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Craig Sheer, freelance truck journalist and a TruckNet member from
Page 15
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its early days, looks at what's happening in the online trucking community this week.
We start off this week's round-up with a visit to the Euro Driving forum. Although European work is much less commonplace for British drivers than even half a decade ago, the occasional trip still arises for the willing driver.
One member shared his experiences of an inaugural trip over the water with an excellent photo diary chronicling his run the previous week to Italy with a load of shellfish. Thankfully the trip went well as he had wisely picked up plenty of tips from the Continental old hands — and he sounded like he was raring to set off again.
Investing in LGV training is still relatively expensive and one post in the New and Wan nabe Drivers forum asked members to recommend a training school. Not a bad idea, and one that should help aspiring drivers to avoid spending their money on inefficient training. Cowboys, watch out!
Not much escapes the attention of TruckNet's contributors, so when a job advert for Britain's best known haulier appeared in one of the red tops last week there was the usual healthy discussion over working conditions, and just how much a driver could expect to earn while working for Steady Eddie'. One of the main queries revolved around the 'own motor' clause, and whether the truck would be used while the driver was taking his weekly rest break. Understandably more than a few of the contributors saw this as a potential problem, especially if the vehicle was left in a poor state by a relief driver or personal items were interfered with.
In the same Professional Drivers forum, opinions varied regarding what could truly be classed as long-distance work. With less Continental work available, one contributor reckoned "long-distance is a run where you can't get there in a nine (hour) shift", while others spoke of doing 600 to 800km a day and still getting home at night.
Why not add your thoughts on these and the many other hot topics? Go to www.trucknetuk.com and regIster free to have your say.
Rikki Chequer is back next week...