How much profit is there hauling timber?

[Riggerbear]

I've just read this thread from start to finish.

I used to have 2 trucks when I lived in the southeast ( 7.5 & 10 ton ) carrying out my arb works. I've also done some artic work hauling various trailers for others in their tractor units.

As far as I'm concerned Nick is welcome to the money he earns, dealing with vosa, applying for your o license, paying for it, having your 6 or 8 week checks done and paying for them, paying for somewhere safe to keep your trucks and putting fuel in them ain't cheap and can be hassle.

As regards to the people moaning the tacho rules and hours, wait until you've done a bit of this type of work and then see what you say then.

[shooterjim]

We all know drivers play the rules and regs set up to make the roads safer. Fact of life! The problems arise when people make it common knowledge on a public forum. You don't know who may be on a forum looking! I'd recommend getting this thread removed!

[nick channer]

We all know drivers play the rules and regs set up to make the roads safer. Fact of life! The problems arise when people make it common knowledge on a public forum. You don't know who may be on a forum looking! I'd recommend getting this thread removed!

Don't think that's needed.. Vosa would have to prove it looking at my tacho which is impossible

[shooterjim]

Trust me, if they thought there was good reason they would find out! All ok until something goes wrong!

[nick channer]

Trust me, if they thought there was good reason they would find out! All ok until something goes wrong!

They can only take my word that I was in cab resting when lorry is set to break..

Already had that conversation with them last time I was pulled...

It's bit like I'm supposed to keep a diary of every hour I work during the week when I'm not in lorry... As it still goes down as drivers hours no matter what your doing..

[scraggs]

Having been involved in a murder inquiry many years ago in which all lorries of a certain colour and type were investigated as to what they had done and where they had gone on a certain day, I can assure you that if someone got killed in an accident they can do far more with tacho analysis than you would imagine, especially when linked with other information.

[baz]

Obviously you can only drive for 4.5 hrs then have to have a 45 min break.. But with loading and unloading that's classed as break.... If vosa ask I was being cross loaded and unloaded.....

 

Lets hope for your sake that the ministry never monitor this forum!

[Jonny69]

They can only take my word that I was in cab resting when lorry is set to break..

Already had that conversation with them last time I was pulled...

It's bit like I'm supposed to keep a diary of every hour I work during the week when I'm not in lorry... As it still goes down as drivers hours no matter what your doing..

 

Cheers for your input and honesty Nick,

 

I have considered running a HGV a couple of times and always end up thinking it is not practical or economical for my situation (which is tree work, not timber hauling)

 

You have confirmed that I am probably right. Without getting in to hauling other products, like you do, I think there are too many negatives for me.

[muttley9050]

Respect to Nick for working hard and putting meat on the table in these difficult times, farming and haulage will never be easy. Any body whos jealous, work harder, earn more but most importantly dont embarrass yourself and keep quiet.

[Rob D]

Keep on trucking Nick - you work hard for your money and not really sure why the animosity that seems to come over in a couple of the posts on here.