Heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers distribute millions of tonnes of goods around Ireland as well as to and from the UK and mainland Europe.
HGVs carry a wide variety of cargo. For example, they may:
- take materials or equipment to or from factories, suppliers or construction sites
- carry livestock from farms
- deliver clothing or food to retailers
- transport hazardous or dangerous loads, such as fuel or chemicals.
An HGV driver:
- plans their delivery schedule with transport managers, adapting en route if there is congestion or an accident
- checks that the lorry is safely and securely loaded
- may take part in loading and unloading
- has to stick to the driving regulations that apply to their particular lorry and load, including speed and load limits
- remains security aware as goods often have high value
- checks that the lorry is safely unloaded and the right delivery paperwork is completed
- may have to clean out or refuel the lorry during a long journey, after delivery or at the end of a shift
- is aware of the different road regulations and laws if driving abroad
- allows Customs & Excise officers to check their goods and paperwork on arrival or departure from Ireland
- takes the required rest breaks during journeys. A machine, called a tachograph, records the number of hours spent driving and resting, the speed of the vehicle and the distance travelled.
Hours and environment
Collection and delivery times affect driver hours. They are also restricted to a legal maximum of 60 hours per week and an average of 48 hours. Night work will usually not exceed 10 hours in each 24-hour period, unless agreed otherwise.
The majority of a driver’s time is spent alone in the lorry cab, even eating and sleeping there. Modern lorry cabs are usually comfortable, quiet, and may have air-conditioning and heating. Some have sleeping bunks, fridges and even cooking facilities.
Physical demands on drivers vary, with some only opening the doors of the trailer for loading or unloading by specialist staff and equipment, while others help load and unload.
Salary and other benefits
These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.
- Newly-qualified HGV drivers may start on around €18,000 a year.
- Experienced HGV drivers with additional responsibilities may earn up to €32,000.
- Drivers of fuel, chemical or other specialist tankers may earn around €40,000 a year.
Skills and personal qualities
HGV drivers need:
- safe and fuel-efficient driving skills
- knowledge of driving laws
- the ability to concentrate and stay alert over long periods
- health and safety awareness
- good eyesight and normal colour vision
- to be security conscious
- to be able to work with minimal supervision
- a polite manner with suppliers and customers
- to be able to complete record sheets and paperwork accurately.
Interests
It is important for HGV drivers to enjoy:
- driving
- navigating across long distances
- their own company.
Useful Links:
Irish Road Haulage Association