HGV Driver
Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers transport goods between locations. They move items for suppliers and customers, locally, nationally and internationally. As a lorry driver, you will spend a lot of time on the road and could be away from home frequently.
Day-to-day Tasks
A HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) driver is a professional truck driver who operates vehicles with a total weight of over 7.5 tons. They are responsible for safely and efficiently transporting goods, raw materials, and other heavy cargo over long distances.
- operating large commercial vehicles, such as tractor-trailers, to transport cargo and materials to and from different locations
- complying with traffic laws and regulations
- maintaining accurate records of their deliveries
- performing regular vehicle inspections and maintenance
- planning the most efficient routes for deliveries
- communicating with dispatchers and other staff to coordinate deliveries
- loading and unloading cargo
- following safety procedures and regulations
Skills and Knowledge
- being responsible and organised
- as an HGV drive you do not just drive, you are responsible for checking the safety of your vehicle and whether it is roadworthy, so having some level of mechanical skill can be hugely beneficial
- able to work independently
- knowledge of vehicle and public safety and security
- concentration skills for staying focused while driving
- good customer service skills
- the ability to organise your time and workload
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- physical skills like lifting, bending and carrying
Industry Qualifications
To drive a heavy good vehicle you will need a HGV licence. This can be taken independently or will the help of your employer.