Hi Guys, My first post.

I'm finally nearing the completetion of getting my LGV/HGV Category C+E Licence which here in the UK will allow me to drive long distance articulated trucks into other European countries from the UK on long distance International haulage jobs, something I have wanted to do for years, but never got round to.

After reading through the "Image guidelines for truckers?" thread regarding image/dress code policies, I'm slightly concerned regarding my own image & supposed job prospects. I mean:

I thought it was a joke...

Haulage firms are forever delivering garments from all over Europe to the warehouse I currently work at in the UK & I don't see what the big deal is regarding a truckers image & being "clean cut", forget that. Obviously there to deliver the goods in tact but apart from that, there only seen when they need some paperwork signing at the drivers reception desk. You never see them, not at my place.

I'm currently sporting Long hair, A Full "ZZ Top" ginger beard, Jeans, Plaid/Check shirts, Harness boots etc,you probably get the idea. There is no way on earth I'm changing (I love my Rock, metal music far too much for that), & alot of the women I know dig my look anyway. Now maybe I'm too much of a tradiontionalist but this is what I regarded as a "typical" trucker to look like?. Or am I barking up completly the wrong tree???...

Anyway, Do you guys think I will be doing myself a big misjustice for having such an image???, in my ambitions to get a decent job as a trucker here in the UK???... Or would it be that certain companies just have different policies & thats life.

Any feedback would be appreciated for a wannabe, first time trucker needing advice.

Cheers...

This used to be perfectly normal. A business owner was allowed to tell his employess what he/she expected in the way of dress and appearance. Appearances or lack of them can hurt a business depending on what they are. That's been discussed somewhere on this board....................

I'm sure there are other companys that don't care what you look like. If all else fails do as America has done: Hire and attorney and sue for discrimination

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"Tude"

" A good attitude will get you through almost anything"

Some companies have specific rules, some really don;t care. However, the key is not in your specific appearance as much as it is the neatness you present. I have a full beard, though trimmed shorter than yours, and keep the rest of my appearance and cleanliness up.

The grungy look is not acceptable for a driver in certain areas, but there is more acceptance in general freight hauling. Some hazardous materials require a clean shaven appearance because of the possibility of having to put on emergency breathing equipment or other requirements.

People on either side of the ocean tend to see the outside and make a snap judgement of sorts, on how they are going to interact with that person. It's a natural human thing to do, not something indicating a specific prejudice. if i see someone with a specific appearance, then I kind of run through a catalog in my mind of what that appearance meand, and how should I react to this person, based on past experiences or other things.

Of course, how you present yourself will have a big impact on how your appearance is regarded. Nothing says that you can't have the 'rocker" look and still be polite, courteous and a pleasant person to be around. And that part of the deal is entirely up to you.

I agree with the not judging part. I'm also one who wears what I want and when I want. I wear boots and jeans to church and even boots and sneakers. I'm more for the employer being able to state how they expect their employees to dress, etc. If you work for Coca Cola, you were their shirt, etc.

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"Tude"

" A good attitude will get you through almost anything"

Do ya smell funky??? heehee - What IS "typical trucker" anymore? Sometimes I wear jeans and sometimes I wear cashmere & Jimmy Choo; the only requirement I have is that my attire is appropriate and safe for the tasks/job I'm doing. If you're clean, your clothes are clean, and appropriate and safe for the job you have to do, then why not be you! As the previous posters replied, we can't help but judge by appearances. Some people's tolerance level is lower and some companies prefer a consistent (read: cookie-cutter) look for their employees; it depends on the company. That's something you might consider when applying to various companies. I don't think there's any excuse for being stinky. Now, if most people start putting on HEPA masks around you (LOL!!!), edging away while clutching their valuables, and "the women stop dig[ging your] look" - then perhaps re-examine your image

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All good things come to those who wait;
The Secret of Happiness is to wait Successfully.

LOL! Enjoyed the HEPA part

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"Tude"

" A good attitude will get you through almost anything"

Yeah, what everyone else said. Not sure about the UK, but over here there are some companies that are indeed very strict when it comes to a "clean cut appearance". (So you could simply choose NOT to work for those companies, and choose one where you feel most comfortable).

Hi Kat, No I am very clean & take alot of pride in my appearance & health, like you wouldn't believe. Thanks for the advice, its appreciated.

MY favorite attire is my RED WINGS hiking boots, Jeans, sweatshirt for winter...lol...Nothing like being in the clothes you feel good in...

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You said it Cybergal!! There was this sweet little lady who once offered me all these beautiful dresses she no longer could wear. She felt sorry for me wearing my jeans I suppose lol. I thanked her sincerely and at her age didn't want to embarrass her so thought honesty the best way to go. Told her I had dresses and that if I had to take time to change into a dress before church after feeding all the horses etc, that I would stay home and thought the good Lord would rather me show up.

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"Tude"

" A good attitude will get you through almost anything"