More turning to lorries to drive up their income

16 August 2002




More turning to lorries to drive up their income

By Andy Moore

AN increasing number of farmers and workers are turning their hands to part-time lorry driving to bring in extra income.

Driver Hire Nationwide, a lorry driver recruitment agency for the haulage industry, claims to have found part-time driving work for over 100 people employed in the farming industry since February.

"We have had a high number of inquires from farmers and workers wanting to bolster their incomes by driving lorries on a part-time basis," says the agencys Dave Robbins.

"There is big void of drivers in the haulage industry which can be partly filled by farmers and workers who hold LGV licences."

Part-time lorry driving also enables those employed in the industry to fill quiet out of season periods by working on night or day shifts, he says.

The majority of inquires have been from medium-scale producers who already drive lorries for general farm transport duties such as shifting grain, straw or livestock.

"Many producers who come to us hold class one or two licenses which they can use to greater advantage by driving large lorries," adds Mr Robbins. "The main cross-section of farmers with LGV licenses are in their mid to late 30s, although some are of retirement age."

Established in 1983, Driver Hire is also able to put those without a lorry licence through LGV training and examination with the agreement they stick with the agency for future lorry driving work. Driver Hire can also provide part-time van driving work. &#42


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