At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive Class 1 vehicles and ensure safe delivery of goods while loading and unloading trailers.
- Company: Join a major regional distribution operation with a focus on teamwork and safety.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous annual leave, and paid CPC training.
- Other info: Structured assessment process with immediate start dates available.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of logistics, making a real impact in your community.
- Qualifications: Class 1 licence required; experience preferred but new drivers are welcome.
The predicted salary is between 18.66 - 18.66 £ per hour.
We're recruiting 30 Class 1 Drivers over the next six weeks for a major regional distribution operation. This is a full-time, permanent role (40 hours) with set start times, structured rotas, strong benefits, and immediate start dates available.
Start Times & Rota
You'll work on a 5 on / 3 off pattern with one of the following fixed start times:
- 04:00
- 10:00
- 18:00
- 23:00
Pay Structure
Days: £18.66 per hour
Nights: £23.32 per hour
Night Premium (for Days Drivers): +25% for any hours worked between 22:00-04:00
Day Reduction (for Nights Drivers): -20% for any hours worked between 04:00-10:00
Bank Holidays: Time and a half
No overtime rates
Our Drivers are at the heart of the operation, delivering goods to stores across the region while maintaining exceptional service standards. This role is more physical than typical retail delivery positions. Only around 40% of your time is spent driving; the rest involves:
- Loading and unloading trailers
- Independently loading at stores
- Optimising trailer space
- Working safely alongside warehouse and store teams
- Ensuring compliance with transport legislation and site procedures
Safety, professionalism, and teamwork are essential.
Requirements
- Class 1 (C+E) licence
- Digi Tacho & CPC
- Experience preferred, but new passes considered
- Comfortable with physical work and manual handling
- Strong understanding of drivers' hours and compliance
- Reliable, professional, and safety-focused
Assessment Pathway
All candidates complete a structured assessment process:
- Group assessment - drivers' hours knowledge & compliance
- Distribution centre walk-through - trailer loading operation
- Practical assessment - on the road with an assessor
Upcoming group assessments:
- Monday 24th - 19:00
- Thursday 27th - 19:00
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave (first 2 years)
- 29 days annual leave (after 2 years)
- Bank holidays included in entitlement
- CPC training paid and completed within working hours
- Permanent, stable contract with long-term progression opportunities
Start dates are either 1st September or 15th September 2026. We are committed to fair and inclusive recruitment. All applicants will be considered on the basis of their skills, experience, qualifications and ability to perform the role, and no applicant will be treated less favourably because of a protected characteristic.
Class 1 Driver in Queenborough employer: Berry Recruitment
Berry Recruitment is an excellent employer that values reliability and teamwork, offering a supportive work culture where every team member plays a vital role in maintaining cleanliness and hygiene. With flexible morning shifts from 7am to 11am, employees enjoy a balanced work-life schedule while earning a competitive pay rate of £12.71 per hour. The company also prioritises employee growth and development, making it a rewarding place for those seeking meaningful employment in Reading.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Class 1 Driver in Queenborough
✨Connect with Local Logistic Groups
Dive into local transportation and logistics groups on platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn. Show up to their meetups if you can – it's a great way to network with industry pros who can share insights, job openings, or even refer you to their own company.
✨Get Behind the Wheel of Job Boards
Look for job boards specific to transportation and logistics, like Logistics Job Site or TransportJobs. These platforms often have listings that you won’t find on general job boards, so they’re worth checking out regularly!
✨Leverage Internships & Graduate Schemes
Many companies in transportation and logistics offer graduate schemes and internships that can pave the way to full-time positions. Don't shy away from applying; even a short stint can make a solid impact on your CV and get your foot in the door at companies like Berry Recruitment.
✨Apply Directly with Us!
When you find openings at great companies, make sure to apply directly through our website. It not only shows your initiative but also helps us to help you get noticed by Berry Recruitment. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Class 1 Driver in Queenborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at Berry Recruitment, make sure to highlight any relevant experience. Whether it's moving goods, coordinating schedules, or using transportation management software, give us the lowdown on your past gigs. It'll paint a clearer picture of what you're capable of!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers speak volumes in logistics! If you've optimised routes, reduced delivery times, or improved customer satisfaction, mention those incredible stats in your CV. This gives us concrete evidence of your impact and showcases your problem-solving skills.
Tailor That Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a formality—let it breathe your personality and passion for logistics! Explain why you're excited about the role at Berry Recruitment and how you can contribute to our team. Don't forget to tie in specific skills or experiences that relate to the job description.
Research and Reflect:Before you hit 'submit,' spend some time digging into Berry Recruitment. Understand our mission, values, and the specific challenges in the logistics industry. This will help you craft a targeted application that shows you truly want to be part of our crew, setting you apart from the rest!
How to prepare for a job interview at Berry Recruitment
✨Know Your Logistics Basics
Get familiar with the key principles of transportation and logistics, like supply chain management, inventory control, and route optimisation. You might get asked practical questions about how to improve efficiency, so brush up on your problem-solving skills and be prepared to discuss any relevant software tools you've used.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In logistics, employers love to gauge how you'd handle real-life situations. Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll need to demonstrate your decision-making skills, like how to manage delays or coordinate shipments during a crisis. Practise outlining your thought process clearly and logically.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Full-time roles in logistics often require collaboration with various teams, so don't forget to showcase your teamwork experience. Think of examples where you've used communication and collaboration to ensure smooth operations, and get ready to elaborate on how you can facilitate teamwork in a busy environment like at Berry Recruitment.
✨Show Off Your Attention to Detail
In our world of logistics, missing a small detail can lead to big problems. Be prepared to discuss instances where your attention to detail saved the day, whether it was engaging with clients, managing documentation, or tracking shipments accurately. This will help demonstrate how you can be a reliable asset to Berry Recruitment.
