For transport and logistics businesses across the UK, HGV driver supply is one of the most critical factors in maintaining service levels, compliance, and operational continuity. While pressure is felt most during peak periods, January is when the true impact of driver shortages becomes clear. It is also the most effective time to review your approach to temporary and permanent HGV driver recruitment before demand rises again. How Peak Demand Exposes HGV Driver Supply Issues Peak trading periods place significant strain on logistics operations. Increased volumes, reduced flexibility, and limited driver availability quickly highlight weaknesses in HGV Class 1 driver supply. By January, businesses can clearly assess: Where Class 1 driver shortages caused disruption How often temporary HGV drivers were required at short notice The extent of overtime and fatigue across permanent driver teams Whether delivery performance or compliance was affected These insights are most valuable immediately after peak, not months later when similar challenges re-emerge. The True Cost of HGV Driver Shortages A shortage of qualified HGV Class 1 drivers impacts far more than individual shifts. Common consequences include: Missed or delayed deliveries Increased overtime and agency costs Driver fatigue and reduced retention Compliance and safety risks Pressure on transport managers and planning teams A robust driver supply strategy focuses on reducing these risks, rather than reacting to shortages as they occur. Temporary HGV Drivers as a Strategic Workforce Solution Temporary HGV drivers are often seen as a reactive solution. However, leading transport operators treat temporary Class 1 drivers as a planned part of their workforce strategy. When used strategically, temporary driver supply allows businesses to: Manage seasonal demand and volume spikes Cover holidays, sickness, and training Reduce reliance on excessive overtime Maintain compliance and service consistency January is the ideal time to assess how temporary HGV driver recruitment fits into your wider staffing model. Reviewing Your HGV Driver Recruitment Strategy A January review of your driver supply should focus on both availability and reliability. Key questions to consider include: Do we have access to qualified Class 1 drivers when demand increases? How quickly can temporary HGV drivers be supplied when required? Are our recruitment partners consistent, compliant, and responsive? Do we have contingency plans in place for driver shortages? Addressing these questions early allows businesses to strengthen their HGV recruitment strategy before pressure returns. Why January Planning Improves Driver Availability Transport businesses that review and refine their HGV driver supply strategy in January typically benefit from: Improved access to temporary Class 1 drivers Reduced last-minute recruitment costs Greater workforce stability throughout Q1 and Q2 Stronger partnerships with specialist logistics recruiters Waiting until shortages are already impacting delivery often limits options and increases operational risk. Choosing the Right HGV Driver Supply Partner A reliable HGV recruitment partner should provide more than availability alone. Effective driver supply solutions depend on: Thorough vetting and compliance checks Fast response times and clear communication Understanding of transport and logistics operations Ongoing support beyond individual bookings Working with a specialist HGV driver recruitment agency helps protect continuity and service levels throughout the year. Start Your HGV Driver Supply Review in January January offers a valuable opportunity to review your HGV Class 1 driver supply without urgency. The decisions made now often prevent disruption later in the year. If peak demand highlighted challenges around driver availability, short-notice cover, or workforce pressure, now is the right time to review your approach and strengthen your driver supply strategy. Early planning leads to better outcomes — for drivers, operations, and customers.
A strong recruitment partner is more than just a supplier; they’re a strategic extension of your business. Whether you rely on temporary drivers to support holiday cover and peak periods or permanent hires to strengthen your long-term operation, the quality of your partnership directly impacts productivity, compliance, and performance. Here’s how to unlock the full value of your recruitment partner across both temporary and permanent recruitment. 1. Share Clear, Timely Information — for Temp & Perm Roles Whether you're booking a temp driver for tonight or hiring a permanent Transport Planner, clarity is everything. Provide: Detailed role briefs (duties, required skills, start times, shift patterns) Experience expectations (vehicle types, licencing, software knowledge) Forecasts or planned growth for upcoming staffing needs Any site-specific or cultural requirements Clear information leads to better matches and fewer issues — in both temp and perm recruitment. 2. Communicate Early — It Improves Both Temp Fill Rates & Perm Talent Pipelines Fast-changing operations can create sudden staffing needs, but early communication helps your partner: Secure the right temp workers quickly Build perm candidate pipelines before you urgently need them Prepare for seasonal peaks and dips Reduce disruptions caused by last-minute changes A proactive relationship helps both sides stay ahead. 3. Treat Recruitment as a Partnership — Not a Transaction Great results come when you work with your agency and build a partnership A strong relationship means: Open conversations about challenges Joint planning sessions Trust in the agency’s expertise Faster, more accurate placements Partnerships build consistency — whether filling 4 permanent roles or 40 temp shifts . 4. Give Constructive Feedback on Both Temp & Perm Workers Feedback improves future placements and strengthens the talent pool. Share feedback on: Driver or candidate performance Skills gaps or training needs How well the candidate fit your site or culture What would improve the next placement Positive feedback helps agencies prioritise high performers and “Negative” feedback helps prevent repeat issues. 5. Use Inductions to Set Temp & Perm Staff Up for Success A solid induction leads to safer, smoother operations — no matter the hire type. A good induction covers: Safety rules Site layout Reporting procedures Systems or route training Expectations for performance Temporary or permanent, people work better when they know what is expected from them. 6. Understand What Good Recruitment Should Look Like A quality recruitment partner will have open communication and demonstrate: Transparent processes Thorough vetting and right-to-work checks Licence/CPC validation and compliance knowledge Clear communication and fast response times Structured candidate screening and matching These standards protect your business and your workforce. 7. Plan Ahead — for expected peaks in volume & growth Proactive planning gives your partner time to secure the best talent, which will deliver better outcomes: Temporary recruitment: Peak seasons Bank holidays Weekend spikes Sickness cover Permanent recruitment: New contracts Fleet expansion Leadership or operational development Succession planning And while forward planning is essential , we’re still here to solve the staffing emergencies — last-minute cover and short-notice shifts — whenever you need us. 8. Build Long-Term Consistency Long-term partnerships allow your agency to fully understand your operation. Benefits include: Better driver–site matching Higher fulfilment rates for temp roles More accurate perm candidate shortlists Increased retention Faster onboarding Consistency leads to better workforce performance overall. 9. Maintain Two-Way Communication Successful recruitment relies on open communication about what’s working — and what’s not. Good communication includes: Real-time updates Honest feedback Quick escalation for issues Collaborative problem solving This approach strengthens both temp and perm delivery. 10. Choose a Partner Who Understands Transport & Logistics This industry is complex — demanding compliance, speed, and accuracy. The right partner will understand: EU Driver Hours & WTD Tacho rules and assessments Licence categories Safety expectations The realities of RDCs, depots, warehouse teams and HGV operations This expertise improves both temp recruitment and permanent hiring. Final Thoughts: Partnerships Deliver the Best Results To get the most out of your recruitment partner, whether for temp or perm roles — build a relationship based on: Clear communication Shared expectations Consistent feedback Long-term planning Mutual trust Recruitment done well is more than filling a vacancy. It’s building a reliable, safe, and high-performing workforce that supports your operation every day. Let’s build a recruitment partnership that delivers better outcomes. Contact us to get started.
Complete Guide to HGV Daily Walk-Around Checks — And Why Doing Them Properly Matters Every HGV driver has a legal responsibility to conduct daily walk-around checks before taking a vehicle on the road. It’s not simply a box-ticking exercise, it’s a critical part of keeping you, your load, and other road users safe. Whether you're an experienced driver or new to the industry, completing these checks thoroughly and reporting defects correctly helps prevent breakdowns, protects you as a professional HGV Driver, and ensures your vehicle remains compliant with DVSA standards. This guide walks you through what to check , how to do it properly , and why it matters more than you might think. Why Daily Walk-Around Checks Are So Important 1. It’s a legal requirement The DVSA requires a full, documented check of the vehicle before every shift. Skipping checks, or not completing them to the right standard, can result in penalties and points on your licence. 2. Protects You and Your Job By spotting and reporting defects early, you help keep the vehicle safe and compliant. This protects your job, your licence, and ensures you’re not held responsible for issues that could have been avoided. 3. Prevents breakdowns and dangerous failures on the road A missed defect could lead to a tyre blowout, brake failure, or load shift while you’re driving, all of which can cause serious accidents. 4. Supports safety and compliance culture Proper checks help build a responsible, safety-first environment across the transport team. Consistency is key. 5. Ensures you’re covered in an inspection Roadside checks can happen anytime. A correctly completed daily defect sheet protects you if a fault appears during your journey. How to Complete an HGV Daily Walk-Around Check A proper check should take at least 10–15 minutes . Rushing increases the risk of missing something important. Below is a clear, step-by-step guide aligned with DVSA expectations. 1. Start with the Exterior Tyres & Wheels Check tread depth Look for cuts, bulges, exposed cords Ensure wheel nuts are secure Listen for air leaks Lights & Indicators Headlights, fog lights, brake lights, indicators and hazard warning lights must all work Lenses should be clean and not cracked Mirrors & Glass Ensure mirrors are correctly positioned Check for cracks or missing glass Windscreen must be free from major damage Bodywork & Trailer Condition Look for loose panels, sharp edges or damage Ensure side-guards and rear under run protection are intact Check curtains, doors, locks, straps and buckles 2. Mechanical & Safety Systems Brakes No audible air leaks Air tanks must build pressure correctly ABS warning light must go out Steering No excessive play Steering column secure No unusual noises when turning Suspension & Chassis Look for broken springs, airbags, or cracked mounts Ensure chassis and frame are undamaged 3. Load Security Whether you're carrying pallets, cages or bulk loads, always check: Load is stable and secured Curtains alone are not load security Ratchets, straps and bars are in good condition Tail lifts operate safely Load shifts can be fatal — this part of the check is non-negotiable. 4. In-Cab Checks - Dashboard & Warning Lights Ensure no warning lights remain illuminated Tachograph is functioning Seat belts & Controls Seat belts must click and retract properly Wipers, washers, horn and heater/defrost should all work Documentation Ensure the daily defect sheet is completed Check all required paperwork is present 5. Trailer Connection Checks (if applicable) Fifth wheel or tow eye properly engaged Electrical suzies and airlines connected correctly No air leaks Landing legs fully raised Take extra time with coupling/uncoupling — small errors can have huge consequences. How to Report a Defect Correctly Identifying a defect is only half the job. Reporting it properly ensures your vehicle is repaired quickly and legally safe to use. ✔Report it immediately to your transport/shift manager ✔ Record it clearly on your defect sheet or app ✔ Never take a vehicle on the road with a serious defect ✔ Do not rely on someone else to report it If a defect is dangerous, the vehicle must not be driven until it’s repaired. This keeps you protected and ensures the operator remains compliant. Common Mistakes Drivers Make During Walk-Around Checks Doing the check too quickly Skipping steps because “it was fine yesterday” Not recording minor defects Failing to check both sides of the vehicle Not checking trailers properly Not reporting issues unless they feel “serious” Small problems can turn into major failures. Catch them early. Final Thoughts: A Good Daily Check Protects Everyone A thorough daily walk-around check isn’t just paperwork, it’s protection. It protects: You Your Vehicle Your Employer Other road users Your company’s reputation Taking a few minutes each morning to check your vehicle properly is one of the simplest but most important responsibilities you have as a professional HGV driver. For more information you can watch a video here - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/carry-out-daily-heavy-goods-vehicle-hgv-walkaround-checks#watch-a-video-showing-what-checks-to-do
