Choice of Bus or Truck driving

RandySmurf

Hi

I was hoping to hear back from either Bus, or Truck drivers, I am just in the process of getting my learner permit for Both so I want to make a decision on which one to focus on first on to get Full licence and CPC's

From talking to people it would seem that the Truck rates (Rigid) seem to be cut death, I'm not sure what Bus rates of pay are like, but I would be Hoping they are better.

Any info/advice appreciated

MarkAnthony

Dublin Bus drivers a c.40K starting IIRC, open to correction.

Bear in mind bus drivers have to deal with the public who are by enlarge complete... anyway.

RandySmurf

😀 I think you just let it in one ear and out the other lol, I was thinking along the lines of buses running from different counties to Dublin

The Veteran

Depends who you work for. Leaving aside Bus Eireann or DB, you'd be looking at between €100 and €120 per day but the issue in a lot of cases will be around what constitutes a day. If you get into tour work its seasonal but you'll get the rates plus daily expenses plus "dropsie" (where you stop for meals, shopping, etc or selling extras like show tickets, bottled water, etc) plus tips. The biggest issue for you is that the better tour companies won't give a newbie a €300,000 bus and 40 pax until you prove yourself. You can expect very little job security (even with the most reputable). Try Dublin Coach and Quick Park ( essentially same company) and Dualway\McConns if you are in Dublin or maybe Paddy Matthews in Matthews Coaches (scheduled services); Bartons for shuttle work then tours; or Jj Kavanaghs. Coach work is cleaner but you'll need to get on with people.

Truck driving is hard work and you'll need to be prepared to tramp to get a living.

Both can be an adventure but neither is the easiest on family life if you want to max your earnings.

RandySmurf

Thanks for the reply, I was actually going to ask that question on just how do you go about getting experience when everyone only wants drivers with experience lol..

I know my own abilities having grew up with agricultural and heavy plant machinary, and worked as a driver , and I wouldn't put myself up for a job unless I knew 110% I was up to the task...but I know this doesn't equate into experience for an employer..

I have been re thinking and perhaps getting the truck licence first would be the better route as I think it may be easier to get a start on a truck over a Bus... And most Bus employers will be more than happy with truck experience...

I know what I want to do, it's finding the easiest and quickest route to doing it that's the problem..

I would have no problem offering to drive a bus for free for a week just to get my foot in the door and prove I am up to the job... How that approach will be received is another thing.

Streetwalker

Done both and got out a few years back because it turned into a race to the bottom. Heard not much has changed on the rigids but artic money is starting to come back around.

neris

RandySmurf wrote: »

Thanks for the reply, I was actually going to ask that question on just how do you go about getting experience when everyone only wants drivers with experience lol..

I know my own abilities having grew up with agricultural and heavy plant machinary, and worked as a driver , and I wouldn't put myself up for a job unless I knew 110% I was up to the task...but I know this doesn't equate into experience for an employer..

I have been re thinking and perhaps getting the truck licence first would be the better route as I think it may be easier to get a start on a truck over a Bus... And most Bus employers will be more than happy with truck experience...

I know what I want to do, it's finding the easiest and quickest route to doing it that's the problem..

I would have no problem offering to drive a bus for free for a week just to get my foot in the door and prove I am up to the job... How that approach will be received is another thing.

Theres a guy on www.lorry-driver.com who did truck videos and was also a bus/coach driver. his truck vids are pretty good and informative(when hes not talking to a giant lego head) hes usually interactive with followers and would probably answer a question or 2 for you. best way to get him is probably twitter