HGV Truck Driver Jobs in UK 2024 – Visa Sponsorship

Are you an accomplished HGV driver seeking employment in the United Kingdom? UK companies are currently providing visa sponsorships to attract global talent in response to the increasing demand for talented chauffeurs. The United Kingdom has been experiencing a significant shortage of heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers, which has had an impact on logistics and supply chains. 

To resolve this issue, a multitude of organizations are promoting visa sponsorship as a means of recruiting qualified chauffeurs from abroad. If you are an HGV driver in search of contemporary opportunities, this job posting will guide you through the process of locating and obtaining visa-sponsored employment in the United Kingdom.

Employers in the United Kingdom are granted the ability to recruit foreign laborers to cover positions that are currently unfilled. This is achieved through visa sponsorship. This typically entails the acquisition of a skilled laborer visa, which is valid for a maximum of five years and can be extended. 

The HGV driver shortage in the United Kingdom has been reduced by a variety of factors, including the pervasive COVID-19 pandemic, Brexit, and a maturing workforce. As a result, several organizations are currently providing visas to qualified external chauffeurs to address this gap.

Details of HGV Truck Driver Jobs in UK:

Top Companies Advertising HGV Driver Sponsorship

Several UK companies are effectively recruiting HGV drivers and advertising visa sponsorship, including:

• To safeguard its extensive supply chain, Tesco, one of the largest general store chains in the United Kingdom, frequently employs HGV drivers.
• Various opportunities for HGV drivers are available at DHL, a global coordination company, with visa sponsorship available to qualified candidates.
• Wincanton has the potential to serve as a supplier of supply chain arrangements in the United Kingdom, regularly engaging HGV drivers to fulfill various coordination responsibilities.
• Known for its armada of vehicles and visitation of HGV drivers, Eddie Stobart could be a distinct coordination company.
• XPO Coordinations is an additional significant participant in the coordination industry, offering visa sponsorship to experienced HGV drivers.

Skills and Qualifications:

Certain prerequisite aptitudes and capabilities are required for a Lorry Driver candidate to be effective. They necessitate the appropriate operating abilities to operate heavy-duty products and vehicles, as well as a variety of leadership and coordination skills, which frequently encompass:

Key Skills:

1. Concentration and Focus:
   • Ability to maintain focus for long periods while driving, even in congested or challenging road conditions.
   • Capability to drive safely over long distances and in various weather conditions.
2. Flexibility and Endurance:
   • Willingness and the ability to drive at night and be away from home for long amounts of time, because some deliveries may need to be made overnight.
   • Physical stamina for driving long hours and managing fatigue.
3. Mechanical Knowledge:
   • Basic mechanical skills to perform simple maintenance tasks such as replacing motor oil, checking tire pressure, and performing minor repairs when necessary.
4. Communication Skills:
   • Good contact with customers, suppliers, and managers to keep them up to date on delivery times and fix any problems that come up during transit.
   • Being able to report on how well the car is running, how the roads are, and any accidents or delays.
5. Organizational Skills:
   • Excellent planning skills are needed to handle multiple packages and make sure that drop-offs happen on time while staying on schedule.
   • Ability to correctly record trips by keeping logbooks, delivery receipts, and other important papers.

Qualifications:

1. Full UK Driving Licence:
   • Ideally, candidates should hold a full UK driving license with zero penalty points.
2. Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC):
   • In the UK, you need a CPC to drive a commercial heavy goods truck (HGV). It makes sure that the driver has the right skills to drive these cars safely and effectively.
3. HGV Licence (Category C1 and Category C):
   • HGV licenses must cover both Category C1 (vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes) and Category C (vehicles over 7.5 tonnes).
4. Physical Fitness:
   • As part of their job, they must be able to lift and move things that weigh up to 20 kilograms.
   • To be able to do their job, drivers must be at least 18 years old and in good health.
5. International HGV Licence:
   • If someone is applying from outside of Australia, they must have a current HGV license from their home country that covers heavy-duty vehicles.
6. Job Offer and Visa Sponsorship:
   • For foreign applicants, it is necessary to have a confirmed job offer from a UK company willing to pay for the candidate’s work visa.
7. English Language Proficiency:
   • Usually, you need to show that you can speak and write English well by passing an official language test (like the IELTS or something similar).
8. Background and Health Checks:
   • Background checks and a health check are done on the candidate to make sure they meet the legal and safety requirements to drive in the UK.

Benefits of HGV Truck Driver Jobs:

• Compensatory Competitiveness: HGV vehicle drivers, particularly those who possess specialized skills or extensive experience, frequently earn competitive salaries.
• Maintaining Job Stability: The consistent demand for transporting products ensures that HGV truck drivers have employment stability.
• A Range of Routes: Automobilists might be allowed to visit various destinations, traverse a multitude of roads, and encounter a variety of topographies.
• The Concept of Independence: Truck driving can provide a degree of autonomy, given that operators are frequently traversing the road without constant oversight.
• Adaptable Timetable: Although the schedule may be rigorous, certain truck driving jobs provide some leeway concerning vacation days and work schedules.
• Benefits Provisions: Numerous businesses offer their truck drivers comprehensive benefits packages, which may consist of health insurance, retirement plans, and additional advantages.
• Travel Possibilities: Whether by way of their routes, HGV vehicle drivers may be allowed to traverse various states, cities, or even countries.
• Skills in demand: Due to the intensive reliance of the transportation sector on truck drivers, individuals possessing the requisite expertise and credentials are frequently sought after.
• Employment Opportunities: The transportation of products guarantees an ongoing need for truck drivers, thereby generating a diverse range of employment prospects within the sector.
• Stable Sector: The transportation sector is crucial to the economy, and its stability improves the dependability of truck driving employment.
• Employment Opportunities for Training: Certain organizations offer training programs to individuals who are interested in pursuing a career as HGV truck drivers, thereby ensuring that those with the necessary aptitude can enter the field.
• Opportunities for Progression: Opportunities for career advancement may be available to seasoned truck drivers, including assuming supervisory responsibilities or specializing in particular categories of cargo.

Check Also: UK Seasonal Worker Visa – Temporary Work Visa

Duties and Responsibilities:

A Lorry Driver is accountable for the products they are responsible for transporting. They are attentive to adhering to a schedule and ensuring that the products are delivered according to the client’s request, without any damage. The primary responsibilities and obligations of a lorry driver are as follows:

Vehicle Safety and Maintenance:

• Before you go on a trip, make sure the lorry is officially allowed to be on the road and that it works properly.
• Do regular repair checks, like checking the oil, tires, and brakes.
• If the car breaks down while in transit or after an accident, you need to fix it right away.

Cargo Safety and Loading:

• Make sure that big and heavy items are properly secured to make sure they arrive safely.
• Watch over and help load and unload things so they don’t get damaged.
• Make sure that everything is firmly fastened so that it doesn’t move or get lost during transport.

Route Planning and Navigation:

• Plan the quickest and most fuel-efficient way to get from the pickup spot to the destination.
• Keep up with traffic changes, accidents, and road closures, and change your plans as needed.

Deliveries and Client Interaction:

• Plan for several packages and drop-offs to happen during the day.
• Follow the client’s plan and make sure the goods are delivered on time without getting damaged.
• Fill out and keep track of delivery paperwork, such as logbooks, travel records, and delivery receipts.

Legal and Safety Compliance:

• Follow all in-house company policies, as well as external regulations like the Ministry of Transport (MOT) guidelines.
• Operate large commercial vehicles weighing 7.5 tons or more, including rigid trucks, articulated lorries, tankers, and trailers.

Driving Responsibilities:

• Drive a long way, sometimes for several days, and stay away from home at night.
• Work in a small vehicle for long amounts of time, keeping your mind clear and avoiding getting tired.

Collaborating with Transportation Managers:

• Plan delivery times and find the best routes with the help of transportation workers.
• Tell them how the delivery is going and let them know about any problems that come up along the way.

Manual Handling:

• During the loading and unloading process, carry and lift things.
• Be careful when handling goods so that no one gets hurt or the goods get damaged.

Record Keeping and Log Maintenance:

• Maintain exact records of your vehicle’s mileage, maintenance, and fuel use in logbooks.
• Keep a thorough record of where the cargo goes and when it arrives.

Health and Safety:

• Follow all health and safety rules, such as giving drivers enough time to rest so they don’t get tired.
• To keep everyone safe on the road, follow the rules about driving hours and stops.

Earnings and Work Benefits:

Earnings:

• Annual Salary in the UK can expect to make between £25,000 and £40,000 a year. The exact salary often depends on things like the type of vehicle, the distance traveled, the amount of experience, and the business.
• Overtime Pay A lot of trucking companies pay extra for working extra hours, which can help you make a lot more money overall.

Work Benefits:

• Visa Sponsorship: Foreigners can get visa sponsorship for jobs as truck drivers in the UK. These jobs offer a safe career path and the chance to live and work in the UK.
• Well-Being Protections: A lot of the time, health and fitness programs for drivers cover things like medical insurance, mental health support, and other programs that promote health.
• Pension Plans: A lot of companies offer pension plans that are based on employee contributions. These plans help protect your finances in retirement.
• Paid Leave: Most companies give their truck drivers paid holidays, and some companies even offer extra leave choices.
• Training and Development: A lot of companies spend money on their drivers’ continued training and development, like taking classes to improve their qualifications or pick up new skills.

Career Appeal for Foreign Workers:

• Travel Opportunities: Truck driving in the UK offers the chance to travel across the country and even internationally, depending on the job.
• Organized Industry: The UK has a well-structured trucking and logistics sector, offering good job security and competitive pay rates.

How to Apply for HGV Driver Jobs

The following measures should be taken to apply for HGV driver positions in the United Kingdom:

• Research Bosses: Differentiate between organizations that provide visas for heavy-duty truck drivers.
• Submit Applications: Directly submit your application through enrollment agencies or company websites.
• Prepare Records: Compile essential records, including your HGV permit, employment offer, and confirmation of English proficiency.
• Visa Application: To apply for the Gifted Specialist visa, visit the official website of the United Kingdom government.

More Info

A well-crafted application is necessary to secure employment as an HGV driver. Ensure that your cover letter is customized to the specific job and company and that you continue to emphasize critical driving experiences. Demonstrate your willingness to relocate and your accessibility.

Frequently Asked Questions: