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PROUD TO EIE A FREELANCER
Page 21
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I am an agency driver and proud of it, and write in connection with the feature 'Using Agencies Wisely (CM2430 July). I am also a professional driver with a national and international CPC.
I have a licence for driving a lorry-mounted crane, fork truck, and ADR for all classes apart from radioactive. I take pride in my work, and try to do my best whichever company I am working for.
I have over 40 years experience of driving and loading of all kinds: explosives, cattle, tippers, general haulage both home and on the Continent, The company I work for is well appointed and professional in its approach to its customer base.
Agency drivers have to be flexible, as you can get shifts day or night. A lot of the time it is rubbish work using rubbish trucks—and there are a lot of them about that regular drivers don't want.
Some places you go to, it is as if you are something that is stuck to the sole of someone's shoe, but not in every company; in others, you are treated as one of their own.
Some company drivers do the damage then try to blame the agency driver. I find if you do any damage, you have to own up to it and take the flack. You find some company men think you should not be there and let you know, while others treat you with a bit of respect and try to help if you ask them anything.
Sometimes you get a key and notes left somewhere and you should know where everything is and where every drop is, where to get fuel, etc— but you have to be a mind reader with some firms. You have to know where the driver keeps his tacho cards and have found them in some funny places. I find it better to carry my own, then I can be ready to go.
Agency drivers are getting a better deal now with most agencies giving guaranteed hours, and now we have come into line with holidays.
Agencies are like haulage companies: if you have good men, look after them, or they will move on.
One company I work for you have to fill in a disclaimer before you start, stating when you last worked and you have to have your tachos to prove it; they also check your driving licence every six months.
I think the University of Huddersfield has a thing about agency drivers—I think they don't like them.
The company which charges another for poaching a driver would be hard pressed to make it stick in a court; if a man wants to change his job, I would think it is up to him.
J Nelson Kendal Cumbria