I passed my Class 1 HGV/LGV recently but all the jobs advertised require 2 years experience.?

Question

Has anybody got any information or suggestions on how to get a full time Class 1 job? I am currently with an agency doing Class 2 work in Croydon and am finding it very hard getting any Class 1 work as all I have been offered is doing Class 2 night work then after a period of doing this a trial period doing Class 1 work. Is this the usual / only way into Class 1 work? Are there any firms that will take on new Class 1 drivers? Ideally long term I would like to do Continental work. If anyone could point me in the direction of which firms to approach that also would be much appreciated.
Thanks

Answer 1

As you live in the Croydon area, there are not too many transport companies. Try approaching a company like Superdrug , or Sainsbury at Hackbridge, who always appear to want drivers. If you explain what you are looking for, and agree to stay with them for a set period ,and be willing to be trained up by them with regular driving assessments, you could be just what they are looking for. Usually you are put with a "driver buddy" for a few weeks then once you are "signed off" you are let out on your own - or thats what they do at ASDA. From my experience I passed my class 1, but could only get 7.5 and class 2 work to start with, but an artic job came along , and I havent looked back. Keep knocking on doors, and one day it will come good.
Good luck!!!!

Answer 2

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RE:
I passed my Class 1 HGV/LGV recently but all the jobs advertised require 2 years experience.?
Has anybody got any information or suggestions on how to get a full time Class 1 job? I am currently with an agency doing Class 2 work in Croydon and am finding it very hard getting any Class 1 work as all I have been offered is doing Class 2 night work then after a period of doing this a trial...

Answer 3

Sainsburys Hgv Jobs

Answer 4

My brother had exactly the same problem as you a number of years ago when he first passed his HGV. Then he started doing agency work and never looked back. Register with more than one agency as they are the ones in the know about available jobs. You will probably have to take all the grotty jobs that no-one else wants to start with but, somewhere along the way that will lead to what you are looking for. It worked for my brother, and he was only following my advice as I started agency work when I couldn't get set on anywhere else due to inexperience, and eventually obtained a very plum job!
Is there a company called Innovate down in Croydon? Up here in Chesterfield they are always crying out for HGV drivers so it may be worth your while having a look to see if they have a branch down there.

Answer 5

It is the eternal 'Catch 22' for the newly qualified trucker - you need experience to get a job, but you can't get a job without experience.

I passed my Class 1 (as it was then) almost 20 years ago and it was the same problem. All you can do is keep on trying. Get in touch with every haulier and road transport firm in your area - someone WILL eventually take you on.

Your first employer may not be the best paid truck driving job (or the best trucks...), but it will gain you the vital experience you need.

Good luck - Britain needs more lorry drivers!

Answer 6

Nightmare !
Try some of the firms that advertise locally to pay to put you through your test with some sort of tie in.

They normally have a high turnover rate after the tie in period ends so are looking for new drivers. Also they are used to having newly passed drivers with little or no experience.
Hope this helps, Good luck !

Answer 7

I'd say you're lucky to get a trial period, most employers in many lines of business offer no such thing.