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ARE YOU THINKING OF BECOMING A CONTRACTED OWNER-DRIVER?
Page 43
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Here are some points to consider...
• if you haven't driven tippers before, get some experience as an employed driver (perhaps with an agency)to see if you like the life.
• Talk to contracted drivers from as many firms as possible about their experiences.
• Consider how to structure your business; a limited company could protect your home in the event of bankruptcy.
• Check the small print on the contract carefully-get a legal professional to help if you're not sure about anything. Check that there is a mechanism for adjusting rates to rising fuel prices. Check the payment times. Consider your cash flow. Check the get-out clauses for both sides.
• Tipping work can be very hard on a vehicle and ifs you who will have to answer to Vosa.
• You'll need a CPC as well as an LGV and many drivers also do evening classes in small business management. Who's going to do the paperwork?
• Is there work available for you to employ a driver and double-shift to increase your profits?
• Do you really need those expensive lig htbars and airhans?
• Log onto the Owner-Operators forum at TruckNet UK(www.trucknetuk.com) to ask questions and get advice. The wagons, particularly the cabs, are vastly improved and increasingly automated. The sites are as rough and dirty as ever and pay and conditions vary substantially around the country.
Most jobs don't involve nights out, which is a loss of potential income, though many big motorway contracts require night or weekend work. There are opportunities to become an owner-driverbut caveat emptor. With many large quarries and pits demanding certificated safety training before they'll let you on, tipper drivers' skills are increasing. It's down to drivers to look after the trucks and behave professionally.