Starting out as a LGV Driver
 

Hi

I am a noob here so apologies if this topic has already been covered elsewhere on this forum.

I am currently considering a career change into road haulage and wanted to get the advice of people already in the industry before I commit myself.

There are several schools out there who all seem to offer similar courses lasting a few days costing around £1,100 for a Class C CPC who also act as recruitment agencies. They say there are 30,000 vacancies in the industry and so finding work will be no problem and also tell me a typical wage for someone starting out with a class C is £20-25,000 a year rising to £35,000 with a Class E. They seem to think my age (45) is not against me as I will be cheaper to insure and my location (near the M25 and Gatwick) is ideal.

Obviously this a sales pitch for a course so what is the realistic situation for someone starting out in the haulage industry now?

Thanks in advance

Trevor

Bear in mind that as from Sep 2014, you will also need to have a Driver CPC, as well as your HGV, to drive for hire or reward. Most schools are now doing courses for this, or agencies also have training modules in place. Added expense of course, 5 modules at a cost of around £75 each.
The salaries quoted seem to be about right for your area, but the bulk of "blue chip" companies use an awful lot of agency drivers to save money. If you are in a safe full-time job, think carefully before you leave it. You may be forced to rely on agency work.

So very true. The other big problem, for new drivers, is "No experience=No job. No job=No experience. Getting a licence is the easy part. Getting a start.....................a different thing entirely.

Also, driving can mean more than just a job. It can mean a whole way of life. Depending on what sort of driving job you want.

Staying with the job you are in now and doing the CPC / LGV course in your spare time might be an option. The No experience No job and No job No experience culture is still very much inforce. Then once you have got your licence some weekend work with the agency will get you a foot on the ladder.

I've been a class 1 (C plus E) for 35 years, and if you wan't to be a driver I would encourage you to go for it, but I think Mister B's suggestion is the best way to get into the industry .The wages quoted can be obtained in your area, but only for very experienced drivers with blue chip companies. Bear in mind also shift working, and tramping -away from home all week every week. That said I wouldn't change careers for anything. Good luck if you do go ahead.

Ken