Trucking in the UK is a vital part of the country’s logistics and supply chain, ensuring the distribution of goods across the nation. The UK’s road freight industry is valued at approximately £33 billion, playing a crucial role in moving goods across the UK and overseas. In 2019, road freight contributed £13.6 billion to the UK economy, with over 60,000 road freight businesses operating within the UK.
Although the industry saw a 12% reduction in goods hauled in 2020 due to Covid restrictions compared to 2019, current growth forecasts project its revenue to grow more than 2% per annum over the next 5 years. As of 2023, the haulage and logistics sector ranked as the fifth largest sector in the country, employing more than 2.5 million people, with 600,000 licensed goods vehicle drivers.
A significant 89% of all transported goods are moved by road, with HGVs traveling between 5,000 and 6,000 empty kilometers per year.
Despite its huge size, the UK trucking industry still faces a slew of challenges, chief of which is a shortage of qualified drivers. According to industry statistics, there were 39,000 fewer HGV drivers in 2021 than in 2019, highlighting a significant shortage that continues to affect productivity.
In this article, we shall be exploring the opportunities that are available in the truck driving industry, and the steps migrants can take to find truck driver jobs in the UK. But first, let us update our understanding of what a truck driver job is all about.
Truck Driver Role in the UK
A truck driver, commonly referred to as a trucker or lorry driver, is a professional who earns a living by operating a truck, typically to transport goods over land. They are responsible for ensuring the safe and timely delivery of cargo, adhering to traffic laws, and maintaining their vehicle.
Truck drivers play a crucial role in the economy by facilitating the movement of goods between manufacturing plants, retail, and distribution centers. The job may involve long hours and extended periods away from home, requiring strong driving skills and the ability to manage long journeys.
In the UK, truck driving offers migrants a range of job opportunities, from local deliveries to long-distance haulage. There’s a high demand for truck drivers in the UK, with numerous job postings across various regions. Positions range from HGV Class 2 drivers, responsible for skip hire and refuse collection, to Class 1 drivers handling long-distance freight.
While a valid HGV license is essential for most truck driver roles in the UK, and experience is often preferred, some roles may require specific skills like operating an HIAB crane or driving a vacuum excavation truck. Working hours for truck driving jobs in the UK can vary, including full-time, permanent roles, with some requiring night shifts or tramping (overnight stays). Pay rates differ based on the type of driving work, experience, and company, but job listings often detail the expected salary or hourly rate.
Types of Truck Driver Jobs in The UK
In the UK, truck driver jobs can vary widely, offering opportunities for different preferences and qualifications.
Here are some types of truck driver jobs commonly found:
- HGV Class 1 Driver: Operates heavy goods vehicles for long-distance haulage, often involving overnight stays or “tramping.”
- HGV Class 2 Driver: Handles medium-sized vehicles for tasks like refuse collection or local deliveries.
- Tanker Driver: Specializes in transporting liquids or gases, which often require additional certifications due to the hazardous nature of the cargo.
- ADR Driver: Carries dangerous goods and requires ADR certification on top of the standard HGV license.
- HIAB Driver: Operates a truck with a crane (HIAB) for loading and unloading heavy goods.
- Multi-drop Driver: Delivers goods to multiple locations, typically involving frequent stops and shorter distances.
- Refrigerated Truck Driver: Transports perishable goods in temperature-controlled vehicles.
- Flatbed Truck Driver: Transports oversized loads or goods that do not fit in a standard enclosed truck body.
- European/International Driver: Travels between the UK and other countries, requiring knowledge of international driving regulations.
These roles may have different requirements regarding experience, licenses, and certifications. Additionally, the working hours, salary, and contract types can vary, with some positions offering full-time, permanent contracts, while others might be part-time or temporary.
Application process for migrant Truck Drivers in the UK
The application process for a migrant truck driver in the UK typically involves the following steps:
1- Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for the Skilled Worker visa, which includes having a job offer from an approved employer sponsor in the UK.
2- Certificate of Sponsorship: Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your UK employer, which contains information about the job and your personal details.
3- Visa Application: Apply for the visa online, where you will be asked to provide biometric information. This process may vary slightly for EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens compared to non-EU citizens.
4- Biometric Information: For most visas, EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens will provide a digital photo of their face using a smartphone app. Non-EU citizens will need to submit fingerprints and a photo at an overseas visa application center.
5- English Language Requirement: Demonstrate your ability to speak English at the required level.
6- Financial Requirement: Show that you have enough money to support yourself in the UK without relying on public funds.
7- Healthcare Surcharge: Pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application to use the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK.
8- Application Fee: Pay the visa application fee, which varies depending on the type of visa and the length of stay.
It’s important to note that the specific requirements and process may change, so it’s advisable to check the latest information from official UK government sources or consult with an immigration expert.
General Duties of a Truck Driver in the UK
Truck drivers have a range of responsibilities that ensure the safe and efficient delivery of goods. These duties require truck drivers to be vigilant, organized, and dedicated to ensuring the safety and timeliness of their deliveries.
Here are some key duties truck drivers in the UK typically perform:
- Long-Distance Driving: Operating the truck over various distances to deliver goods.
- Loading and Unloading Cargo: Managing the loading and unloading process to ensure cargo is secure.
- Route Planning: Using GPS and maps to plan the most efficient routes.
- Vehicle Maintenance: Performing pre-trip inspections and routine maintenance checks.
- Safety Compliance: Adhering to traffic laws and safety regulations.
- Record Keeping: Maintaining detailed logs of working hours, rest periods, and distances covered.
- Customer Service: Interacting with customers in a professional manner.
- Reporting Issues: Communicating any mechanical issues or road incidents to dispatchers.
- Compliance with Regulations: Following truck driving rules and regulations, including those related to cargo, vehicle weight, and driving hours.
- Daily Vehicle Upkeep: Ensuring the truck is clean, refueled, and ready for operation.
Benefits of Truck Driver Roles in the UK
Working as a truck driver in the UK comes with several benefits that can make it an attractive career choice:
1- Competitive Salary: Truck drivers can expect a good income, with the possibility of bonuses for specific routes or safety records.
2- Travel Opportunities: The job allows drivers to travel and see different parts of the country, sometimes even internationally.
3- Independence: Many truck drivers enjoy a degree of independence in their work, choosing their routes and schedules.
4- Career Advancement: There are opportunities for career growth, such as becoming a trainer, moving into management, or starting your own trucking business.
5- Employee Benefits: Benefits may include medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as retirement plans and paid time off.
6- Job Security: Due to the high demand for truck drivers, job security is typically strong.
7- Flexible Work Schedules: Some drivers have the flexibility to choose their work schedules, which can accommodate personal preferences.
8- Variety of Work: There’s a wide range of driving jobs available, from local deliveries to long-haul routes.
9- Skill Development: Drivers can gain valuable skills and certifications that are transferable to other roles within the logistics sector.
10- Community: There’s a sense of community among truck drivers, with various forums and groups for support and advice.
These benefits contribute to the overall appeal of truck driving as a profession in the UK. However, it’s important to consider the lifestyle and demands of the job to ensure it aligns with your personal and professional goals.
Visa Pathways for Truck Drivers in the UK
The UK has offered various visa pathways for truck drivers, particularly in response to shortages in the industry. Here’s a summary of the options:
1- Temporary Visas: In the past, the UK government has made temporary visas available to foreign truck drivers to alleviate industry shortages. These were typically short-term and part of the T5 Temporary Worker category.
2- Skilled Worker Visa: This is a points-based visa requiring a job offer from an approved sponsor, a job at an appropriate skill level, a minimum salary threshold, and English language proficiency.
3- Seasonal Worker Visa (T5): Although usually for agricultural work, there have been instances where this visa was extended to truck drivers for a limited period.
4- EU, EEA, and Swiss Licenses: Drivers with these licenses have been able to apply for certain visa schemes, provided they have the necessary endorsements and meet other criteria.
5- Shortage Occupation List: The industry has lobbied for truck drivers to be added to this list, which would make it easier for drivers to qualify for a skilled worker visa. However, as of the latest information, there are no plans to introduce new visas specifically for truck drivers.
It’s important to note that visa regulations can change, so it’s advisable to check the latest information from official UK government sources or consult with an immigration expert for the most current details. The temporary visa scheme mentioned has been closed, and there is currently no sign of new changes to the Shortage Occupation List that would facilitate the recruitment of HGV drivers from overseas.
