How can I become a HGV driver's assistant?

[JonnyBoy12]

As you all know I am considering becoming an HGV driver, but can not do this due to lack of funding at the moment. I am led to believe that some abnormal loads have to have, by law, a driver's mate or assistant, and was wondering if I could become one of those. What qualifications would they have to have, and how do I become one? Can you tell me the name of any haulage firms which would employ such a person?

Thanks in advance for any replies.

[arwyn]

Join the T.A they teach you for free and pay you.

[arwyn]

How about a job delivering peoples shopping ,, say for asda or something, then apply to be a drivers mate on their H.G.V.s.
I cant see the wage being much until you get on the biggins like.

[pink-kittens]

Bit late really but my ex found work as an HGV driver (newly qualified) by opening the Yellow Pages and calling every single haulage company and employment agency - it worked.

And how can anyone here point you to a firm who may hire drivers mates when we have no idea what county you live in??

[boxtops]

Google Hauliers and your local area, you should find a list of companies in your patch, ring them up and ask them.

I don't know what sort of demand there would be for the job you describe - my OH is a driver and anytime he's gone out with a second man, it's because they are both licensed to drive that class of vehicle, one takes over from the other when he needs a break.

You can drive quite large vehicles on your normal driving licence - it might a good idea to get a job doing that first, to make sure that you like the life. It's not for everyone, many nights away from home unless you are on local multidrop-type jobs.

[saxy_jag]

I have to tell you these jobs are very few and far between, not the least because heavy haulage, because that's what this is, is in decline. Other than that, drivers just don't have mates. Also, that natural progression from mate to trainee driver hasn't been there for many years - my husband drove in the 1970s and 1980s and it was virtually non-existent then.

What you could do is look for work as a van driver (although it's not brilliantly paid) through agencies, as Eddie suggests, or get yourself some warehouse work and let them train you on forklifts. My son doesn't have a driving licence, but makes a good living loading up lorries with a forklift.

You're unlikely to find an employer who'll train you. Your only option is to see if you can afford to take out some sort of loan and get yourself trained. Then it's back to the agencies to get yourself some experience.