Lorry Driver

Also known as:

Driver, Lorry
HGV Driver
LGV Driver
Truck Driver

Introduction

Lorry drivers are responsible for the collection and delivery of goods throughout the UK and abroad. Their duties include loading the lorry, unloading at the point of delivery and basic maintenance of their vehicles.

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Work Activities

Lorry or large goods vehicle (LGV) drivers are responsible for the delivery and collection of goods throughout the UK and abroad. They load the lorry and make sure that the load is securely fastened.

When they arrive at the point of delivery, they unload the goods and have to make sure that all the necessary paperwork for the load is completed. They clean and refuel their lorries before moving on. Drivers usually have a basic understanding of vehicle maintenance.

LGV drivers are responsible for planning the quickest route and keeping records of mileage and deliveries. They must comply with the various regulations that exist relating to their vehicles, such as speed and load limits or hours of driving.

Some drivers specialise in delivering potentially dangerous loads, such as hazardous chemicals or extremely large loads.

The amount of travel undertaken depends on the type of transport operation. It can range from local deliveries to national or international distribution.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

In addition to being a good driver, it is important that you are able to work alone and concentrate for long periods of time.

You should be self-reliant, responsible and security conscious, as the loads are often valuable and sometimes dangerous, and the customer is depending on you for their safe delivery.

Reasonable physical fitness and stamina are also required if carrying and lifting loads.

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Pay and Opportunities

Pay rates for lorry drivers vary depending on the size of vehicle and the region of the country they work from.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Pay rates are in the range of £270 - £320 a week, rising to £390 - £470. Top earners can make around £550 a week.

Lorry drivers usually work a basic 40-hour week, but they often have to work shifts involving unsocial hours and nights away from home. For safety reasons, the total hours worked on any one day, and in any one week, is limited by law. The hours driven are recorded on the vehicle's tachograph.

Travel depends on the type of operation. It can range from local deliveries to national distribution or continental work.

The main employers are haulage/delivery firms or companies' own distribution departments. Some experienced lorry drivers become self-employed, owning and driving their own vehicle. Career progression to supervisor positions is possible.

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Adult Opportunities

Age limits apply to this occupation.

Entrants must be over the age of 21 unless they are members of the armed forces or authorised by the Ministry of Defence. Trainees under 21 within the Young Large Goods Vehicle Driver Training Scheme can also qualify.

Entrants must possess an LGV licence and have an excellent driving record.

From September 2009 LGV drivers will need to hold a Certificate of Professional Competence, known as a Drivers CPC, as well as the LGV licence. Further details are available from the Transport Office at www.transportoffice.gov.uk.

Previous work experience in the road transport business, for example, as a van driver is helpful.

• 7% of lorry drivers are self-employed.
• 2% work part-time.
• 3% have flexible hours.
• 4% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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