what does a heavy goods vehicle driver do?
The primary mission of the HGV driver is to deliver goods to the clients of the company for which they work, under the agreed conditions and within the scheduled deadlines.
what is your mission as a heavy goods vehicle driver?
The driver may travel regionally in the case of a short distance HGV driver, as well as across Luxembourg or abroad for long distance drivers. In both cases, they drive a vehicle whose maximum authorised mass is over 3.5 tonnes. During journeys, they complete documentation, for example when stopped at customs or when handing the cargo over to the client. They may also have to load or unload goods. They ensure that their vehicle is kept in good working order.
Does HGV driving match your desire to work autonomously, your enjoyment of driving and your dexterity at the wheel? Do you believe you can meet delivery deadlines? Discover which skills and qualifications you need to become a heavy goods vehicle driver.
explore our vacanciesaverage salary for a heavy goods vehicle driver.
The average salary for road haulage drivers is €3,250 gross per month, approximately the qualified social minimum wage, excluding bonuses. Salaries are defined by the collective agreement for transport and logistics. The more specialised the type of vehicle driven, for example tanker, hazardous goods, concrete mixer, super heavy vehicle, the higher the salary. A driver also benefits from a system of bonuses calculated according to the number of nights and meals taken during the journey.
which factors determine salary in a heavy goods vehicle driver role?
Salaries are regularly increased in line with the driver’s length of service and experience. The increase is around 2 percent after two years, 4 percent after five years and 8 percent after more than fifteen years with the company. In addition to base pay, a variable component is often added in the form of bonuses, incentives and commissions. Some companies promote employee savings schemes and employee share ownership. Overtime, which is common in the profession, attracts enhanced rates, between 25 and 50 percent.
types of heavy goods vehicle driver roles.
There are different types of heavy goods vehicle driver roles, such as:
- international car transporter driver
- public works HGV driver
- tanker HGV driver
- super heavy vehicle driver, SPL
- concrete mixer truck driver, construction vehicle, the drum contains cement or concrete
- HGV driver with auxiliary crane
- household waste tipper driver
- delivery driver
Distinctions between the different drivers are made according to the maximum authorised mass as well as the type of vehicle, for example tanker lorry, flatbed lorry, tipper truck, hook lift with articulated arm, semi trailer lorry.
The types of heavy goods vehicle driver roles mentioned here are examples, this list is not exhaustive.
working as a heavy goods vehicle driver.
Reporting to the owner or manager of a transport company, the lorry driver works autonomously. Whether in the public or private sector, the handling of a lorry depends greatly on the type of vehicle and the accessories available, crane, flatbed, and so on. Learn more about the day to day work of an HGV driver, working time arrangements and career prospects.
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tasks and responsibilities
As an HGV driver, by definition, you spend the great majority of your working hours on the road. However, you also carry out a number of tasks, including:
- updating administrative and loading documents
- checking and distributing goods
- ensuring the compliance of on board and transport documentation
- setting up the tachograph card to calculate driving and rest times
- coupling a trailer
- ensuring the correct functioning of the lorry, servicing, maintenance
- defining the route in coordination with your employer
- keeping the lorry clean and in good condition
- complying with the Highway Code and safety instructions
Again, tasks vary according to the types of lorries used. Depending on the equipment, auxiliary crane, flatbed, semi trailer, the driver will carry out different manoeuvres. For example, the coupling and uncoupling procedure for a semi trailer involves a series of precise actions.
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working environment
Government services, agriculture, construction and public works, healthcare, retail, hospitality, many sectors are open to HGV drivers. They may work for transport, industrial or commercial companies and specialise in a type of vehicle, for example tanker, livestock truck, or in a type of product, or in a specific traffic area, region, Luxembourg or abroad. Most of their working time is spent on the road. Even administrative formalities are usually completed in the cab. Transport companies are major employers in this field.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer, your colleagues may include forklift operators, delivery drivers and logistics specialists. You may also work with warehouse managers and other specialists, such as mechanics.
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work organisation
An HGV driver may have very demanding working hours, including nights and weekends. Working hours are governed by precise regulations. Depending on the company, a driver may operate on the same route, regional, national or international. The routes determine the working week. Monitoring is carried out through the individual control logbook.
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career prospects
Over the years, lorry driving can become challenging for family life and health. It may be attractive to move into more sedentary jobs, for example warehouse operator and forklift operator. The HGV driver can still dedicate part of their activity to driving, while also handling stock. They can also move towards groupage roles, checking the organisation and content of loads in warehouses and on platforms. Finally, sales roles, regularly offered by transport companies, are an attractive option.
getting a heavy goods vehicle driver role with randstad.
When you search for your heavy goods vehicle driver role with Randstad, you benefit from attractive advantages, such as:
- a wide variety of companies to work in and development opportunities
- an experienced point of contact to support you when needed
- a broad range of opportunities in your sector
- weekly or monthly pay depending on the assignment
- permanent contracts, CDI, fixed term contracts, CDD, and temporary assignments
Would you like to be hired on a CDI, permanent contract? In many cases, working on a temporary assignment as an HGV driver is a first step and acts as a springboard to obtaining a permanent contract. Many companies also recruit employees on a CDI through Randstad.
training and skills.
To become a heavy goods vehicle driver in Luxembourg, it is essential to hold an appropriate driving licence and to complete specialised training to drive heavy vehicles. The role of an HGV driver is to transport goods while complying with road safety rules and applicable regulations. The following are the types of training and skills required to become an HGV driver in Luxembourg:
- Category C driving licence, heavy goods vehicle licence, the first step is to obtain the Category C licence, also known as the HGV licence. This licence allows you to drive vehicles with a maximum authorised mass over 3.5 tonnes.
- The transport of certain goods requires specific authorisation. This is the case in particular for hazardous goods, for which an ADR training certificate is required.
- Vehicle maintenance skills, an HGV driver must be able to carry out basic checks on the vehicle, such as checking fluid levels, brakes, tyres and safety equipment. Preventive maintenance skills are essential to ensure that the vehicle is in good working order before each journey.
know how and competencies.
The HGV driver role is solitary and requires a high degree of autonomy, resourcefulness, especially in the event of a breakdown, and unwavering vigilance. The driver also has good physical condition, good eyesight and reflexes, in order to cover long distances throughout the day or night, in summer and winter. In addition to driving, a driver demonstrates the following skills:
- knowledge of the regulations in force for the transport of goods
- knowledge of, and compliance with, safety rules
- mastery of on board electronic devices
- strong time management and scheduling discipline
- compliance with the company’s internal procedures
- good client facing skills
- good knowledge of the cold chain, for refrigerated lorries
- sound mechanical understanding
- administrative rigour to maintain on board documents
For international transport, knowledge of English is an advantage.
FAQs.
FAQs about the heavy goods vehicle driver profession
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is the HGV driver profession under pressure?
Yes, transport companies frequently experience recruitment difficulties. Due to the rapid growth of e-commerce and home deliveries, among other factors, there is a shortage of drivers. Tens of thousands of roles are often available across the country.
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what advice would you give a candidate for an HGV driver role?
You need to have a passion for the road. An HGV driver enjoys driving. Flexibility is necessary, as additional delays are frequent. Finally, it is important to maintain good physical condition.
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what questions does an employer ask when hiring a driver?
Beyond questions about training and the type of licence held, an employer will ask about experience, knowledge of the road network and the region, and the ability to manage stress. They will also ask technical questions, such as checking cargo or the reflexes to adopt in the event of an accident.
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how do drivers combat drowsiness?
Nights can be short for HGV drivers, and the risk of drowsiness may arise. The only way to fully recover driving capacity is to take a break of at least 45 minutes, even if this risks a delay.
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how do you apply for a heavy goods vehicle driver role?
Applying is straightforward, create a Randstad account and browse the vacancies in your sector, then send us your CV and cover letter.
