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Is it worth hanging on?
Page 9
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Brian Weatherley recounts tales of woe from two hardcore hauliers. If we can't hang onto guys like these, he fears there are dark days ahead for the industry as a whole
Shocked that I might be about to lose a couple of good mates I asked if they were thinking of getting out from under. They were both genuinely surprised by my question. One exclaimed: "It's not that I WANT to get out— it's just that the job's got so many hassles in 'it that it's no fun any more."
I'm not convinced. With the right offer I reckon both would run laughing all the way to the bank —which would be a great loss to the industry. We need decent operators like them.
Not surprisingly, they were sick and tired of politicians, the Working Time Directive, poor rates, and illegal competition, but neither of them could fairly be described as a moaner. And when 'good guys' like these become de-motivated things must really be serious.
Mind you, not everyone's unhappy with their lot. According to the recruitment agency Manpower: "Employment prospects within the driving sector are particularly buoyant... this is largely driven by the skills shortage and the increasing demand for good quality drivers. The implementation of the VVTD has led to a surge in demand." So if you're a decent wheelman and want to play the field the world's looking distinctly rosy.
The thing is, if we can't keep operators like my two mates happy somehow I can't see there being much of a future for anyone in this business, and that includes drivers.