First Day in Alcaline: A Journey of Preparation and Paperwork

The first day at a new job is always filled with excitement, a hint of nervousness, and a curiosity about what lies ahead. I vividly recall my first day in Alcaline, a transport company known for its long-haul journeys and attention to detail. Little did I know that it would be a day of preparation and paperwork unlike any other.

As I waited outside the transport office, I couldn't help but feel a mix of anticipation and uncertainty. The training manager, a former police officer, briskly collected our CPC cards - a vital document for professional drivers. Alongside me were two other drivers, Shaun and Tom. Shaun, a seasoned pro, was destined to be my guide for the first few days of my Alcaline journey.

The day kicked off with the customary driver's hours knowledge test. It was a reminder that no matter how experienced you are, rules and regulations in the world of transport are not to be taken lightly. Once we'd passed this test, we delved into a whirlwind of paperwork.

We signed our names on countless documents, including customs paperwork that hinted at the international nature of Alcaline's operations. The issuance of safety gear, permission to drive, and a short driving assessment followed in quick succession. It was all part of the meticulous preparation that Alcaline demanded from its drivers.

One lesson I quickly learned on that first day was the importance of paperwork in the world of transport. Alcaline had a checklist of essential documents and equipment every driver had to carry. This included:

1. Vehicle Documentation: Log Book, V5 Registration Certificate, MOT Certificate, and Permission to Drive.

2. Insurance: Proof of insurance coverage for the vehicle.

3. Fuel Cards: Along with their respective PINs for fuel purchases.

4. Personal Documentation: Your Driving Licence, CPC Card, Digital Tachograph Card, ADR Certification, and Passport.

5. Health Insurance: Don't forget your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for international journeys.

But the list didn't end there. Alcaline drivers were expected to carry a range of equipment to handle various situations on the road. This included straps with ratchet fastenings, basic tools (a trusty hammer came in handy more often than you'd think), assorted bulbs and fuses, TIR cordend eyelets, blank CMR forms, and Alcaline Seals for securing cargo.

Before hitching up to a trailer, a thorough check was mandatory. This included ensuring the trailer's height was set to European standards, verifying the trailer's brake system, and ensuring it was indeed empty and matched the instructions and paperwork.

For drivers assigned a loaded trailer, often headed to Turin Depot, a whole new set of paperwork and checks awaited. Invoices, packing lists, MRN Barcodes (T1), CMRs, and GMRs (or carnets when applicable) were required for a loaded trailer. Leaving the yard without the correct paperwork was simply not an option.

One notable detail was the trailer's registration documents, stored in a plastic tube at the front or side of the trailer. It was vital to ensure the trailer was marked with a UK sticker and displayed both a white and black registration plate at the back. Additionally, the Ministry plate had to be present, and the trailer's functionality needed to be thoroughly checked and any issues resolved before hitting the road.

As I reflect on that eventful first day in Alcaline, I realize that it was more than just a day of preparation and paperwork. It was an initiation into a world where meticulous attention to detail, a comprehensive checklist of documents, and a commitment to ensuring the safety and integrity of cargo were paramount.

Alcaline had set the bar high, and it was a challenge I was eager to embrace as I embarked on my journey as one of their drivers. Little did I know that this commitment to thoroughness would become a hallmark of my time with the company, ensuring that every journey was not just a drive but a well-prepared adventure.