Lorry drivers are the backbone of the goods transportation industry. HGV’s are driven all over the world, 24 hours a day, delivering a wide range of freight from food and drinks to building materials and chemicals.

A drivers’ responsibility is more than simply collecting and dropping off their truck loads, so what does an average day in the life of a HGV driver look like?

Step One – Checking Over The Vehicle

The first daily task is to check the vehicle. Wherever the HGV is, drivers must make sure everything is correct and safe before setting off on their journey. Checks include:

• Tyre pressure/wheel fixing
• Engine checks to ensure all fluid is topped up
• Mirrors & glass
• Windscreen wipers & washers
• Warning lamps
• Steering
• Horn
• Brakes
• General vehicle health check – ensuring there is no visible damage to the HGV

Criminal activity checks are also part of a HGV drivers routine. Once all the safety checks are completed and the lorry is deemed in good working order, then loading will begin.

Step Two – Loading Up

The loading of the cargo is a fairly constant thing in a HGV drivers life. Normally the driver will be expected to load up their vehicle with the supplies and goods they will be transporting, as well as unpacking it on the other end. All drivers will receive extensive training on how to load and unload heavy objects safely and without causing injury.

Smaller HGVs may typically carry dry goods such as food, while larger specialised HGVs may carry larger items like construction materials or even other vehicles.

Drivers also need to know how to operate the lifts within the vehicle, and how to best balance the load. Once completed and the appropriate paperwork is filled out and received, the journey can begin.

Step Three – Out On The Open Road

Once the vehicle is thoroughly checked and loaded up, the journey can commence!

The majority of HGV driving takes place on motorways, so drivers can sometimes travel the length of the country in a single day. Some drivers may choose to work locally to suit more sociable hours. All of this depends on the job you decide to take.

Truck drivers can control their own journey to a certain extent (i.e. food stops, breaks, naps), providing that they make their delivery on time. Depending on weather conditions, traffic, and time of day all these factors can have a large bearing on whether each journey is completed on time.

How Many Hours On Average Do HGV Drivers Work?

It is suggested an average day for a HGV driver can last between 9-15 hours. Although EU law prohibits drivers from driving longer than 9 hours per day with mandatory 45 minute breaks every 4.5 hours. This is what many drivers enjoy the most, the freedom to manage their own day.

Drivers may choose to split their hours based on personal preference. As long as drivers are following the legal limits and the delivery arrives on time, they can take rest breaks at times to suit them.

Why Is HGV Driving So Important?

The UK goods industry relies heavily on high quality and reliable HGV drivers. The fact a HGV driver is responsible for checking their vehicles, safely transporting goods to a specific destination, and also typically responsible for loading and unloading their vehicles means the job is far from easy and could be deemed by some as a very demanding role.

The demand for goods/freight distribution is consistently high and the industry is only just beginning to find its feet once again and train/recruit more drivers, after a shortage was caused by a combination of COVID, Brexit, and older more experienced drivers retiring or changing career.

The average age of a UK trucker is 50 and 50,000 HGV drivers are leaving per year, according to the RHA. Many feel that young people are put off joining the profession, due to the lifestyle and wanting a more standard 9-5 style job.

Benefits To Being A HGV Driver:

• No shortage of work – new businesses created every day and e-commerce thriving
• Freedom to travel to new exciting destinations & experience a variety of scenery
• Chance to work alone and enjoy own company
• Set your own hours and location
• Recent increased pay – plus over time, night allowances and higher weekend rates
• Companies eager to train and recruit – little qualifications needed
• Job security – good qualified drivers high in demand
• Meeting and communicating with new people
• Lack of boredom – no one day is the same
• Job satisfaction – knowing you are providing an essential service and helping UK businesses to grow
• Regular rest breaks – opportunity to rest and unwind

Drawbacks To Being A HGV Driver:

• Long days/shifts – punctuated by mandated rest breaks.
• Physically demanding – back/leg ache, tiredness
• Stressful – need to hit particular windows of time for delivery for time to get goods unloaded/loaded
• Potentially a lot of long distance travelling
• Some poor rest facilities and limited refreshments at truck stops
• Long hours on the road could make family and social life difficult
• Unforeseen circumstances affecting journeys and deliveries being on time – e.g. traffic, weather, parking issues, permits etc

HGV driving is a valuable and rewarding career, and in the current climate, it is more important than ever. With such an increase in e-commerce, especially over the course of the pandemic, goods transportation is in high demand. Due to the current shortage of drivers, the chance to land a secure job with a reputable company is at an all time high, plus the overall respect and appreciation for the role has greatly increased since the spotlight has been shone on the hard work that goes into every working day, and what a vital service HGV drivers provide for businesses, and for the general public as a whole.