driver

customer service representative

Intertechnic-Logistics

Working as a trade plate driver certainly isn’t for everyone. On paper, it sounds like an easy job that anybody could do, and this is a problem because often they do just hire anybody that applies. What isn’t taken into account is how good people are at actually driving for a start. Then you need to inspect the vehicles and record down any damages. You must be able to reliably plan your own day on public transport between jobs. These are all factors that apply to any trade plate company, not just Intertechnic though. Intertechnic do have a few drivers who are minibus drivers that the planners will sometimes use to get you between jobs but this can often involve a lot of waiting around for other drivers in the group. Payment is not clear - you are paid 1 week behind the actual work done and 2 weeks behind the expenses they owe you, but the expenses are not provided in a ‘break down’ it’s just a lump sum which is often incorrect and you have to check it yourself and bring up any discrepancies. I don’t think the person who pays the wages is using a proper system to calculate it as have often noticed my pay is wrong by a few pence or pounds, and it does not make sense how they could have come to such an amount. The office team are pleasant enough but if you refuse a job (even with valid reason) you will often find yourself on the ‘naughty step’ as the other drivers call it, and won’t get any decent work for a while. There is no way of proving this of course. Vehicles are taken home as carry overs which is one of the perks, and you should always make sure you are able to collect your carry over vehicle before you ditch your last vehicle, so as to ensure you have something to get you home. Often this can mean ‘pulling’ your carry over (driving to it and getting the keys, before you then carry on to drop off your last vehicle and use PT to get back) this is often because the planners will have not taken into account how long all the jobs will take you and if you didn’t do this, you wouldn’t have made it back in time before the place shuts. As mentioned, this job is for people who need their wits about them and are able to look after number 1, don’t assume the company will sort you out or you will be sadly mistaken.

What is the best part of working at the company?
I would say Intertechnic Logistics are the best of a bad lot. When you break it down, you are working less than the minimum wage but just think of the actual wage you come out with. Early starts and late finishes are the order of the day. I got on with the staff at head office. You be respectful to them then it should be visa versa. Made a lot of friends with my colleagues and we often worked together to make our days less stressful.
Left as offered a PAYE position working normal working hours with a car leasing company.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Very long days... Up to 21 hours. So basically very early starts and late finishes.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Generally very good. Spoke to staff with respect and generally got on with daily work that was given unless the jobs just could be done within normal hours.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Leave the house between 1am and 4am with my carry over vehicle from the day before.
Drive to my first delivery then make my way to my first collection by public transport or with another driver you have paired up with. There could be 2 or 3 jobs to be done before finally making your way home with the carry over vehicle for the next days delivery.

I’m approaching my first anniversary with Intertechnic, and I don’t have any regrets about jumping on board. I enjoy the variety of vehicles I drive, the places I visit, and often the company of my fellow drivers, many of whom will go the extra mile to help you and be supportive. Obviously there are days when I could scream in frustration for one reason or another, but truth to be told, they’re few and far between. If you’re organised - and I plan my day the evening before - life becomes so much more straightforward, and personally I have no problem with an early start if it means I’m home I’m a reasonable time; on that score I win far more than I lose. Personally I seem to get along very well with the office team: they’ve been supportive when I’ve had a problem, and likewise are understanding if circumstances prevent me completing my day’s schedule, be it because it’s overly ambitious, public transport quirks, traffic jams, or otherwise. I’m honest with them, and they’re understanding in return. All in all: Intertechnic is a good company to work for, and I’ve never regretted joining them. Oh, your expenses are reimbursed (incredibly some companies only contribute so much, I’m told), and the rates of pay very competitive. Go for it! 

I had experienced a variety of Trade Plate Companies prior to working at Intertechnic.  I spoke to many current drivers and their feedback was good, so when I joined, they met met my expectations.  If you are professional, dedicated, reliable and an early starter, you pretty much get left alone except when you need to work with other drivers to make your day easier in between jobs.  All jobs for the next day are posted to the company tablet the day before to enable planning.  Days can be long, especially if something went wrong with the vehicle, but that's the job, so you take it in your stride.  I was always paid on time and what I was due, including PT travel costs.  I moved back to my previous profession but if I ever wanted to Trade Plate again, it would be with these guys.

Since starting work for this company,  2½ years ago, I have more positive stories than negative ones.  If I was unhappy,  I would have left by now. What I would say, is,  that most of the issues related to the job I do here are industry issues not exclusively related to Intertechnic UK Ltd. Example: train delays, traffic issues (not exclusively an Intertechnic UK Ltd problem).  No business is without its problems. My personal lived experience of this company is overall positive. If you enjoy challenges and you are able to adapt to ever changing circumstances, this is the job for you. A brittle spirit will not help in this line if work. 

A typical day at work would be to make you way to the location of the first vehicle, using the tablet supplied to you document everything about the vehicle, first make a note of the pick up mileage ad note the mileage when the vehicle is delivered. Check the interior for any damages, check seats dash seatbelts, if the vehicle has a spare wheel or not and if there is any scratches dents or knicks, check the windscreen for chips and cracks, check tyres for scuffs and scrapes. Ask the person or company that you are picking up the vehicle from for a signature, drive the vehicle to where it is supposed to be delivered.. Make your way for the next collection which will be a lot of public transportation

Intertechnic used to have a very good reputation, and rightfully so.  The pay was fair, minimal public transport between jobs and even minibus transport between jobs.  It was fairly normal to see £400 a week, leaving home at 6am (often later) and returning home at around 5pm.

However…

It’s very common to only deliver one or two vehicles a day - £20-£40 is quite a realistic figure more often than not.  There is no way anybody can survive on such meagre pay.  Often you claim more in PT than actual “wages”.

To be fair, the staff are pretty decent and usually try to help where possible.

Advice to management?  We are the face of your business and we at least deserve a day rate if work is dry.

I worked for this company for a week, started off ok . But then I had a spend 5 and and half hours
On public transport. I call them and explained this is inexcusable amount of travel on public transport. As you don’t earn any wages while travelling. I also picked an old van up that would
Not start so got the van started and when I put fuel in it would not start again someone helped me in the petrol station. Got it home and was taking the van to Exeter in the morning. They told me if it would not stay call the AA . At 5.00 am and wait for them to come out . DONT WASTE YOUR TIME WITH THIS OUTFIT FIT . Also I had no drive but it did not bother them 

What is the best part of working at the company?
Friendly atmosphere.  Customer interaction was interesting and pleasant. 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Pressure to get the jobs fulfilled in time 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Friendly and caring   Fair  with a chance to voice opinions without reprimand. 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Starts with planned tasks as the day progresses problems to overcome and customer interaction takes place. Orders to input  throughout the day.

Leave home early but that’s the job.
Lots of freedom travelling across country in all types of new and used vehicles
Public transport in between jobs with minibuses and other driver helping sometimes.
Liked working on own most of time even with lonnng days
Good office support
Work hard, collect and deliver on time in good condition you get paid well and have office respect.
Worked for 4 other plating companies before moving here. Well worth it overall

Top Job Titles	Average salary
Driver 2 salaries reported	£25,000 per year
Customer service representative 1 salary reported	£23,500 per year

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