Truck Driver: What is the cost of hiring?

Why recruit a truck driver?

Directly employing a truck driver or even a team of truck drivers can help you to deliver your goods or services to warehouses, distribution centres, retailers or customers quickly and efficiently. They can also assist with logistical matters, like restocking your own supplies, transporting equipment and more. Having your own truck drivers on staff can be a prudent decision in light of the UK’s ongoing truck driver recruitment crisis, as you won’t need to rely on the availability of third-party services or be at the mercy of potentially fluctuating costs.

Qualities of a great truck driver:

• Detail oriented and reliable, making deliveries to or from suppliers with accuracy and punctuality while taking good care of the items in their truck
• Drives safely and courteously and takes appropriate precautions in poor weather conditions or other hazardous situations
• Can perform basic HGV maintenance checks, and knows what to do or who to call in case of a breakdown or other mechanical malfunction

Deciding between a full-time vs freelance truck driver

Recruiting a truck driver full-time or on a freelance contract will depend on how often you need to send out and/or receive deliveries. Working on a freelance contract can be quite common in the driving industry, and most HGV drivers are very familiar with this working style, with many of them appreciating the flexibility it can provide. This means that if you require a driver to work either full-time or on a fixed part-time basis, it is a good idea to highlight this in your job description to manage expectations and find the right candidates for your business.

What are the different types of truck driver?

There are numerous kinds of goods that a truck driver might handle or transport, from consumer products or building materials to petrol or cash. Some may even provide a service, like a refuse or recycling truck. It is therefore easier to break down the types of truck driver by the category of vehicle they are licensed to operate. We recommend keeping in mind that just because a driver is legally allowed to drive a certain type of truck, does not automatically mean they are experienced in handling that vehicle. It is usually best to hire truck drivers who have proven experience in handling the type of HGVs your business requires. Consider the following categories:

• Category C1 HGV driver: this is an entry-level category of truck driver, capable of handling vehicles weighing 3.5 – 7.5 tonnes. Average delivery van falls under this category.
• Category C1+E: similar to Category C1, these drivers can also operate small HGVs that have a trailer fixed to them.
• Category C (Class 2): these drivers operate rigid trucks, where the trailer is fixed to the truck body, and the vehicle weighs less than 32 tonnes.
• Category C+E (Class 1): drivers in this category can handle articulated lorries, often used for transporting goods long distances or across international borders.
• ADR: these drivers are authorised to operate tankers or vehicles carrying dangerous materials, like chemicals or flammable liquids.
• HIAB: this category authorises drivers to operate trucks equipped with a crane for loading and offloading goods or materials.

Where to find a truck driver

The UK’s ongoing truck driver shortage means that there are fewer skilled truck drivers looking for work than there are vacancies to fill. Therefore, it may take some time to find the right person or people for your business. Offering an attractive salary package and benefits along with an attractive company culture can be a way to help you entice skilled truck drivers. You can also promote the role internally or within your professional network, asking for recommendations or referrals from your peers.

To find the right truck driver for your business, consider trying out a few different recruitment strategies:

• Advertise in local job centres: create eye-catching ads for job centre windows or displays that clearly state exactly what you are seeking and offering
• Reach out to agencies: agencies often have experienced jobseekers already on their books
• Spread the word: tell your colleagues, employees, friends and family about your recruitment efforts
• Network with truck driver companies: you can connect with these companies at local job fairs or by contacting them online

Post your job online: Try posting your job for a truck driver on Indeed to find and attract quality truck driver candidates

Skills to look for in a great truck driver

A great candidate for a truck driver role will have the following skills and attributes as well as work experience that reflects:

• Experience and confidence in handling heavy vehicles
• Excellent navigation skills, including topographical knowledge and an awareness of alternative routes
• Sound knowledge of road rules and health and safety practices
• Fast reflexes
• Reliability and time-management skills
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Physical fitness to handle the varied demands of the role

Writing a truck driver job description

A thoughtful description is important for finding qualified Truck Driver candidates. A truck driver job description includes a compelling summary of the role, a detailed list of duties and responsibilities and the required and preferred skills for the position.

When writing your job description for a truck driver, consider including some or all of the following keywords to strengthen the visibility of your job posting. These are the most popular search terms resulting in clicks on jobs for truck drivers, according to Indeed data:

• Truck driver
• Driver
• HGV driver
• Lorry driver
• Delivery driver
• Class 2 driver
• Dumper driver
• Driving vacancies

Interviewing truck driver candidates

Strong candidates for truck driver positions will be confident answering questions regarding:

• Which types of HGVs they are licensed and able to drive
• Previous driver experience
• Knowledge of different routes and the general area
• Their driving record
• How they would handle an accident while driving

Need help coming up with interview questions? See our list of truck driver interview questions for examples (with sample answers).