A Truck Driver can prioritise comfort and practicality, usually wearing presentable jeans, a t-shirt or company-issued work shirt, and comfortable work boots. High visibility clothing and other protective clothing might also be necessary depending on the cargo or changing weather conditions.
A Truck Driver is responsible for transporting their cargo. This includes keeping detailed logs of deliveries, loading and unloading cargo safely, maintaining the safety standards of their vehicle, and planning routes in the event of traffic issues.
Truck Drivers must be observant, proactive with health and safety, and understand when to take breaks, or avoid congestion or accidents.
Learn how to check your blind spots. Trucks are much larger than cars and Drivers must exercise caution when on the roads to avoid collisions, make sure you know where the blind spots are and how to stay safe on the road.
Check tyres and take breaks regularly to avoid accidents and reduce stress while travelling.
Truck Drivers must have excellent road safety knowledge to be aware of hazards while driving, and time management skills for completing deliveries on time as well as a formal HGV licence.
To become a Truck Driver you must first have an HGV Licence for Category C or Category C + E vehicles. There are a number of tests that need to be taken to pass the training and obtain the licence, such as a theory test, practical training and a driving test.
To start this process, potential Truck Drivers must apply to the DVLA, and HGV training providers are found nationwide.
An HGV Category C + E Licence allows Truck Drivers to drive vehicles weighing over 3,500kg.
Find out more about the different commercial driving licences in the UK.
Truck Drivers need extensive road safety knowledge, as they are responsible for vehicle maintenance before, during and after a journey. They must take preventative measures to make sure that the potential for accidents is reduced.
They must also follow speed laws, maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles, and understand the large blind spots around the truck.
Truck Drivers travel in all weather conditions, and it is essential to know how to navigate the roads in unclear weather.
Time management is an essential part of a Truck Driver’s job, as some cargo can be perishable, or delays in deliveries can have a negative impact on other businesses. It is important to know when to take breaks, how much distance to travel in a day and how many deliveries should be made during a period of time.
Being punctual increases productivity, reduces the risk of accidents caused by fatigue or rushing, and maximises delivery efficiency which can lead to higher earnings.
A Truck Driver needs to transport goods across a variety of routes, keep on top of vehicle maintenance, and keep records of deliveries.
Depending on the cargo, Truck Drivers can travel long or short distances to reach their delivery destination. Sometimes routes can become congested, or accidents might occur. It is a Truck Driver’s duty to find alternative routes or manage their time appropriately so that they can reach their destination on time.
Transporting goods safely is a Truck Driver’s priority, therefore they should have the communication skills to speak with logistics teams if they think their delivery will be late.
It is important to maintain a high safety standard while driving large trucks, as they can be unruly and dangerous if an accident occurs.
A Truck Driver must check the vehicle before a journey, making sure that there are no mechanical or electrical issues, and that the tyre pressure and tread are correct and at a safe level.
Hazard prevention is essential, and a professional Truck Driver will understand the need for these checks and perform them diligently when necessary.
Truck Drivers are supplied with delivery logs which need to be accurate and filed correctly. Each destination will need relevant signatures from staff when the delivery is complete, it is also important to detail any cargo that has been added to the truck that might not have been written in the original document.
A Truck Driver needs to understand the documentation, as well as keeping logs of items. This is an important part of the Truck Driver’s job, as incorrect documentation can have a knock-on effect on the productivity of other staff.
There are extra regulations to consider when moving into these specialised fields, as refrigerated goods can expire and it is crucial to keep the refrigerator performing optimally. Refrigerated goods can include simple consumables like fruit, vegetables and dairy products, but this can also include pharmaceuticals, which should be handled with care.
Health and safety and road safety are essential when transporting hazardous goods, as any accidents that occur can have catastrophic effects on people and the environment. Drivers must seek extra training in handling hazardous materials before moving into this role.
To acquire a Truck Driver's Licence in the UK you need a Driver CPC, this involves completing a series of training courses. You must also already have a full UK Driver’s Licence and be over the age of 18.
A Truck Driver can work a maximum of 9 hours per day which can be extended to 10 hours twice a week.
A Truck Driver can expect to earn around £30,000 per year on average. This number can increase or decrease depending on experience, type of licence, company, location and type of cargo transported.
A Truck Driver’s job is to transport goods from one location to another. They are responsible for planning routes, loading and unloading, recording deliveries and safely transporting goods.
