Truck drivers transport goods across short regional routes or long-haul distances, keeping the supply chain moving for retailers, manufacturers, and logistics companies. Day-to-day work involves pre-trip vehicle checks, loading and securing cargo, route planning around traffic and weight restrictions, and accurate delivery paperwork. You'll work for hauliers like DHL, supermarket distribution centres, or directly for manufacturers, typically reporting to a transport manager or dispatcher. Hours vary widely — nights, early mornings, and weekends are common, especially in retail and chilled distribution.
Steve Pearson
HGV Class 1 Driver
📍 Doncaster, UK✉️ steve.pearson@email.com
Summary
Experienced HGV Class 1 (Cat C+E) Driver with 10 years of accident-free driving across UK and European routes. Driver CPC qualified with ADR certification. Consistently meets delivery targets while maintaining full DVSA compliance.
Work Experience
HGV Class 1 Driver at XPO LogisticsFeb 2019 — Present
Drive articulated 44-tonne vehicles on trunk routes covering 600+ miles per shift across the UK
Maintain 100% accident-free record over 5+ years and 350,000 miles driven
HGV Class 2 Driver at WincantonApr 2014 — Feb 2019
Delivered ambient and chilled goods to 25+ Sainsbury's stores per week on multi-drop routes
Operated tail-lift and pallet truck for safe loading and unloading of up to 18 pallets per delivery
HGV Driver CVs must show your licence category, Driver CPC status, and safety record. Recruiters want to see miles driven, accident-free record, and any specialist certifications like ADR for dangerous goods.
Not including your safety record. A clean driving record is your most valuable asset. State clearly: "100% accident-free record over X years and X miles driven."
Formatting Tips
One page. Put your licence category, CPC expiry, and ADR status right at the top. Include miles driven and on-time delivery percentages.
Average Salary — HGV / Truck Driver
United States
$50,000 – $75,000
United Kingdom
$36,000 – $54,000
Germany
$38,000 – $56,000
UAE / Dubai
$28,000 – $44,000
Canada
$50,000 – $72,000
Australia
$55,000 – $80,000
Figures in USD. Ranges reflect mid-level experience (3–7 years). Senior roles and major metro areas typically sit at the top of these bands.
Top 5 Interview Questions — HGV / Truck Driver
1Walk me through your pre-trip inspection routine.
Cover tyres, lights, brakes, fluid levels, load security, and tachograph checks. A structured answer here shows professionalism and knowledge of legal obligations — not just a checkbox exercise.
2How do you manage fatigue on a long-haul run?
Mention legal break requirements (EU driving hours rules or FMCSA regulations depending on region), how you plan rest stops, and any personal strategies. Show you treat fatigue management seriously, not as a box to tick.
3Tell me about a time a delivery went wrong — wrong address, damaged goods, or missed window. What did you do?
Focus on your communication: who you called first, how quickly you informed dispatch, and what you did to minimise the impact. Transport managers want drivers who keep them in the loop, not ones who go quiet.
4What experience do you have with different load types — palletised, flatbed, refrigerated, or hazardous?
Be specific about the cargo types you've carried, any ADR certification for hazardous goods, and the securing methods you know. Detail here matters — a haulier running chilled food runs needs to know you understand temperature compliance.
5Describe a situation where you had to make a safety call that delayed a delivery.
Pick a real example where you refused to drive tired, turned back due to weather, or flagged a mechanical issue. Employers want drivers who put safety first, especially with the liability at stake.
How to Tailor Your CV
Large logistics firms like XPO, DHL, and Wincanton need your licence category (Class A CDL in the US, Cat C or C+E in the UK), tachograph card number, and any CPC qualification listed clearly at the top of your CV. Supermarket DC roles (Tesco, Lidl, Ocado) want experience with multi-drop and tight time windows. Tanker or hazardous goods operators need your ADR certificate prominently featured. Owner-operators applying to spot freight platforms like Convoy or Uber Freight should include their MC number and safety rating.