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Hi everyone, Im new to this forum.

Im currently self-employed, working as a sub-contractor to one of the big parcel companies, with my own XLWB van, but im currently looking at getting out of this and obtaining my PH licence. Im fed up of working when im old ive got to work, and the job is just getting harder, im currently on a set weekly rate of £825 pw, and whilst this may sound a lot, my fuel costs are in the region of £140-180 pw, plus all my other costs. The final biscuit came last week when i was just given a new postcode sector to deliver, without tem actually asking me, for no more money. this is adding between 20-30 miles on my route a day, plus an hours time for, like i said, no more money. I was told when i complained, that if i dont like it, i know where the door is!!

I understand that working as a PH driver isnt all rosy, but i just want to take hold of my role as being self employed, and actually feel like i am, instead of being treated like an employed person. I have been self employed for 3 years now, so i already have some money, plus an accountant etc etc and i just wanted any advice on whether i would be making a positive move. also, is it possible to earn anywhere near what i earn now? and when you are working for one of the PH companies, do they just take radio rent, or do they take a percentage of takings?

Any help, or advice would be greatly recieved.

Aaron

Hi Aaron,

PH firms work in lots of different ways, with some you will be an owner driver and rent the radio maybe pay commission on fares as well.

Some you will have a company car and get a percentage of the fares.

Some you rent car and radio and keep all or most of the take.

I will be perfectly honest with you here, I don't think you will be any better off, I have my own hackney by the way

Although a newbie on this forum I have been a hackney licensed driver for 22 years in Winchester Hants which is suppose to be an affluent or effluent city depending on your plum accent..... I can tell you now as in most towns and cities across the land, we are finding it hard to make a decent living since the Government deregulation of no limit on Hackney & Private Hire license issue. This policy has hit us hard in Winchester and the council just don't give a monkeys!! It always look greener on the other side as they say.... but believe me mate it aint!!!

Most of the drivers here are Asian and don't even live here but come from Southampton where it is much harder to get a license..... Consequently even these guys are saying enough is enough!! and want an immediate  cap on licences...... Ironic isn't it..... And no I am not a racist just a realist !! and bloody resentful.... but that's dear old blighty for you!!

Aaron you dont what courier company is giving you agg however the GMB is currently undertaking recruitment into this area, DHL is changing many of its work practices IE from PAYE to franchise we are gaining members fast in this company. Call for more onfo Terence Flanagan National Organiser GMB Professional Drivers Branches 07958 275 339

ORGANISE EDUCATE AGITATE.

PS wouldnt advise PH even worse than what your doing now!!!!!!!!!!

Hello old man !
Are you still trying to get victims ?

How you doing anyways ? 

Whats wrong old man ?
do you still get wrong for talking to me ?

I see that the union is doing the trade justice and everything is looking fine and dandy for the taxi trade because of your efforts.

Like shit......Its going to the dogs just like most things right now.

And the unions are making it better ? are they balls.
They just like the subs.

What do you get for your subs by the way ?
A few choice words ? a promice that all will be Ok ? a mag once and again ?
Bollocks !!!!!!
Stay Independent and save your money.

All the best lads. And I hope the subs will not be missed out of the family budget .
I hope you are getting good returns for all the money you have paid in to your union.

Catch you later.