Had enough of peak already? Why not be a truck driver?

You wouldn’t be human if you didn’t, at least from time to time, wish you could just walk away from it all and do something different. If the pressure of peak preparation already feels like it’s getting to you, few people would think too harshly of you for a moment of weakness like that. But what would you do instead?

How about getting out of the office, or out of the DC, and hitting the open road as a lorry driver? You may be thinking that doesn’t sound very different, I thought you were helping me escape the peak madness. Well, we are eDelivery … what were you expecting?

It just so happens that we have a list of 10 reasons why getting behind the wheel of a very large vehicle, courtesy of Gary Benardout of HGVtraining.co.uk, who only last month warned there’s a shortage of 60,000 lorry drivers facing the logistics sector. On a more serious note, while you might not be at a point in your career when changing course and becoming an HGV driver is a realistic option, there might be someone you know that is.

“People have totally the wrong idea when it comes to a career as a heavy goods vehicle driver,” says Benardout. “Sure, it might not be right for everybody (and which job is), but the reality is that a career in driving is not only secure and stimulating, it pays much more than you might realise and offers plenty of room for progression.

“And most importantly there are jobs available…lots of jobs. So for anyone fed up with their job, or who’s been unable to find one at all, here are 10 reasons why HGV driving might just work for you.”

1. There is a huge need for HGV drivers. The 60,000 figure above is the number of drivers the UK needs in the next four years to avoid an economic catastrophe. Bad news for retailers and delivery companies, and great news for those seeking a new career.
2. It’s accessible. You don’t need a degree – or even A Levels – to become an HGV driver. If you have a driving license, you’ll just need to get a CPC certificate – which can be obtained quickly through a training provider. Some services also offer recruitment so that when you qualify you can also be placed in jobs.
3. No two days are the same. A career as a driver lets you see the world, meet new people and have new experiences. For many, HGV driving certainly beats being stuck in an office, or performing repetitive tasks.
4. It (quickly) pays more than you think. Depending on the industry you work in, you can expect to earn an average salary ranging between £21,000 and £30,000. Drivers who undertake further training to pick up specialist skills can command even more than this. While those working in hospitality or retail struggle to make ends meet, HGV driving can pay pretty darn well.
5. It offers job security. At a time when some people are finding even temporary part-time jobs hard to come by, a career in HGV driving seems like a no-brainer. Because so many drivers are needed so urgently, a career as an HGV driver is one of the most secure around at the moment.
6. It’s more varied than you think. When people think of lorry drivers, most people imagine just the driving part. While this is of course, pretty important, but you can also expect to be planning routes and dealing with customers, making it really quite varied.
7. Career progression. A career in HGV driving can take you places – both literally and metaphorically. With the right training and support, you can diversify your skills set to ensure you keep moving up the ladder and keep improving the contents of your pay packet. If you play your cards right, you can find your way into transport manager positions and then, the skies the limit.
8. You can be your own boss. Nearly a quarter of HGV drivers are self-employed^[1]. If you can finance your own vehicle, you can become your own boss – with all the perks and flexibility this affords.
9. A sense of pride in doing a job that makes a difference. Logistics is what makes this country tick and without HGV drivers, any number of industries would grind to a halt. So if you want to do a job that makes a difference to the world – whether it’s ensuring supermarket shelves are stocked, or whether it’s delivering life-saving supplies to hospitals, HGV driving may be right for you.
10. It’s easier than you think to get started. You have a range of options when it comes to training providers, but it all starts with a quick phone call. Don’t delay – it’s time to hit the road!

And if the above hasn’t softened your heart to the idea of becoming a lorry driver, at least now you’re well armed with responses next time you hear a lorry driver tell you how tough and thankless their job is.