At a Glance
- Tasks: Operate trains safely and efficiently while ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
- Company: Freightliner, the UK's largest maritime intermodal logistics operator.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, fantastic pension scheme, and enhanced maternity/paternity pay.
- Other info: Opportunities for ongoing training and career progression in an award-winning team.
- Why this job: Join a respected freight operator and make a real impact in a safety-critical role.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified Train Driver with a clean UK driving licence; freight experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Freightliner is the UK's largest maritime intermodal logistics operator, transporting containers from all major deep-sea ports to our national network of inland terminals, as well as a leading operator in the UK Heavy Haul rail freight market. Freightliner has operations across Europe offering both Intermodal and Heavy Haul rail freight services seamlessly connecting European countries and the UK. In the UK, the Freightliner Group operates under a number of legal entities including Freightliner Group Ltd, Freightliner Heavy Haul Ltd, Freightliner Ltd, Pentalver Transport Ltd, and Pentalver Cannock Ltd. Freightliner was recently voted Rail Freight Company of the Year at the 2025 Multimodal Awards. We are proud to highlight the company’s commitment to increased diversity and a supportive work culture for all employees.
Role: Train Driver
Location: Suffolk
What You’ll Do:
- Operate trains safely and efficiently in line with Railway Group Standards and Company procedures.
- Ensure compliance with all safety regulations and maintain a clean safety record.
- Drive traction units and Freightliner trains, including road vehicle driving as required.
- Stay up-to-date with route and traction knowledge, rules, and operating notices.
- Represent the Freightliner brand with professionalism and customer focus.
What We’re Looking For:
- Fully qualified Train Driver (freight experience preferred, but not essential).
- Clean, full UK manual driving licence.
- Flexible approach to working hours – including nights, weekends, and occasional lodging away.
- Safety-conscious with excellent concentration and observation skills.
- Calm under pressure and able to respond effectively in emergency situations.
- Strong communication skills and ability to relay safety messages clearly.
- Route and traction knowledge for a specific area (desirable).
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a respected and growing freight operator.
- Work in a safety-critical role where your expertise truly matters.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Opportunities for ongoing training and development.
Our Perks And Benefits:
Our people are our most important asset. We strive to empower our employees, ensuring they are trained and competent, fit for work, always informed, and completely engaged in our culture that places safety and wellbeing firmly at the heart of everything we do.
We are looking for the most committed and reliable individuals who possess the knowledge, skills and experience needed for their roles. In return we can offer considerable career progression, and a rewarding career in an award-winning team alongside:
- Competitive pay
- Fantastic final-salary pension scheme after an initial qualifying period
- Enhanced maternity & paternity pay
- Access to the company's life assurance scheme
- A range of benefits to make your own so you can get the most of your work and home life which will also help save you money and hassle. From reimbursement on health treatments, to savings on new cars.
This post is subject to standard pre-employment checks including employment references, medical & D&A screening, and successful DBS background checks. Could it be time to start your career journey with us? Apply today!
Our commitment to you, once you join our team, is to foster growth and provide developmental opportunities to ensure you reach your utmost potential. We are looking for the most committed and reliable individuals who possess the knowledge, skills and experience needed for their roles. In return we can offer competitive pay, excellent benefits, a competitive pension scheme and a rewarding career in an award-winning team.
Qualified Train Driver (Heavy Haul) employer: Freightliner
Freightliner is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises safety and employee wellbeing. As the UK's largest maritime intermodal logistics operator, we provide our Train Drivers with competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and ample opportunities for professional growth within a respected and award-winning team. Join us in Suffolk to make a meaningful impact in a safety-critical role where your expertise truly matters.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Qualified Train Driver (Heavy Haul)
✨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 Freightliner.
✨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 Freightliner. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Qualified Train Driver (Heavy Haul)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at Freightliner, 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 Freightliner 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 Freightliner. 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 Freightliner
✨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 Freightliner.
✨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 Freightliner.
