Which is the best firm for employing Trade Platers in the United Kingdom?

[JonnyBoy12]

I am currently looking for work in the U.K. and have been told that for a single person like myself, who likes driving, the profession of Trade Plater is a good one. I have, however, heard very conflicting reports of the rates of pay. I used to work for one firm many moons ago, which shall remain nameless, and think I was on less than the minimum wage, considering the hours I worked. Are any of you helpful ABers currently Trade Platers, and if so with which company, and how much do you earn?

I currently hold a PCV licence, as well as HGV 2, and live in the West Midlands area of the United Kingdom. I, of course, have a mobile phone, and am ready to start work inside of a week. I understand some firms require drivers to hitchhike using Trade Plates, which is not a problem. Some other firms also want drivers to take prestige vehicles to the Continent, and then fly back by plane at their expense, which is also not a problem. I am willing to do any type of work in this country, as well.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

[Buenchico]

I used to work for United Fleet Distribution and, like you, found that I was earning well below the National Minimum Wage. However I was based in East Anglia, with long hitches (typically 100 miles +) between each job. UFD's drivers in the West Midlands seemed to get a great deal more work, and make reasonable money:
http://www.unitedflee...html/new_driver.shtml

I've heard that Helphire is a reasonable firm to work for:
http://www.helphiregr...ices/roles_available/

Chris