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Moto& Does someone in the industry deserve a pat on the back, or a dressing down? Drop us a line at Commercial Motor, Room11203, Quadrant House, The Quadrant, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5AS or fax us on 0181652 8969. Alternatively you can e-mail Miles.Brignall*rhi.co.uk.
WHAT ARE WE DOING IT ron?
Although I have written to CM previously, I felt I must reply to Michael Thorogood's comments in your Sound Off column ( CM2-8 December).
As an HGV driver with 20 years unbroken service to the industry, I don't think I fall into the category of someone who doesn't care about it So how has the industry rewarded me for my enthusiasm? I'll tell you. Having finally cleared the first obstacle of "no experience...no job...no experience", when I finally started out I happily accepted those 3am starts on freezing mornings, together with all the other lousy jobs reserved for the junior ranks.
At the time I felt this would be a price worth paying on the climb to "better things". In my case, the "goal" was a decent wagon, international work and 8 decent wage. Not too much to ask after 20 years.
Well, Mr Thorogood, it never happened. Now even the owner-driver route is closing, through ridiculous 0-licence requirements.
Perhaps Mr Thorogood
could explain why anyone with any sense would want to go through all the training and provide the levels of commitment which he is looking for, just to spend their whole driving career on urban shop deliveries and/or airfreight. Drivers who "don't really care" are all this industry deserves. Name and address supplied.