COME OFF IT
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• Recently a number of letters has appeared in Commercial Motor, as well as other publications, from drivers who lack experience in roping and sheeting, route planning, tachographs and so on. The writers bemoan the fact that no firm is prepared to "give them a chance".
In the past few weeks, our company has taken on half-adozen new drivers whose collective experience and knowledge has been minimal. Extra time has been spent by "time-served" drivers in training these new recruits with a view to long-term employment. Yet only one has managed to stay more than a fortnight! The others have left voluntarily, for a variety of reasons: 1 "My girlfriend doesn't like me having to rope and sheet."
2 "I want to drive a proper lorry, not a flat."
3 (after abandoning a load in the yard) "I had a bad night with the kids — I think we'd better forget it."
4 "I know I booked six hours between eight o'clock and midday on Saturday, but they are honest hours and I want paying for them."
I am sure the lads who write to you complaining of the lack of opportunities are keen and hard-working, but frankly, if other hauliers have shared our experiences, is it any wonder that all inexperienced drivers are tarred with the same brush?
Alun Thomas
Wrigley's Transport Ltd Stamford Lincolnshire