Londoner Russell Davies explains why he gave up his full-time job to become an agency driver,
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and offers some hot tips if you want to do the same.
'A good agency will back you up if you are being reasonable'
If you're just starting out, want to return to lorry driving, are doing something else and want to keep your hand in, or are just fed up with the same old boss and the same old route, why not try working for an agency?
I've been working for agencies for over 1 2 years now and on the whole I've found it worthwhile and interesting. I get paid the going rate and I'm appreciated—which, after working for a normal boss, makes a refreshing change. In fact I just gave up my full-time job to go back to agency work. Though I may not be making quite as much money, the flexibility and freedom that I have compensates for this. I work when I want to, four or five days a week. If I wanted to go on holiday tomorrow all it would take would be a telephone call, and although they might not be ecstatic, I wouldn't expect any grief. When I came back another telephone call would get me work, with a bit of luck, the very next day. Finding an agency to work for couldn't be easier: most local high streets will hove poster-encrusted windows advertising "HGV drivers needed now".
It doesn't hurt to try your local agencies first. In my experience everything depends on the controllers and the work they have. As the agencies are constantly competing, things change quickly. Sign up for a few and see who offers you work first—and what type of work they can give you.
Some agencies specialise in long-term contracts (weeks or months) while others have more day-to-day work. A car and mobile phone are really useful, but you can work without them.
When you get to the job, be sure to check out the vehicle. I've been amazed by the state that some drivers let their vehicles get into, but no matter; as soon as you drive that vehicle on to the road you are responsible for it, so make sure it works.
If you find any problems, tell the manager of the firm you've been sent to. IF he tries to convince you to take out a defective vehicle, talk to your controller. He's there (as for as I'm concerned) to take the flak from poor employers so that you don't have to. If the agency tries to convince you to take the vehicle out as well, then you've joined a bad agency and you should leave it.
A good agency will back you up, as long as you're being reasonable, and if the firm can't offer you another vehicle, a decent agency will make sure you get paid for your wasted day. Working for an agency is a good way to 'get experience. If you've just passed your test, an agency may take you on as a light van driver and then move you up to a lorry when they're sure of you. You can also check out different types of work until you find something that suits you. It isn't for everybody but I prefer it, and if you can find a good agency maybe you would too. It certainly hasn't got the element of job security, but what do you wont—a job for life?
• If you want to sound off about a road transport issue write to features editor Patric Cunnane or fax your views (up to 600 words) to Nicky Clarke on 0181 652 8912.