HGV Class 1 Driver Recruitment UK

When you submit a vacancy here at Elite Recruitment, you can request whether you need a Class 1 HGV driver, or a Class 2 HGV driver. Qualified drivers are a necessity, and if you need a Class 1 driver for long-haul journeys in an articulated lorry – we will provide the dedicated candidate to cover any shift, day or night.

 

Are You Looking For HGV Class 1 Drivers?

Both licenced drivers, whether Class 1 or Class 2, have passed their medical exam as well as a series of theory and practical tests. Class 1 HGV drivers can drive class C and E vehicles, meaning that they can operate any HGV over 7.5 tonnes including a drawbar truck, articulated vehicle, as well as rigid trucks and smaller. Class 1-qualified truckers can also drive for much longer distances than those with a Class 2 qualification. This is mainly because they are better trained for international deliveries and are tested during a five-day practical course on their concentration and driving skills in an articulated lorry.

 

Types of Jobs for HGV Class 1 Drivers

Whether you’re hiring temporarily or permanently, there are a range of jobs that would require a skilled HGV driver. We can help hire for all types of truck drivers, from the most common roles to those in niche sectors. Some of the most common ones include:

  • Tanker driver – transporting gases or liquids, usually hazardous substances. This requires a lot of knowledge in ADR and transportation safety.
  • Waste management driver – consists of driving a large truck filled with waste materials that are loaded, compressed, and then dumped into landfill.
  • Delivery driver – typically includes the delivery of goods and packages to businesses and homes.
  • Long-haul truck driver – this could be across the country or driving to other countries for international trade.
  • Heavy equipment truck driver/ heavy plant operator – usually involves the transportation of large construction equipment and machinery.
  • Refrigerated goods driver – includes transporting perishable items such as refrigerated foods.
  • Emergency response driver – driving vehicles that carry emergency equipment, for example ambulances, fire trucks, etc.

Typical Shift Work for a Class 1 HGV Driver

  • ADR work – the transportation of dangerous goods.
  • Continental HGV work – shifts across Europe that cycle through 4 on 4 off.
  • Long-haul HGV work – where the drops are spread far apart, so long journeys are to be expected.
  • 4 on 4 off – The most common shift pattern, where drivers work 4 days in a row (day or night shift) and then have 4 days off. The hours during these shifts are usually long, with shifts lasting for 12 hours.

With HGV Class 1 drivers becoming harder to find, recruiting the right employee for the job can be difficult. We also know that, with running a business, you may not have the time to look through countless CVs or decide on choosing which applicant to interview. Even an initial call can make the process long and slow. That is why Elite Recruitment covers all the steps, all you need to do is decide who you want to hire. Contact us here and we will see what we can do to help!

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    WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

    HGV Class 1 Vs Class 2

    If you’re considering a career in HGV driving or looking to hire qualified drivers, it’s important to understand the key differences between an HGV Class 1 and HGV Class 2 licence. Both licences enable drivers to operate heavy goods vehicles, but they differ in terms of vehicle size, job opportunities, and responsibilities.

    HGV Class 1

    An HGV Class 1 licence, also known as a Category C+E licence, allows drivers to operate larger, articulated lorries that can weigh up to 44 tonnes. These vehicles usually consist of a cab and a detachable trailer, offering greater flexibility for long-haul transportation and larger loads.

    Key Features of an HGV Class 1 Licence:

    Drive vehicles over 7.5 tonnes with a detachable trailer.

    Typically used for long-haul deliveries across the UK and internationally.

    Often includes overnight stays and longer shifts.

    Higher earning potential due to the increased level of responsibility.

    Common job roles: haulage, tanker work, refrigerated transport, bulk deliveries.

    HGV Class 2

    An HGV Class 2 licence, also known as a Category C licence, allows drivers to operate rigid vehicles over 7.5 tonnes, meaning the cab and trailer are fixed together as a single unit. These vehicles are commonly used for local and regional deliveries, offering more structured shift patterns.

    Key Features of an HGV Class 2 Licence:

    Drive rigid vehicles over 7.5 tonnes (up to 32 tonnes).

    Ideal for shorter-distance deliveries and multi-drop work.

    Typically involves day shifts with a better work-life balance.

    Higher earning potential due to the increased level of responsibility.

    Suitable for urban environments, construction, and waste management.

    Common job roles: retail deliveries, construction haulage, refuse collection.

    North West HGV Class 1 Recruitment

    Our recruitment team is based in Widnes, Cheshire, but we work with companies across the North West, covering large counties like Cheshire, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Cumbria, and Merseyside, including the areas within such as:

    • Warrington
    • Widnes
    • Wigan
    • Skelmersdale
    • Haydock
    • Runcorn
    • Wrexham
    • St Helens
    • Trafford
    • Manchester
    • Bolton
    • Carrington

    As a leading recruitment agency for HGV and logistics jobs, we strive for the very best. This is why we make sure our candidates have either a Class 1 or Class 2 HGV licence – you can also request which one you prefer when you submit a vacancy with us. Leave the recruitment process in the best hands and submit a vacancy today!

    We’re Specialists

    Specialising in recruitment for the logistics, transport & warehouse industry.

    We’re Experienced

    Recruiting since 2011, we’re an experienced team ready to help you find your next role.

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    We’re Elite

    Delivering an elite recruitment service to companies looking for staff and people looking for work.

    Candidates we’ve placed

    I have been working for Elite Employment for just over six months now and I have to say I cannot speak highly enough of them. The staff in the office are really helpful and supported me a lot when I was getting started. There is always work to choose from which is great for me as I can be flexible with my work. I have always been paid on time and at the correct rates for the jobs that I have complete.

    Chris Wilkinson

    Brilliant agency to work for, Morgan is very helpful and explained all I needed to know and if I had any questions she is always available to help me, keep up the good work, I highly recommend working for this agency!

    Sharon Morrow

    Sometimes when you apply for a job it’s a really time consuming, energy sapping process with promised start dates constantly cancelled and in the end you are left in limbo thinking what a waste of time that was.Not so with Elite. Really quick process with them and they match you up with roles that actually suit you.Really good communication so you know exactly what’s going on with your application and when you do start [which was virtually straight away] the onboarding and care from the girls at Elite is way better than other agencies I have worked for. Completely recommend it for those reasons but maybe for this one too … they seem to find you the more enjoyable jobs and ones which pay better than the rest of the market. Bit of Win Win I’d say

    Manish

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