HGV Driving Careers: What Are Your Options?

If you’ve recently secured your HGV licence and want to start looking for jobs in the haulage work industry, you’ve probably been considering the various career options that could be available to you. Some types of haulier jobs are difficult to distinguish from one another, but this article is going to give a breakdown of each role and will hopefully help you to decide which career path is right for you.    

Although some jobs may require further accreditation, many of these are suited to anyone with a HGV licence – and a passion for driving, of course. Here are some of the main haulage work options available:

Long Distance

This is usually the first job that springs to mind when someone mentions truck driving careers. Long-distance delivery driving may involve travelling across Europe and being away from home for long stretches of time. Although a lot of mental pressure goes hand-in-hand with this career choice, it’s a fantastic way to travel the world and enjoy the freedom of the open road.

Local, Regional or OTR

If you’d prefer to work slightly closer to home, perhaps one of these options will suit you a little better. OTR (Over the Road) haulage work means you could be allocated jobs anywhere in the UK, whereas regional and local drivers usually remain within about 100 miles of their homes. Being able to spend more time at home with their families is what draws most hauliers to local jobs. 

Company

This is a common choice for new drivers as the benefits include consistent pay and regular time at home. The worker is usually assigned their own vehicle and paid according to how much time they spend out on a delivery.

Owner Driver

Although a lot of experience is usually required, owner driver jobs are highly sought-after since they are among the highest-paid in the industry. Owner operators have their own equipment and vehicle and typically act as the driver, too. While they may well sub-contract for a trucking company, these drivers have to manage their own small business, including the expenses, schedules and additional equipment.

Tanker

This is a relatively specialised role as it involves transporting liquids. Depending on the company the driver is working for, or the client they are delivering to, the job may mean dealing with flammable or hazardous liquids, so being fully aware of safety procedures is vital. Those who can handle serious responsibility would do well in this career.

Haulage work is highly diverse; it can be mentally challenging, tiring and restrictive, but also extremely rewarding if you’re in the right field. Choosing the correct career path for you is hugely important, so make sure you do your research before making a final decision. Whether you want to travel the globe or deliver closer to home, there’s bound to be a job out there to suit you.

Author Plate

Norman Dulwich is a Correspondent for Haulage Exchange, the leading online trade network for the road transport industry. Connecting logistics professionals across the UK and Europe through their website, Haulage Exchange provides services for matching haulage work with available drivers. Over 5,400 member companies are networked together through the Exchange to fill empty capacity, get new clients and form long-lasting business relationships.