UK Logistics Industry Needs the Next Generation of HGV/LGV Lorry Drivers
07 June 2021
There is a massive shortage is the HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) / LGV (Large Goods Vehicle) lorry drivers in the logistics sector.
Some estimate a shortfall of lorry drivers is up to 76,000 in UK.
So now is an ideal time for young people to look into a career in HGV/LGV lorry driving and can provide a lucrative and rewarding career.
What do I need to become a lorry driver?
You need to be at least 18 years old and hold a full car driving licence. You need to be in a good medical health. There will be a medical examination prior to you becoming a lorry driver. As with all driving tests, you need to have good eyesight which could be with your spectacles.
What are my Job Prospects?
As mentioned, there is a huge shortage of HGV/LGV drivers in UK and hence your job prospects are very good once you are qualified. A career in logistics as a lorry driver could be as good as a job for life. There are plenty of opportunities to progress as well. You could start as an entry level driver, then work up to senior driver or transport team leader (supervisor) and progress to be a transport manager, or even become owner operator. Not all hauliers will offer 18 year olds a job (if their insurance companies are not amenable to that) but many will, especially for the easier roles in simple distribution between depots and distribution centres. But now, with such shortages of drivers, previously hardened attitudes are changing and new opportunities are opening up all the time.
What type of Job can I get?
As a lorry driver you will work from depots, distribution centres, ports and warehouses, carrying goods all over the UK and possibly throughout Europe and hence a love of travelling would help.
Your duties may include:
- Planning delivery schedules and routes
- Supervising and/or helping to load and unload goods
- Making sure loads are safely secured
- Following traffic reports and changing your route if necessary
- Completing delivery paperwork and log books
- You may also have to deal with basic maintenance, like oil, tyre and brake checks before and after journeys.
Often be working on your own, you need to be self-motivated, have a lot of patience (and customer care skills) and be extremely safety oriented.
What hours can I work?
The HGV/LGV lorry driver job is generally not a 9-5 job. You might prefer to work weekends, work through nights or have a different or rolling working pattern (four days working, four days off, for example). The hours you drive are strictly controlled for Health and Safety reasons. Nine hours is the daily driving limit but you can increase it to ten hours twice a week. After a period of no more than 4.5 hours of driving you must immediately take a break of at least 45 minutes. The driving period can be continuous, or made up of shorter periods totalling 4.5 hours.
Your working day might be affected by the types of deliveries or loads you carry, and you might be able to agree flexible working hours with your employer.
What pay will I get?
A newly qualified HGV driver can expect to earn a salary of over £20,000 whilst those more experienced can earn about £35,000 – that’s without bonuses and other rewards. Pretty good going for new entrants into any industry!
Can I get any types of Truck Driving Licence?
The types of HGV/LGV lorry you can drive depend on which class of driving licence you hold. These are:
- Class 1/ Cat C+E – allows you to drive a vehicle with a detachable trailer (more commonly known as DrawBar or Articulated lorry) over 7.5 tonnes.
- Class 2/Cat C – allows you to drive a vehicle over 7.5 tonnes that has a rigid base and fixed cab, up to 32 tonnes.
- Cat C1 – allows you drive a vehicle between 3.5 tonnes and 7.5 tonnes
- Cat C1+E – allows you to drive a vehicle as in category C1 with the additional allowance to tow a trailer behind the vehicle too
Go direct to a reputable school specialising in training to get your licence. Ideally choose training provider with their own vehicles & instructors who are hold either NRI or NVDIR qualifications.
Avoid brokers and agents as they do not train you but pass you on to another company (who may not the accredited, as there is no legal requirement to hold any qualifications to deliver driver training). Brokers/agents may offer you deals which seem attractive but you always end up paying more to cover their Sales Commission, so cut the middle man, and save yourself some money!
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Wallace School of Transport specialises in HGV/LGV lorry driver training in London and across the SE, and has over 50 years of experience in this sector. Contact Wallace School of Transport on 0208 453 3440 for details and prices
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