The Hidden Value of being an HGV Driver

June 12th, 2025

HGV driving often gets a bad name — people say it’s hard, lonely, and doesn’t get much respect. But whether you’re thinking about starting a career or have been driving for years, it’s worth remembering the good sides of the job.

Some choose this career because they like being on the road, enjoy the freedom it gives, or take pride in helping keep shops and businesses running. For others, it’s the chance to travel, meet other drivers, or work flexible hours.

In this blog, we would like to focus on the positives and remind ourselves why HGV driving can be a great job. There are loads more positives to the job than people realise!

What’s Actually Great About HGV Driving?

Forget the old clichés of endless motorway miles and lonely nights. HGV driving today is much more flexible, varied, and rewarding than you might expect. Here’s what you can look forward to:

Job Security That’s Rock Solid

Even with electric vehicles and driverless tech making headlines, road haulage isn’t going anywhere soon. Deliveries by road still dominate UK transport. No robot can yet match the skill and decision-making of a human driver, especially for complex loads and routes. At least not yet…

Lots of Paths to Choose From

HGV driving isn’t just one-size-fits-all. You can do local multi-drop runs with a Class 2 licence, or long-distance hauls with a Class 1 licence. Specialise in tankers, refrigerated goods, plant transport, or logistics management. You can even move up to fleet supervisor, driver trainer, or compliance officer roles.

Flexibility for Your Lifestyle

Prefer working days or nights? Want full-time or part-time hours? The industry offers a range of shifts and schedules. There’s room to fit the job around your life, whether you’re starting a family or just want a better work-life balance.

Pay and Benefits

Let’s keep it real — the pay isn’t the same everywhere. It depends on where you live, who you work for, and how much experience you have. Starting wages are usually between £28,000 and £35,000, and many drivers earn more as they gain experience. Some companies also offer extras like bonuses, pension schemes, or overtime.

But here’s the thing: if you enjoy driving and want a steady, in-demand job, HGV driving can offer a fair income and real job security.

A Social, Adventurous Career

Not all jobs let you see different parts of the country every day. For many drivers, the road is an adventure. You meet other drivers, build friendships, and visit places you might never see otherwise.

Some HGV drivers take it a step further and share their life on social media or YouTube — showing the real behind-the-scenes of the job and making extra income from their content. Who knew driving a lorry could be a side hustle and a passion project?

Visiting places as an HGV driver

The Pride of Being a Road Hero

Not everyone can do what HGV drivers do. It takes skill, focus, and patience — and let’s be honest, not many people are lining up for the job. But whether you see it as just a way to earn a living, or it’s something you’re proud to do every day, the truth is: HGV drivers are road heroes in their own right.

Why? Because you keep things moving. You connect industries, businesses, and people — quietly doing one of the most important jobs in the country. That sense of responsibility and pride keeps many drivers loving what they do, even on tough days.

Loving the Lorry Life

Some drivers get attached to their own lorry — driving the same truck day after day, knowing every inch of it. It’s a bit like having your own office on wheels. And many love the independence and freedom that comes with being on the road.

Plus, for those who enjoy sharing stories and connecting with others, becoming a content creator about life on the road is a growing trend. From funny mishaps to beautiful landscapes, these drivers give a fresh, honest look at the job.

Why Now is a Great Time to Start

The logistics industry is evolving fast with green transport and new technologies. Drivers with modern skills and training will be more valuable than ever. Whether it’s electric trucks or advanced safety tech, the future is full of exciting changes — but drivers will always be the heart of the business.

When you hear “HGV driving is tough,” remember there’s more to it — like stability, flexibility, and real adventure. It’s a career where you’re needed, respected, and yes, sometimes even famous (hello, YouTube drivers!).

The positives don’t get talked about enough: the friendships with other drivers, the pride in keeping Britain moving, and the freedom of the open road.

Worried about respect? Start with yourself. Respect the road, your fellow drivers, and your work. When you value what you do and act professionally, respect follows naturally.

If you want a job that’s more than just work — one with good pay, growth, and pride — HGV driving could be your perfect fit.

A word from us

Here at NN1 Personnel, we really do know what we’re talking about — because we’re not just sitting behind desks. There are three of us in the office, and all of us are HGV drivers too. While we spend most of our time organising jobs for our drivers and supporting our clients, we still jump in the cab ourselves when needed. Yes, really — we do runs, we deal with the same roads, delays, and tight bays. We know the ups, the downs, and everything in between.

We understand the pressure, the long days, and the little things that can drive you mad. But we also know that feeling of freedom on the road, the satisfaction of a good shift, and the pride in doing a job that matters. We love it — that’s why we’re always happy to help cover a last-minute shift.

So, if you ever need drivers — whether it’s planned ahead or a last-minute call — we’ve got you. Just give us a shout.

There are loads more positives to the HGV driving jobs than people realise!

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