Why we Love Reliable HGV Drivers (and you Should Too!)

Reliable HGV drivers; they are the unsung heroes of business. The backbone of UK Plc.
 
Committed and experienced drivers are integral to making sure deliveries arrive on time. This means customers get their orders, that materials are in the right place at the right time. They also ensure the supply chain runs smoothly, without interruption.
 
The importance of a good driver, then, should never be overlooked.
 
We are proud to have some of the very best individual HGV drivers working for us. We retain their services by offering the best professional support, career development and benefits packages in the industry.
 
Don’t believe us? Check out our Platinum Driver Scheme benefits and put them to the test.
 
If you are thinking of taking the plunge and becoming an HGV driver, or you are an experienced driver who feels it might be time to look for a better employer, take a look at some of the qualities that we’re looking for:
 

1: Planning

The ability to plan ahead and predict potential problems is essential.
 
Where and when is the traffic going to be heaviest? What is the best route? What route will allow you to stop off and rest at sensible intervals? How do you keep concentration and avoid dangerous fatigue?
 
Being able to structure your routes and time properly not only reduces stress, for both you and our clients, but also all means you are much more likely to complete the job on time.
 

2: Consistency

The best drivers consistently deliver under the pressure of tough time constraints.
 
Trusting in your own abilities to deliver is a weight off our shoulders. Consistency means we can place our trust in you. It means we don’t have to worry about whether your deliveries will get there on time or make expensive contingency plans.
 
Most importantly though, it means that our clients can streamline their businesses. Having consistent and reliable drivers, and keeping down delivery times, reduces the time their material or products are stored in warehouses.
 

3: Dedication

Being an HGV driver can often mean working long and unsociable hours, and the time pressures caused by road incidents and delays can be difficult.
 
The best drivers though are dedicated to their job, willing to work those long hours and do what it takes to keep our promises and maintain that crucial client relationship.
 
It’s important that they enjoy what they do. Passion and commitment to doing your job well makes for less stress and keeps the supply chain flowing nicely – invariably resulting in more work from happier customers!
 

4: Experience

You can’t argue with experience. Which is why we created the Platinum Driver Scheme for our most experienced drivers.
 
Our elite drivers know what’s at stake. They know what’s important and how to get it done. If there is a way that a job can be completed safely and on time, you can trust that they will find it.
 
Experience brings knowledge about how to best avoid heavy traffic sections, prevent delays in loading or deal quickly with any problems that arise.
 
This is because, more often than not, they’ve dealt with a similar scenario before.
 

5: Communication

This is one of the most important qualities of a reliable driver.
 
Sometimes things are out of their control. There is nothing you can do. For example, there is an accident on the motorway, or a flash flood that prevents you from reaching your destination.
 
In this scenario you should be keeping the client updated on your status. This will allow them to assist you in establishing the best way forward and minimise potential losses.
 

6: Ongoing Training

The best drivers know that ongoing training will help them to get ahead in their field. Training leads to better pay and more secure jobs.
 
More than this though, whilst some training is mandatory, like Driver CPC, experienced drivers who undergo frequent training demonstrate a more passionate commitment to their work.
 
It also helps you stay fresh, stopping you from becoming bored and disillusioned with your career. This is one of the reasons why we offer our elite drivers free additional training, to help ensure that they stay at the top of their game.
 

7: They get the job done!

That’s right. The unsung heroes of the logistics world are the reliable drivers who simply get the job done. No fuss, no hassle.
 
They report to work on time, they collect on time, and they deliver on time. They are the best, the stalwarts of the UK, and you probably won’t even realise what they’ve gone through to make it happen.
 

Final Thoughts

Good drivers are an invaluable asset, ensuring a streamlined supply chain that allow our partners to grow their businesses, employ more people and pay more taxes.
 
They fulfil an essential role that often comes with a lot of external pressure clients and can often be underappreciated for the contribution they make.
 
Because we understand the importance of the role of drivers we are committed to fair pay, steady hours, benefits and opportunities for advancement, promotion and further pay raises.
 
To find out more about becoming an Elite Driver with Backline, apply now.
 
Think you’re ready to become an elite HGV Driver? Take this quiz
 
Image credit: Darren Glanville (Creative Commons)