Things HGV Drivers Wish Other Road Users Knew About Their Work

It is not so easy being a truck driver. You can’t become an HGV driver out of the blue. A lot goes into being on the road without causing danger to other road users and motorists. This is key to a successful career in this field. Truck drivers are the backbone of the economy in difficult situations such as the COVID pandemic. These play an important role in ensuring that essential supplies reach people who need them badly.

Here are things HGV drivers wish other road user knew

Truckers are women and men

Trucking is perceived as a male-dominated field. However, women are capable just like men in the trucking industry. According to the Freight Transport Association (FTA), 1.2% of the 320,000 truck drivers in the UK are female. There’s a need to break the stereotype that the industry is for men so more female truckers can hit the road.

HGV Drivers are of great value

Truck drivers are the driving force of many businesses. Without the trucking service, business across the country would be no more. During difficult times such as pandemics, truck drivers work tirelessly to deliver essential products such as medicine and food across the country. Even when other people and businesses are put under lockdown, truckers have to keep busy since the lives of the population depend on their services.

Only those with a valid license drive trucks

Driving a car doesn’t qualify someone to drive a truck. To become an HGV driver requires professional Class 2 HGV Training to get the appropriate licence. You have to undertake 20 hours behind the wheel under the watchful eyes of a certified instructor. This prepares you to take the final DVSA Test. After getting the licence, you qualify to drive various vehicles including bin lorries and trucks.

Safety is paramount on the road

Before getting behind the wheel of a truck, acquiring a valid licence is necessary. This is after thorough and continuous training by certified instructors. The continual training enphasises the safety consciousness of all drivers while on the road. Besides, drivers take drug tests regularly with a risk of failing to get work with a reputable company when they fail.

Drinking while driving is heavily discouraged and leads to sacking. Every driver has to maintain company safety rules with a camera in the cab to ensure this. Keep in mind that driving while fatigued or distracted is strongly discouraged to avoid accidents. It is impossible to have a successful career as an HGV driver without sticking to the safe driving rules.

HGV drivers care about other road users

Professional drivers understand that the safety of their lives, cargo, equipment, truck, and other road users is paramount. Companies regularly train their drivers during upcoming seasons on how to stay safe on the road. Additionally, drivers have to drive a safe distance behind other vehicles to lessen the chances of accidents. In fact, trucking companies have cameras on their trucks to monitor the behavior of their drivers on the road.

HGV driving is not a lucrative job

When times become hard, most companies fall or lay off some staff. However, the trucking business is for all seasons. Regardless of the situation on hand, people need access to supplies across the country. it is the job of the truck drivers to deliver the supplies. A report from ITV in 2020 indicated a shortage of 76,000 HGV drivers in the country.

So, getting your Class 2 Licence is a guarantee that you won’t spend a long time looking for a job. In fact, the average hourly truck driver salary in the UK is £13.37 according to Indeed.com. Keep in mind that reputable companies have programs to allow experienced drivers to earn more. 

Truck drivers never get bored

Traveling is one of the best ways to enjoy the world. Truck drivers are always traveling while earning. This makes their career a very interesting one. There immense opportunities to see and experience various things, places, and sights. Truck driving comes with visiting various exciting destinations across the country and meeting many interesting people.

Even without getting out of the truck, HGV drivers listen to radio and podcasts without getting distracted. Visiting various locations and meeting people of various backgrounds allows making new friends and learning new languages outside the UK.

Driving isn’t all about sitting all day

Being a truck driver is more than driving the truck to a given destination. Some tasks come with the job including:

• Loading and unloading

• Route planning

• Inventory taking

Doing all these keep the driver active and physically fit.

Conclusion

Truck drivers play an important role in society. It is a highly rewarding career for dedicated professionals. Finishing training and acquiring a Class 2 Licence portrays commitment to serve the country in all situations.