The remuneration potential for a HGV driver is well above the UK national average with many earning between £35,000 – £55,000 per year. This equally applies to class 2 (cat C) and class one (cat C+E) drivers alike. There are many sectors within the commercial transport industry meaning earning potential and job variation is huge. There has always been a demand for HGV drivers and never more so than now. With the UK leaving the EU it has resulted in many EU drivers returning to their countries of origin to live and work there. Also driving a truck for a living has always been perceived as a job of last resort. Not many young people leave school with ambitions to drive an 18 tonner.
As a result there are simply not enough people to drive enough trucks. When demand outstrips supply the cost of that commodity rises. Hence the huge increase in HGV drivers salary. The employment market for truck drivers is very buoyant. That includes newly qualified LGV drivers.
Yes there are some haulage operators that will require a minimum of 2 years’ experience before taking you on however there are also many consciences employers who are more interested in people with the right attitude and aptitude.
Below are some examples of what HGV drivers earn:
A “dust cart driver” employed by a local council will earn £35,000 a year working Monday to Friday 6am till 1.30 pm. In this instance there is a good work life balance with a fair income. A class 2 (cat C), and Driver CPC licence would be need.
A tipper or skip driver should expect to earn £40,000 a year. A class 2, Driver CPC and Digital Tachograph card is required to preform this role. This can be dirty and demanding work as the location could be a quarry or building site and you will be driving on uneven road surfaces.
A fuel tanker driver will earn up to £60,000 per year. In this instance they would have a class 1, cat C+E licence, ADR, PDP and Driver CPC card. They would also be required to work shift work, typically 4 on and 4 off. This would also include night shifts. A great salary but shift work is not for everyone.
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