can pick out the cream of the crop. To be fair that depends on where you are in the UK. Class 2's are always very welcome in certain places I know of round here. you forgot murdering prozzies :unsure: D'oh! I did...sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
haggis Posted February 3, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 3, 2012 Maybe I should start my own garage that does recover Maybe I should start my own garage that does recover Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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