The Complete Guide to Hiring Temporary HGV Drivers

For transport and logistics businesses across the UK, HGV driver cover is a critical operational risk. While Quarter 1 is often viewed as a quieter period after Peak, it is frequently when pressure on driver availability begins to re-emerge. A Quarter 1 Driver Cover Health Check allows businesses to assess whether they have the right access, partners, and contingency plans in place to secure HGV drivers when they are needed most. So, what should companies be reviewing now? 1. Current HGV Driver Availability and Rota Pressure The starting point for any driver cover review is visibility. Key questions to ask: How many HGV drivers are fully available week to week? Where are known pressure points (holidays, sickness, training)? Which shifts are already difficult to cover? If availability is tight in early Q1, this is often a warning sign that Class 1 driver supply will become increasingly challenging later in the year 2. Access to Temporary HGV Driver Cover Temporary driver cover should be a planned solution and not always an emergency response. Reliable access to temporary HGV drivers allows businesses to: Cover short-notice absences Manage volume fluctuations Reduce reliance on overtime Protect service levels and compliance A Quarter 1 health check should confirm: Who supplies your temporary driver cover How quickly drivers can realistically be provided Whether availability is consistent or conditional 3. Identifying Class 1 and Class 2 Cover Risks Not all driver shortages affect operations equally. Many transport businesses find that: Class 1 drivers are harder to secure than expected Nights, weekends, and tramping shifts carry higher risk Experience requirements narrow the available pool A Q1 review should clearly identify: Where Class 1 driver cover is most vulnerable Which shifts pose the highest operational risk Where early planning is essential 4. Reliability of HGV Driver Agencies and Communication Driver supply is only as strong as the communication behind it. A reliable HGV driver agency should provide: Clear, realistic updates on driver availability Honest conversations when cover is limited Fast response when shifts change Proactive & early escalation before issues impact operations Transparency allows transport managers to plan — rather than react under pressure. 5. Compliance and Driver Readiness Availability without compliance creates risk. A proper Quarter 1 driver cover health check should confirm that: All temporary HGV drivers are fully vetted Licences, CPCs, and tachograph cards are checked Right-to-work processes are robust and consistent Quarter 1 is the ideal time to ensure compliance standards are locked in before demand increases. 6. Contingency Planning for Disruption Disruption is inevitable in transport operations. Weather, sickness, vehicle issues, and sudden volume increases can all impact driver availability. A strong driver cover strategy includes: Clear escalation processes Agreed contingency options Defined points of contact when cover is needed urgently Contingency planning reduces last-minute scrambling and operational stress. 7. Early Planning Protects Q1 and Q2 Performance The most effective driver cover strategies are built early. Quarter 1 is the right time to: Review what worked — and what didn’t — during Peak Strengthen relationships with driver suppliers Secure access to temporary Class 1 drivers Align expectations around availability and response times Early planning leads to better outcomes and fewer surprises as demand increases. Why a Q1 Driver Cover Health Check Matters A Quarter 1 review is about risk management and continuity ready for the year ahead. Transport businesses that proactively assess HGV driver cover , temporary supply options, and supplier reliability are far better positioned to maintain performance throughout the year. When driver cover is critical to your operation, preparation matters. Final Thoughts Quarter 1 is not just a recovery period, it’s a planning opportunity and a strong driver cover strategy protects operations, teams, and customer commitments. If you’re thinking about reviewing your HGV driver cover strategy for this year, Elite can support an honest, practical conversation about availability, temporary driver supply, and contingency planning in 2026. Contact Elite today to arrange a driver cover health check. Be Prepared. Be Elite

Situational interview questions are a key part of interviews across the transport and logistics sector , from HGV drivers and transport planners to supervisors and managers . These questions often catch candidates off guard — not because they’re difficult, but because they require clear, structured answers based on real situations. With the right preparation, situational interview questions can become one of your strongest opportunities to stand out. What Are Situational Interview Questions? Situational interview questions ask how you would handle, or have previously handled, specific scenarios at work. In transport and logistics interviews, these questions are used to assess: Decision-making under pressure Communication and professionalism Compliance awareness Safety-first thinking Problem-solving in real-world conditions They’re less about theory and more about how you operate in reality. Why Transport Employers Use Situational Questions Transport operations are fast-moving, regulated, and high-pressure. Employers need confidence that candidates can: Make safe decisions Communicate clearly Handle disruption calmly Follow procedures under pressure Situational interview questions help employers understand how you’ll perform on the road, in the office, or on shift. The STAR Method The STAR method is the most effective way to answer situational interview questions clearly: Situation – What was happening? Task – What was your responsibility? Action – What did you do? Result – What was the outcome? This structure works particularly well in HGV driver interviews and transport management interviews, where clarity matters. Transport-Specific Situational Interview Questions (With Examples) 1. “What would you do if you were delayed on a job or route?” What employers want to see: Communication, professionalism, and awareness of procedures. Example answer (STAR): Situation: “I was delayed due to traffic on a planned route.” Task: “I needed to minimise disruption and keep everyone informed.” Action: “I contacted the transport office immediately, followed company procedures, and adjusted my route where possible.” Result: “The delay was managed, customers were informed, and there were no compliance issues.” 2. “Tell me about a time you dealt with a last-minute change or disruption.” Common in: transport planner and supervisor interviews. What employers want: Flexibility, calm decision-making, and problem-solving. Example: Situation: “A driver called in sick shortly before shift start.” Task: “I needed to maintain coverage without impacting service.” Action: “I reviewed available resources, adjusted allocations, and communicated changes clearly.” Result: “All deliveries were covered with minimal disruption.” 3. “What would you do if you noticed a compliance or safety issue?” What employers want: Safety-first thinking and accountability. Example: Situation: “I identified an issue during a vehicle check.” Task: “Ensure safety and compliance before proceeding.” Action: “I reported it immediately and followed the correct procedure.” Result: “The issue was resolved before the vehicle went out, avoiding risk.” 4. “How do you handle pressure during busy or peak periods?” Common in: HGV, warehouse, and logistics interviews. What employers want: Organisation, resilience, and teamwork. Example: Situation: “During peak periods, workloads increased significantly.” Task: “Maintain safety and performance.” Action: “I prioritised tasks, stayed organised, and communicated clearly.” Result: “We met deadlines without compromising safety.” 5. “Tell me about a time you had to deal with a difficult customer or colleague.” What employers want: Professional communication and conflict management. Example: Situation: “A customer was unhappy with a delivery issue.” Task: “Resolve the situation professionally.” Action: “I listened, stayed calm, and followed the agreed process.” Result: “The issue was resolved, and the relationship remained positive.” How to Prepare for Transport Interview Questions Before your interview: Think of 3–5 real work examples Cover situations involving pressure, safety, and communication Practice explaining them clearly using STAR Focus on what you did, not just the team Preparation shows professionalism and confidence. What If You’re New to the Transport Sector? If you don’t have direct experience: Use a similar situation from another role Explain how you would apply safety, communication, and procedure Be honest and practical Employers value attitude and decision-making as much as experience. Final Thoughts Situational interview questions are a standard part of transport and logistics interviews because they reflect real working conditions. With preparation and the right structure, they allow you to demonstrate: Reliability Safety awareness Clear communication Professional judgement If you have an interview coming up, whether for an HGV driving role, transport planning position, or logistics management role , preparing your situational answers in advance can make all the difference. Elite — supporting transport professionals at every stage.