HGV Trucker Life: My Journey as a Tramper - What I've Learned so Far!

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  • Опубліковано 5 січ 2025

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  • @alexwild4350
    @alexwild4350 Рік тому +10

    I'm a van driver that aspired to 7.5 ton work. I drive 250 miles every day, up at 2 am, wheels up from home for 3:30 am, home for around 2pm. I carry mouth wash and tooth brush because if there is one thing that slips due being up later than I planned, its brushing teeth. I have a favourite lay by south bound on the A20 that I stop in for a brush up daily. I've found this video very helpful as I still aspire to HGV and Tramping appeals to me as a lifestyle. I'm single, live on my own, enjoy my own company, want the money. The divorce went through years ago, the kids have their own careers now, and I am free of drama and trouble for being single. I've subscribed.

  • @Kevin-ir7hi
    @Kevin-ir7hi Рік тому +5

    Great, informative and honest video Billy, I was looking at getting my CE license as a backup to wanting to become a mobile crane operator, but upon my resettlement package upon leaving the army, I did my CE, passed yesterday actually, I’ve been bitten by the bug, absolutely loved it, so, I’ll be 100% doing this as my new career, tramping is ideal for me as long hours and working away is no problem for me as the misses is used to it and supporting of my choice. Just got to get the CPC modules out of the way next week then I’ll be begging everyone for a job, if I see you on the road drive, I’ll get you a brew.

    • @billyhgvuk
      @billyhgvuk  Рік тому

      Congratulations buddy. Well done. See you on the road sometime 👍

  • @bengodfrey-lj7ti
    @bengodfrey-lj7ti Рік тому +4

    Would love to see a video about pay. Considering going into this for a while to save money so some first hand experience about pay would be a great video

  • @paulgillan7622
    @paulgillan7622 20 днів тому +1

    Another great vlog pal 👍🏻

  • @richarddenton2251
    @richarddenton2251 Рік тому +2

    I have been Tramping General Haulage for 4 weeks now and agree with your comments. The point you made about other road users really resonates, the amount of idiots that try to shorten their lives in front of me has been astounding. My learning curve has been steep but as you say General Haulage gains you a lot of experience very quickly. My biggest hurdle has been planning my time. Always give yourself more time than you think you will need. Keep up the good work Billy.

  • @djharry2821
    @djharry2821 Рік тому +1

    I had the Kenalog injection for my hayfever this year and it's the best thing I've ever done! I would normally have to take triple the advised dose of anti histamines and then suffer from awful drowsiness because of it. I've only had to take a couple of pills this year so far.

  • @andymorris15
    @andymorris15 8 місяців тому +1

    Cheers for the really useful video! Drive safe

  • @sivakumars1712
    @sivakumars1712 Рік тому +1

    Very useful advise ( post the 15th minute 😊)

  • @garryroylegr
    @garryroylegr 8 місяців тому +1

    Thanks for your video it was really helpful

  • @barrybrown2741
    @barrybrown2741 Рік тому +1

    Good video, Billy. 👍

  • @hooser-u8k
    @hooser-u8k 2 місяці тому +1

    I wanted to be a trucker bur not strong enough. Now i have a mobility scootrt

  • @andyflukes5078
    @andyflukes5078 Рік тому +2

    Hi Billy great video, is it possible you could touch more on tramping wages plz, and possibly additional overtime on weekends plz, got my cpc and practical in 2 weeks time thanks mate

    • @Tom_Tabbing
      @Tom_Tabbing Рік тому

      Crap well most of the companies

    • @Nickbaldeagle02
      @Nickbaldeagle02 Рік тому

      I'll tell you. Tramping wages are nowhere near enough.

  • @rickreid8572
    @rickreid8572 Рік тому +1

    Stopping shiftwork should sort out the hayfever

  • @RobertPersonalTrainerTrucker
    @RobertPersonalTrainerTrucker Рік тому +1

    Hey Billy some hay fever tips : local honey and lemon , Vaseline under nose and eyelids , get to the ocean , Fasting

    • @billyhgvuk
      @billyhgvuk  Рік тому

      Thanks Robert. Will try this 👍

  • @planet231
    @planet231 Рік тому +1

    Question I have when I see work like this, does the company keep you on 48 hours average? and the 90 hours fortnight rule if you do a lot of 12 and 15 hour shifts plus overtime. Is that why they say to use rest/poa a lot of the time to keep within the limit? I'm working for a bigger firm on set runs and they control the shifts to within 8 or 9 hours to keep you on average but not sure how it works for the general haulage side of things, Incase you get pulled over etc. Thank you for the video.

  • @stevethepug6035
    @stevethepug6035 Рік тому +1

    I was thinking about doing my class 1 alone side my full time job as a joiner. I think I would struggle with the long waiting times getting loaded and unloaded. I struggle with having 30mins lunch sat in the van 😂

  • @Mo_al_momin
    @Mo_al_momin Рік тому +2

    I’ve been doing class 1 tramping, the reality is that it’s a lonely job 😅 gonna stick to it for couple more months then try to go on just days. Will lose a bit of money but at least I can go home ATEOTD

  • @laszlobalogh114
    @laszlobalogh114 Рік тому +1

    Informative video thank you! I get my class1 licence last summer and tramping in the EU since then. Now I am back in the UK and looking for a tramping job. Any advise where should I start? Indeed, LinkedIn, Totaljob, FB? All the advertised hourly rate is before or after tax? Is there any chance to take my wife with me as a passenger? (luckily I could do it at my previous workplace)

    • @billyhgvuk
      @billyhgvuk  Рік тому

      Best of luck! With regards to wages etc… it’s difficult to say as everyone will be on a varied of rates. The money is good with tramping as that’s what I do. I went through the agency with mainstream who I did my training with. However, I just applied through companies directly or gave the company direct call for a chat. I didn’t use any social media for work. Just my personal experience. Hope that helps buddy 👍

  • @GoLunaApp
    @GoLunaApp Рік тому +1

    Great video, I've been dithering over taking my the class 1. I'd be totally up for tramping, but post qualification, most jobs are asking for 12 month experience. I understand the reasons, but how do we get that experience?

    • @billyhgvuk
      @billyhgvuk  Рік тому

      Best of luck with your class 1 if you decide to go for it. Tramping it great, but is part of a lifestyle more than anything else. Companies do look for experience, however, there are companies that will give you an opportunity. So if you want my advice, go for your class 1 👍

    • @thetraveller869
      @thetraveller869 Рік тому

      Agencies are great for experience. When I re-started my driving career having done 12 years in the bus and coach world, back in 2007 I registered with 3 different agencies and tried to get as many different types of work as I could. I did my ADR licence and delivered LPG, drove 7.5 ton, class2, class1, vans and anything I was asked. During the 2008 period when any work was difficult to find, I worked no less than 3 days every week. I spoke to other drivers who were moaning about not having any income. When I reminded them there was Class2 work available they were indignant and said, 'I'm Class 1!' I thought you're a mug is what you are. I'm class1 too and earning enough to get by because I'm not too proud to work at what was required. The agency recognised my willingness too which also helped.
      Eventually I got a full-time position with a local company and was home every night. Then - like Mum - went to Iceland. Not the country! Finished up as a night driver doing deliveries after stores had closed, so dealing with alarms etc but working as a team with another truck and driver. Paid extra for the responsibility so the pension grew nicely. My last salary put me just under £40,000 a year. Now retired 3 years in September.

  • @mrsbaylocksvideoemporium9621
    @mrsbaylocksvideoemporium9621 3 місяці тому +1

    Thanks for the info. I’m thinking of giving up a professional job for this life. I know I will be happier out on the road 🛣️ on my own with the open road and the podcasts seeing the country and being out at night. How likely is it that I can get my license and become a tramper as soon as possible in order to earn the most money? I currently earn £50k but my job is killing my soul. Any advice would be warmly appreciated. Thank you

    • @billyhgvuk
      @billyhgvuk  3 місяці тому

      Hi 👋, the job is demanding just like most of the industry I would say. You will can get your license within a week if you do your training. (Most are within a week). With regard to seeing the country, you will see a lot of you become a tramper doing class 1 haulage. (Like myself), Money wise. As a tramper you should clear £50k if you work the hours and work for a good company that look after there drivers. I can’t speak for every company. Good luck with it whatever you decide buddy. It’s a job for life if you want it. Drivers are always needed. 👍

    • @mrsbaylocksvideoemporium9621
      @mrsbaylocksvideoemporium9621 3 місяці тому +1

      @@billyhgvuk thanks mate appreciate it. So would I be able to get into tramping straightaway to get to £50k or do I have to do class 2 runs for a couple of years? I’m willing to put my heart and soul into it

    • @billyhgvuk
      @billyhgvuk  3 місяці тому

      @@mrsbaylocksvideoemporium9621 contact @mainstream and they provide a Bootcamp trailing service where you can go straight into Class 1 (if they still provide that training) But you can do class 2 first, get experience, then move onto class 1. It’s up to you 👍

  • @kubaprzybyla6440
    @kubaprzybyla6440 10 місяців тому +1

    Are you allowed to take a passenger with you if i choose to work as a Tramper?

  • @deanmacartney7111
    @deanmacartney7111 4 місяці тому +1

    Good info especially hygiene. Hope some of mingers in industry watch & take note.😂😂

  • @kevinsallows9709
    @kevinsallows9709 Рік тому +1

    Hi Billy Iam doing my hgvclass 1 next month, any tips?

    • @billyhgvuk
      @billyhgvuk  Рік тому +1

      Stay focused. Listen, and have an open mind with your training. Good luck with it 👍

  • @Billy_W
    @Billy_W Рік тому +1

    What does live load mean?

    • @billyhgvuk
      @billyhgvuk  Рік тому +2

      It means when you get to a collection point and they load you right away.

  • @ZippyPenguinTribute
    @ZippyPenguinTribute Рік тому +3

    Kin ell, thought Deady was back from the dead! If you know you know!! 10% 🤣

  • @TangoEchoAlphaUK
    @TangoEchoAlphaUK Рік тому +2

    Hi Billy, been watching your videos for a while, am I right in thinking you are ex-armed forces? Would you say that your previous service was looked upon favourably when searching for jobs and going for interviews?

    • @billyhgvuk
      @billyhgvuk  Рік тому +1

      Hiya. Yes, I’m ex armed forces. I was would say “yes.” It was looked upon. But when I did get an interview I made sure I done my research and stood out from the rest 👍

    • @TangoEchoAlphaUK
      @TangoEchoAlphaUK Рік тому +1

      @@billyhgvuk Thanking you Sir :)

  • @barryoconnor2392
    @barryoconnor2392 Рік тому +3

    I've been tramping for the past 15months and hate it,unfortunately I've fallen into the money trap that comes with it ,that £500pm tax free you get is too much to lose out on,its a bit of a vicious circle lol ,you have no life monday to Friday 🤣

  • @Private-gy8nk
    @Private-gy8nk Рік тому +1

    Ive read through the comments on here & a lot of the drivers ask about what the wages are like being a tramper.
    Im an ex truck driver & was a tramper all over Europe & the wages had nothing to do with the job.
    Tramping is a lifestyle choice the money wasnt important if the wages are important get yourself on fuel tankers ive done both & the job i most enjoyed was being a tramper, but if your worried about wages drive fuel tankers but you wont get the same satisfaction out of the job.
    If you dont like your own company & hate being on your own tramping aint for U...

    • @billyhgvuk
      @billyhgvuk  Рік тому

      Some very good points here 👍 100% agree! Tramping is a lifestyle.

    • @lucasart328
      @lucasart328 2 місяці тому

      whats wrong with fuel tankers?

    • @Private-gy8nk
      @Private-gy8nk 11 днів тому

      @@lucasart328 There’s nothing wrong with fuel tankers , I did the last 16 years of my working life on fuel tankers ,but when your young & keen & if you want a bit of variety tramping is a good job .
      On fuel tankers it’s a bit boring as your just doing the same sites week in week out & it’s all shift work , you will be working days ,nights & weekends all depends what shift your on , as the trucks are working 24 hrs , 7 days a week.
      Also on fuel tankers it’s a job were you don’t want to get complacent or rushing about ,or cutting corners , you basically have to treat every day as though it’s your 1st time out after being trained as I’ve seen many drivers start rushing about & often end up making mistakes.
      So if your a driver who is only concerned about how much money you get a week get your self on tankers as its an easy job the only down side are the shifts.

  • @Eagle-eagle1
    @Eagle-eagle1 8 місяців тому +1

    How the devil are we made me laugh funny guy 👌🏻

  • @peterotway-fd7oy
    @peterotway-fd7oy 11 місяців тому +1

    whot about foods doo you eat at services all the time

    • @billyhgvuk
      @billyhgvuk  11 місяців тому +1

      No. I prepare my own food on a Sunday, then take it to work. I occasionally have a takeaway at the services 😊

  • @fasttrackblastback8286
    @fasttrackblastback8286 Рік тому +1

    Can you bring a pet tramping? I want a dog, you see.

    • @billyhgvuk
      @billyhgvuk  Рік тому +1

      Depends who you work for. I’ve seen drivers do it but not many.

  • @Nickbaldeagle02
    @Nickbaldeagle02 Рік тому +1

    You couldn't pay me enough to go tramping. £70 grand? Not enough, sorry.

    • @Eagle-eagle1
      @Eagle-eagle1 8 місяців тому +1

      I’ll give u 71k and a bag of pepa pigs a week

  • @glynatmore1817
    @glynatmore1817 Рік тому +2

    Tramp is what you will be.
    Thats why its called tramping.
    Not for me & due to a marriage breakup last March im currently not driving lorrys & to be honest I don't dam well miss it.

  • @wesleywatson9514
    @wesleywatson9514 Рік тому +1

    GUYS STAY AWAY FROM THE WAGONS. ITS NOT WORTH IT . BELEIVE ME

    • @barrybrown2741
      @barrybrown2741 Рік тому +1

      Believe you? You have made no justification as to why.

    • @DanT994
      @DanT994 Рік тому +2

      'hates the job so much he spends his spare time watching hgv videos on youtube'

    • @Jimmy-lb1yc
      @Jimmy-lb1yc 5 місяців тому

      @@DanT994 Haha belter reply that is