Andrew Thompson
Ibstock,Leicestershire
Summary
Security conscious with extensive expertise in long-distance driving and route planning, ensuring exceptional timekeeping and customer satisfaction. Demonstrates reliable punctuality and a professional attitude, complemented by diplomatic communication skills and a strong focus on health and safety compliance. Proficient in vehicle maintenance, breakdown procedures, and records management, with a solid understanding of the national road network. Committed to flexible working practices with past forklift operation experience.
Overview
44
44
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Owner/Driver - UK & Ireland Removals
Self employed
Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire
04.2007 - 04.2024
- As a one-man removals business I answered enquiries by email or phone, quoted for jobs, planned routes and booked ferries where necessary. I loaded the van with the help of the customers, drove the van throughout the UK & Ireland and unloaded at the destination.
- I have a very good knowledge of UK & Ireland roads as no two jobs were ever the same.
- I achieved an accident-free record during the 17 years I ran the business.
- I kept accurate records of trips and expenses and carried out end of year tax returns.
- I communicated effectively with customers, before and during jobs, resulting in smooth operation and customer satisfaction with a prompt and courteous service. I achieved many repeat customers.
- I maintained my vehicle in top condition, arranged servicing and repairs as required.
- While I do not have an employer's reference during the time I was self-employed, I have collected a lot of very good reviews from customers.
HGV class 1 driver
Bennett Transport
Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire
10.2004 - 03.2007
- Employed as a night-shift Trunk Driver for a pallet distribution company, pulling a double-deck curtainside trailer 5 nights a week between a local depot and the central hub in the Midlands and back.
- Carried out pre-shift checks of the vehicle and trailer, raising any issues with the transport manager.
- Helped to load and unload the trailer, using a counterbalance fork lift truck.
- The company ceased trading and staff made redundant. I then bought my own van and set up my own small business.
HGV class 2 driver
Glen Transport Services
Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire
03.2002 - 10.2004
- Employed on a night-shift TNT contract, collecting bulk pallets of newspapers from printers in and around London and delivering to wholesalers depots anywhere within a 3.5 hour journey from London
- Carried out pre-shift vehicle checks and raised any concerns with management.
- This was a time-sensitive operation and meeting delivery deadlines was important.
- Maintained cleanliness of vehicle, promoting a professional image.
- I left this job when a vacancy for a Class one driver came available with Bennett Transport driving double deck artics.
Warehouseman & Fork lift truck driver
Packpost International
Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire
09.1999 - 03.2002
- Sorting and weighing international mail and operating counterbalance fork-lift truck within the warehouse, loading cages onto Royal Mail HGVs
- Maintained clean and safe working environment for health and safety compliance.
- I also drove a van as and when needed.
- I left this job to return to HGV driving.
Coldstore Manager
Wiltshire Farm Foods
Wing, Buckinghamshire
09.1996 - 09.1999
- Managed a small team of order picker/packers in a frozen food freezer/warehouse
- Liased with general manager and office staff throughout the working day.
- Supervised picking of orders, loading of vans and goods-in and ensuring work place health & safety.
- This was a part-time role, which suited my family life at the time. I left when a job with more hours became available at Packpost International
HGV class 1 driver
M&J Seafoods
Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire
11.1990 - 08.1994
- Drove an HGV 1 refrigerated trailer for a national frozen fish company, collecting loads from docks, fish factories and cold stores around the UK and delivering to the company's main hub in Buckinghamshire and out to the company's own depots around England.
- Ensuring cleanliness of vehicle and trailer to food standards, daily vehicle checks and reporting of any issues.
- I had to leave this job to take time off to look after my small children.
Security officer
Group 4 Securitas
Southampton
05.1987 - 04.1989
- Gained experience of both static and mobile security patrols, mainly on night shifts
- Drove armoured cash-in-transit vans and handled large amounts of cash.
- Worked on a British Telecom contract for a few months, following regular routes emptying over 100 payphones of cash each day across the south coast of England.
MT Driver
Royal Air Force
08.1980 - 11.1986
- I joined the Royal Air Force after leaving school in 1980
- As well as learning skills only gained in the military I gained driving licences for light vehicles, HGV 2 and HGV 1
- I drove a very wide range of vehicles from cars, vans, minibuses and large forklift trucks to lorries, coaches and aircraft refuelling tankers
- I left the RAF after my 6 year regular enlistment came to an end.
Education
GCSEs -
Bay House School
Gosport 09.1974 - 07.1980
Skills
- Experience with long-distance driving
- Basic accounting knowledge
- Vehicle maintenance knowledge
- Reliable punctuality
- Diplomatic communication
- Vehicle breakdown procedures
- Records management
- Flexible working
- Customer satisfaction
- Professional attitude
- Route planning
- Health and Safety Compliance
- Forklift operation
- Exceptional timekeeping
- National road network knowledge
- Security conscious
Affiliations
- Since early 2024 I have helped to renovate a house on the west coast of Ireland and then bought a house in Leicestershire which I've have been renovating for the last six months. After a steep learning curve it's now almost finished.
- Travelling different parts of the UK and Ireland when I have time, classic cars, boating and kayaking
Timeline
Owner/Driver - UK & Ireland Removals
Self employed
04.2007 - 04.2024
HGV class 1 driver
Bennett Transport
10.2004 - 03.2007
HGV class 2 driver
Glen Transport Services
03.2002 - 10.2004
Warehouseman & Fork lift truck driver
Packpost International
09.1999 - 03.2002
Coldstore Manager
Wiltshire Farm Foods
09.1996 - 09.1999
HGV class 1 driver
M&J Seafoods
11.1990 - 08.1994
Security officer
Group 4 Securitas
05.1987 - 04.1989
MT Driver
Royal Air Force
08.1980 - 11.1986
GCSEs -
Bay House School
09.1974 - 07.1980
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