7.5 tonne / parcelforce owner drivers

[jbbicker]

I'm currently a postman but have toyed with the idea of driving the 7.5 tonne lorries. However, I never see these jobs advertised. Are they tough to come by? And for those in the know, what's the rate of pay? I'm led to believe it's more than what I'm on now.

The only jobs I do see advertised that (potentially) appeal to me is the Parcelforce self employed owner driver role. Can anyone offer any insight into his? It states potential earnings at 45k to 70k. Has anyone done this job? If so can they give me a rough idea what they made after vehicle and other expenses? I'm under no illusions it would be hard work but if the financial incentives were there it's something I might consider long term.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Moved in the PF forum as PF colleagues are more likely to see it here.

[mad man moon]

I am a 7.5t driver for PF.
It is a well paid and physical job,hard work at times, these vehicles are used for large/heavy bulky items.
It is all hand ball as nothing is loaded into yorks normally.I have deliveries where there are loading bays in shopping centres etc,so try and use yorks where possible.
Owner drivers use 3.5t vans,eg Mercedes Sprinters.Not 7.5tonners,I would think they make about 55k,but with fuel,van,servicing, insurance, holiday pay etc,still end up with a good wage but with added stress.They get paid per parcel,so obviously the more they deliver, the more money to be made.
The volumes are increasing all the time,so the owners drivers have to employ another driver to take the parcels that they can't deliver,another added cost.
I home this has shed some light on your question,don't hesitate to contact me if your need more advice.

[Jimbo CWU]

I am a 7.5t driver for PF.
It is a well paid and physical job,hard work at times, these vehicles are used for large/heavy bulky items.
It is all hand ball as nothing is loaded into yorks normally.I have deliveries where there are loading bays in shopping centres etc,so try and use yorks where possible.
Owner drivers use 3.5t vans,eg Mercedes Sprinters.Not 7.5tonners,I would think they make about 55k,but with fuel,van,servicing, insurance, holiday pay etc,still end up with a good wage but with added stress.They get paid per parcel,so obviously the more they deliver, the more money to be made.
The volumes are increasing all the time,so the owners drivers have to employ another driver to take the parcels that they can't deliver,another added cost.
I home this has shed some light on your question,don't hesitate to contact me if your need more advice.

My Advice would be to ask an OD regarding their Pay etc Most OD's where PF employee's ask them would they rather stay has an OD or be an Employed ?

[ctpunk]

I think rates are similar in RM and PF on 7.5. When spoke to RM colegues at CPC training they probably have less work then PF drivers.

Parcelforce pays monthly, there is "parcelforce addition to pay" at 57.29 a month- do you have similar RM addition to pay on RM pay slip?


Owner drivers at my depot works from 6PM in the motning till sometimes 7PM. I would say they do 1,5- 2 times more deliveries then PF drivers. No holiday- or you need someone to cover your route.