Supplying Drivers for Sporting Events: Lessons from High-Pressure Logistics

Applying for HGV jobs should be straightforward — but for many drivers, it isn’t. We speak to HGV drivers every day who have taken roles that didn’t work out. In most cases, the problem didn’t start on day one, it started during the job application process. If you’re currently applying for HGV driver jobs, avoiding these common mistakes can help you find work that suits you and lasts longer. Here are the top five mistakes’ drivers make when applying for HGV jobs — and how to avoid them. 1. Not Fully Understanding the HGV Job Role One of the most common HGV job application mistakes is applying for a role without fully understanding what the job involves. Job titles like Class 1 Day Driver or HGV Driver can cover a wide range of work. Common issues drivers experience: Start times different to what was expected Heavier workloads than advertised Nights or tramping added later Different vehicles or trailers How to avoid this mistake: Before accepting an HGV role, make sure you understand: Start and finish times Type of work (trunking, multi-drop, store deliveries, etc.) Vehicle and trailer type Expected hours per shift Weekend or night requirements If details aren’t clear at the application stage, it’s a warning sign. 2. Not Being Honest About Driving Experience When applying for HGV driver jobs, some drivers feel pressured to exaggerate their experience to secure work. This often leads to: Failed assessments Loss of confidence Fewer future opportunities How to avoid this mistake: Be honest about: Your recent driving experience Vehicle types you’ve actually driven Any gaps in work history Good HGV recruitment specialists would rather place you in the right role , not just the quickest one. 3. Poor Communication During the Application Process Communication plays a huge role in HGV recruitment — and it’s one of the most overlooked areas by drivers. Missed calls or late responses can be seen as unreliability whether its from the Driver, Recruiter or Employer. How to avoid this mistake: Respond to calls or messages when you can Let someone know early if there’s an issue Ask questions if something isn’t clear If a recruiter or employer isn’t responding – it’s a red flag Drivers who communicate well are usually offered more consistent work and better roles. 4. Choosing Pay Over Stability Pay matters — but focusing only on the highest hourly rate is a common mistake when applying for HGV jobs. Higher pay doesn’t always mean: Guaranteed hours Consistent shifts Long-term work How to avoid this mistake: When comparing HGV driver jobs, consider: Average weekly hours Shift reliability Cancellation frequency How long other drivers stay in the role Does the rate include Holiday Pay – Ensure you have a full breakdown to compare it to other roles A slightly lower rate with stable hours often works out better in the long run. 5. Applying Everywhere Instead of Building Relationships Applying for every HGV job you see can feel productive, but it often leads to: Mixed messages Missed calls Lost opportunities Drivers who constantly move between agencies are rarely offered the best roles. How to avoid this mistake: Work with one or two trusted recruiters Stay in regular contact Be reliable and professional Strong relationships in HGV recruitment lead to better job matches and longer-term placements. Final Thoughts Most problems in HGV roles can be traced back to the application stage. Clear information, honest conversations, and the right support make all the difference. When drivers know exactly what they’re signing up for, they’re far more likely to find work that lasts. Looking for reliable HGV work? Elite specialises in placing HGV drivers into roles that last. If you want straightforward advice and access to quality HGV roles, contact Elite today to speak with our recruitment team.

For transport and logistics businesses across the UK, temporary HGV drivers are a critical part of workforce planning. Whether covering sickness, holidays, seasonal peaks, or unexpected demand, having access to reliable temporary driver cover protects service levels and operational continuity. However, hiring temporary HGV drivers successfully requires more than a last-minute phone call. Choosing the right agency and providing the right information — makes all the difference. This guide explains how to hire temporary HGV drivers properly , what to look for in an agency, and how to reduce risk when demand increases. Why Businesses Hire Temporary HGV Drivers Temporary HGV driver supply is no longer just an emergency solution. Many businesses now use it as part of a planned workforce strategy. Common reasons include: Short-notice sickness or absence Holiday and training cover Seasonal or peak demand Volume fluctuations Reducing overtime and driver fatigue When planned correctly, temporary driver cover adds flexibility without compromising compliance or performance. Understanding Temporary HGV Driver Types Temporary HGV Class 1 Drivers Often required for: Trunking and long-distance haulage Night shifts and tramping Time-critical or specialist work Class 1 driver availability is often tighter, making early planning essential. Temporary HGV Class 2 Drivers Commonly used for: Local and regional deliveries Multi-drop operations Customer-facing roles Understanding licence type, experience, and shift requirements upfront improves outcomes. Checklist: What to Ask a Temporary HGV Driver Agency Before engaging an agency, transport managers should ask the right questions to assess reliability, compliance, and capability. Driver Availability How many HGV drivers are in your active availability pool? How many Class 1 drivers are realistically available? Are drivers local to the site or travelling in? Out-of-Hours Support Do you offer out-of-hours contact ? Who do we speak to if there’s a last-minute issue? How are emergencies handled overnight or at weekends? Pay and Payroll Are drivers paid PAYE ? Is payroll processed in-house ? How often are drivers paid? Compliance and Vetting What compliance checks do you complete on drivers? Licence checks, CPC verification, Digital tachograph checks Right-to-work verification Experience and reference checks How often are checks refreshed? Accreditations and Standards Do you hold relevant industry accreditations ? Are compliance processes audited? How do you ensure consistency across placements? A reliable temporary HGV driver agency should be able to answer these clearly and confidently. Checklist: What Information to Give a Driver Agency Agencies can only supply the right drivers if they have the right information. Providing clear detail upfront improves speed and quality. Pay and Rates Rate of pay (day, night, weekend) Any premiums or enhancements Shift length and paid breaks Job Details Clear job description Vehicle type Load type Required skills or experience Insurance and Experience Minimum age requirement for insurance Minimum experience Any exclusions or restrictions Induction and Assessment Induction requirements Site rules and procedures Any assessments required before starting Shift Information Shift start and finish times Location and reporting point Expected shift pattern (days, nights, tramping, weekends) Clear information reduces mismatches and last-minute cancellations. Managing Risk When Hiring Temporary HGV Drivers Best practice includes: Working with a specialist HGV driver recruitment agency Having agreed escalation processes Avoiding over-reliance on overtime Planning cover early wherever possible Prepared businesses experience fewer disruptions. When Temporary HGV Drivers Become Long-Term Solutions Many transport businesses find that temporary drivers: Become regular cover Support long-term vacancies Convert into permanent hires Temporary supply can act as a flexible bridge between short-term need and long-term stability. Choosing the Right Temporary HGV Driver Agency A strong agency partnership is built on: Honest communication Fast, realistic response times Fully compliant, work-ready drivers Clear accountability Understanding of transport operations The right agency doesn’t just fill shifts; they become part of your workforce strategy. Final Thoughts Hiring temporary HGV drivers successfully is about preparation, transparency, and partnership. Businesses that treat temporary HGV driver supply as a strategic function — rather than a reactive fix — are far better positioned to manage demand, protect compliance, and maintain service levels. When driver cover matters, how you hire matters. If your business relies on temporary HGV drivers, Elite can support an honest, practical conversation about availability, compliance, and cover. Contact us today for a no obligation discussion about your temporary HGV driver requirements.