{"id":2527,"date":"2022-05-23T08:00:32","date_gmt":"2022-05-23T07:00:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/joblookup.com\/explore\/?page_id=2527"},"modified":"2024-07-22T11:55:50","modified_gmt":"2024-07-22T10:55:50","slug":"driving-and-transport-career-guide","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/joblookup.com\/explore\/driving-and-transport-career-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Driving and Transport Career Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The transport sector is a group of companies and organisations that provide the infrastructure and logistics to transport goods or people by road, air, water or rail.The surge in online retail during the pandemic has driven up demand for the delivery of goods using the UK road networks, and there is a shortfall in the number of drivers needed to meet demand. As a result, transport and logistics companies are growing their operations and hiring more drivers, making this a good time to move into a career in driving and transport.<\/p>\n

This guide will look at three job roles within the driving and transport sector: home delivery van driver, HGV driver and transport planner.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\"Driving<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Potential Roles in Driving and Transport<\/h2>\n
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Home delivery van drivers<\/strong> arrive at a depot at the start of their shift, plan their delivery route, load a delivery van accordingly, then deliver parcels to customers, recording successful and failed deliveries throughout the day. At peak holiday times, especially around Christmas, you often see a rise in delivery van driver jobs<\/a> as companies recruit extra staff to accommodate the increased workload.<\/p>\n

HGV drivers<\/strong> must hold a special driving license to operate such large vehicles. HGV licenses fall into two categories: Class1, to drive articulated lorries, and Class 2, to drive lorries with a rigid body. You must achieve your Class 2 license before you can apply for a Class 1 license.<\/p>\n

While looking for HGV driver jobs<\/a>, you will also see LGV driver roles advertised. HGV is the older term, recently replaced by the EU term LGV, which stands for Large Goods Vehicle. Both terms are still commonly used in the UK.<\/p>\n

Transport planners<\/strong> evaluate, manage and improve transport systems for private companies or government authorities. The day to day responsibilities in transport planner jobs<\/a> can vary depending on the employer and location. City centre transport planning presents different challenges to coastal locations, and working for a private construction company may be vastly different from a rural county council.<\/p>\n

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Salary and Career Progression<\/h2>\n
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Home delivery van drivers<\/strong> tend to be paid on an hourly basis. Pay rates start at around \u00a39 per hour, with many companies paying upwards of \u00a311 per hour. There is the possibility of additional pay for night shift work but little other chance for progression within the role itself. Ambitious workers may use this role as a stepping stone to training for more advanced driving jobs or to move into a different role within the company.<\/p>\n

HGV drivers<\/strong> require a specialist license and can command a higher salary than drivers of smaller vehicles. Hourly pay starts at around \u00a312.50 per hour for Class 2 drivers and \u00a317 per hour for Class 1 drivers. Some companies offer payment on an annual salary basis, starting at around \u00a327,000 per year, rising to over \u00a350,000 with some employers.<\/p>\n

Transport planners<\/strong> start their careers on an annual salary of around \u00a325,000. More experienced and senior transport planners can expect to earn upwards of \u00a330,000-\u00a340,000 per year. There is often plenty of opportunity for career progression into more senior roles.<\/p>\n

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Qualifications, Education and Experience<\/h2>\n
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Home delivery van drivers <\/strong><\/p>\n