Vehicle Movements & Logistics
Carry out vehicle deliveries, collections, transfers, and fleet movements as directed by the Depot Management Team. Safely transport HGVs, trailers, and associated equipment between depots, suppliers, maintenance providers, and customer locations. Ensure all vehicle movements are completed efficiently and within agreed operational timescales. Plan journeys effectively, taking into consideration route restrictions, traffic conditions, vehicle dimensions, and legal driving requirements. Ensure vehicles are parked, secured, and stored safely when unattended. Support fleet availability through timely vehicle repositioning and transportation activities.
Additional Class 1 Responsibilities
Safely operate articulated vehicles and trailer combinations. Carry out trailer coupling and uncoupling in accordance with Company procedures and industry best practice. Conduct trailer inspections and defect reporting. Ensure trailer roadworthiness, security, and legal compliance prior to movement. Safely manoeuvre articulated vehicles within depot, customer, and supplier locations. Plan routes taking account of vehicle length, height, weight, bridge restrictions, and site access limitations.
Vehicle Preparation & Condition
Conduct daily walkaround checks and pre-use inspections in accordance with Company procedures and legal requirements. Ensure vehicles are delivered to customers in a \"Ready to Rent\" condition and meet Company presentation standards. Accurately identify and report vehicle defects, damage, safety concerns, and operational issues. Protect Company assets through safe driving practices and responsible vehicle operation. Ensure vehicles remain clean, presentable, and professionally maintained during transportation activities. Escalate any safety-critical defects immediately and refrain from operating vehicles that may be unsafe or non-compliant.
Customer Service & Documentation
Act as a professional ambassador for Petit Forestier when interacting with customers, suppliers, contractors, and third parties. Complete all vehicle delivery, collection, check-in, and check-out documentation accurately and within required timescales. Record vehicle condition accurately and obtain all required customer or supplier signatures. Provide professional vehicle handovers and collections, ensuring customers are satisfied with vehicle condition and documentation. Escalate customer concerns, complaints, or operational issues promptly.
Compliance & Safety
Comply with all road traffic legislation, transport regulations, and Company procedures. Adhere to all driver hours, working time, and tachograph regulations. Maintain a valid HGV driving licence, Driver CPC qualification, and Digital Tachograph Card. Complete and maintain D796 licence mandate requirements and cooperate with periodic licence checks. Notify the Company immediately of any changes affecting driving entitlement, including endorsements, restrictions, suspension, or revocation. Comply with all Health & Safety policies, procedures, and safe systems of work. Report all accidents, incidents, near misses, vehicle damage, and compliance breaches in accordance with Company procedures.
Measures of Success
Safety & Compliance: Full compliance with driver hours and tachograph regulations. Maintenance of valid licence, Driver CPC, and required certifications. Zero preventable road traffic incidents. Timely reporting of accidents, incidents, and defects. Compliance with Company policies and procedures.
Customer Service: Positive customer feedback and satisfaction levels. Professional delivery and collection experience. Accurate completion of customer documentation. Effective communication with customers and depot teams.
Vehicle Care & Fleet Protection: Vehicles delivered in \"Ready to Rent\" condition. Accurate recording of vehicle damage and defects. Contribution to fleet availability and utilisation targets. Low incidence of vehicle damage attributable to driver error.
Productivity & Efficiency: Achievement of vehicle movement schedules. Effective route planning and time management. Productivity and utilisation targets achieved. Accurate and timely completion of documentation.
Essential
Full UK Driving Licence with Category C. Valid Driver CPC qualification. Digital Tachograph Card. Good understanding of driver hours, tachograph, and transport legislation. Experience operating HGV vehicles in a commercial environment. Strong customer service and communication skills. Ability to complete vehicle documentation accurately. Effective planning, organisation, and time management skills. Ability to work independently and manage priorities effectively. Good problem-solving and decision-making capability. Basic vehicle maintenance knowledge, including daily vehicle inspections.
Additional for Class 1
Full UK Driving Licence with Category C+E entitlement. Trailer coupling and uncoupling. Trailer inspection and defect reporting. Safe operation of articulated vehicle combinations. Advanced manoeuvring and reversing skills. Route planning for larger vehicle combinations. Understanding of trailer braking, electrical, and safety systems.
Desirable
Experience within vehicle rental, fleet management, logistics, or transportation sectors. Experience delivering and collecting commercial vehicles. Experience operating refrigerated vehicles and temperature-controlled equipment. ADR qualification. HIAB, Moffett, or specialist vehicle operation qualifications (where applicable). Knowledge of commercial vehicle compliance requirements. Strong IT literacy and experience using mobile fleet management systems. Understanding of the refrigerated transport industry.
Additional for Class 1
ADR qualification. Experience operating refrigerated trailers. Experience delivering specialist or high-value fleet assets.
The Petit Forestier Group, a family-run business for nearly 120 years, brings together 5,900 talented employees across more than 22 countries, united by a shared mission: 'Improving life through cold chain expertise'. By preserving food, medical products and other sensitive goods that are essential to our lives, we offer everyone a meaningful career.
HGV Driver in Bicester employer: Petit Forestier UK
At Petit Forestier Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values our employees' growth and well-being. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and teamwork, while our commitment to employee development ensures that you have ample opportunities to advance your career in the dynamic field of contract hire and fleet management. Located in a vibrant region, we offer a meaningful career where you can make a real impact by contributing to our mission of improving life through cold chain expertise.
