How Much Does An HGV/LGV Lorry Driver Earn?
LGV driving is a professional occupation and as such demands a professional wage. How much you will earn will depend on many factors, including your age, experience, knowledge and the type of HGV/LGV licence you hold. Typically a class 1 (C+E) Driver should expect to earn more than a class 2 (C) Driver.
Permanent Employment
An experienced, professional LGV driver can earn well above the UK national average salary (currently £25,000.) An experienced Class 1 (C+E) ADR qualified Petrol Tanker Delivery Driver can earn in excess of £35,000 a year. Bear in mind not everyone who drives a truck is a Petrol Tanker Driver. A cat C Tipper Driver could expect to earn £21,000 - £28,000. An experienced 7.5 tonne multi-drop Driver should expect to earn £17,500 - £24,000. These rates may vary depending on region, employer, type of work (shift, nights etc) etc.
A newly qualified LGV Driver (typically less than 2 years LGV driving experience ) should expect to earn around £18,000 - £23,000. The average salary of the UK LGV driver is currently £23,500. Employers and industry welcomes newly qualified HGV Drivers. Age and experience can be a problem however for new entrants. Employers (and insurance) like to know you have the necessary driving skills to carry out the job.
Temporary / Agency Employment
Many newly qualified Drivers elect initially to work for recruitment agencies to gain experience and improve driver skills. Agency rates of pay can vary greatly depending on what it is you will be doing (e.g. night shift, ADR, Class 1, multi-drop, trunking, etc). A guide of pay is below:
- Cat C1 (7.5 tonne vehicle): £6.50 - £12.00 p/h
- Cat C (Class 27.5 - 32 tonnes, rigid vehicle): £7.00 - £13.00 p/h
- Cat C+E (Class 1, articulated, draw bar vehicle): £8.00 - £20.00 + p/h
The LGV Job Market
The haulage industry has been affected by the recession just like any other industry in the UK. As a result of the economic downturn it's a fact that less driving jobs are around than were 18 months ago. Having said that opportunities still exist and transport companies are still recruiting drivers. If you are looking for employment and going for an interview make sure your CV is up to date and it highlights/features your driving experience and ambitions. Also, when being interviewed for a driving job most conscientious employers or recruitment agencies will want to asses your driving ability by way of an on road driving assessment. Speak to your local provider about refresher HGV/LGV training. All LGV's manufactured after May 2006 will be fitted with a digital tachograph. You will need a Drivers' digital tacho card to operate the vehicle. You can download an application form from our useful links page. click here
How can I earn more?
There are many ways to enhance your salary expectations and develop your career further within the haulage industry. Some examples include:
- ADR: This licence is required if you transport dangerous goods by road. Having ADR should equate to a higher rate of pay.
- Driver CPC: Mandatory qualifications for all professional Drivers. Complete 35 hours formal training every five years (Drivers' Hours, ADR etc)
- Operator CPC: Required if you want to run/own your own truck business. This is the recognised Management qualification within the transport industry (LGV and PCV). It confirms you have the required skills and knowledge to run and manage a transport business competently
Remember. Before you can earn you must first learn. Speak to your local provider today for more details on how to get your career moving.
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