At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive HGV Class 1 vehicles transporting fresh produce across the UK.
- Company: Join a leading logistics company with a focus on fresh produce delivery.
- Benefits: Earn up to £50k/year with paid breaks, overtime, and additional allowances.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with potential for overnight stays and extra holiday benefits.
- Why this job: Enjoy a dynamic driving role with great pay and opportunities for growth.
- Qualifications: 1-2 years HGV driving experience and a valid Class 1 licence required.
We are recruiting HGV1 Drivers for a Client in Rochester! This is a permanent vacancy. 1-2 years experience required. No more than 6 points SP30/50's only.
Pay Structure:
- £17.90 per hour for the first 40 hours
- £22.37 per hour (time + 25%) for overtime
- Overtime commonly worked; typical earnings can reach ~£50k/year - most drivers work 50+ hours, there's always overtime.
- Base earnings (without overtime) around £37k/year
- Paid fortnightly
- All breaks are paid
Additional Payments:
- Daily/overnight allowances for nights out
- Maximum ~1 night out per week
- Sleep in cab
- Bus driving bonus, this is occasional on site to get people down to pick the fruit: £25 per day
Driver Types & Vehicles:
- HGV Class 1 (Category C+E) drivers required for main long-haul operations
- Articulated lorries (large HGVs)
- Occasional use of shunter vehicles
- 30-seat company buses (PSV work) - used when required
Benefits Package:
- Company pension scheme
- Extra holiday every 2 years of service up to 10 years
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Private GP access
- Eyecare vouchers
- Free onsite parking
- Employee discount platform
- Free will writing service
- Study sponsorship opportunities
- Online learning & development platform
- Accommodation support when required
Core Work Activity:
Drivers are responsible for transporting fresh produce from farms and storage to distribution centres:
- Collect produce from orchards, cold storage facilities, and pack houses at the main site
- Deliver to major supermarket depots and nationwide locations
Work involves:
- Loading own vehicles
- Use of counterbalance forklifts/pump trucks when picking up stock from the warehouse (training provided, they just need to be willing)
- Occasional shunting duties on site
- Go to the main site in Kent every day and drive from there unless staying over somewhere.
Working Area:
UK-wide operations - if they go to Scotland/Newcastle or anywhere far, they'll stay over, around £25-£30-night allowance. Strong rural focus (orchards/country roads) so more than 1 year's experience is required.
If you are interested please contact Karen or Kemi on the office number or mobile.
HGV1 employer: Major Recruitment Ashford
Join a dynamic team as an HGV1 Driver in Rochester, where we prioritise employee well-being and growth. With competitive pay rates, paid breaks, and a comprehensive benefits package including extra holidays and study sponsorship, we foster a supportive work culture that values your contributions. Enjoy the opportunity for overtime earnings and a variety of driving experiences while being part of a company that truly cares about its drivers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HGV1
✨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 Major Recruitment Ashford.
✨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 Major Recruitment Ashford. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace HGV1
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at Major Recruitment Ashford, 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 Major Recruitment Ashford 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 Major Recruitment Ashford. 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 Major Recruitment Ashford
✨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 Major Recruitment Ashford.
✨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 Major Recruitment Ashford.
