Class 1 HGV Driver Employment Contract UK

Responsibilities reflected in the contract

• Complete vehicle trailer and load checks.
• Drive assigned routes within applicable limits.
• Secure protect and deliver loads.
• Maintain tachograph journey and delivery records.
• Report defects delays collisions and infringements.

A realistic working scenario

Start at depot, complete vehicle and PPE checks and record defects in vehicle check records and telematics. Load or receive consignments, complete customer handovers and delivery system updates, follow route systems and mileage recording, report delays, damage, safeguarding or safety events to the transport or depot manager and dispatch, and complete end‑of‑shift handover and mileage/incident records.

Outputs to agree

• Completed pre‑use vehicle check recorded in vehicle check records and telematics
• Delivered consignment with signed delivery receipt or handover note recorded in route or delivery system
• Mileage and journey records updated in route systems and vehicle telematics after each shift
• Incident, damage or delay report submitted to transport or depot manager and dispatch with supporting photos or logs

Records and evidence

• Vehicle check records (pre‑use defects, remedials, 'do not use' tags).
• Route or delivery system entries (delivery times, signatures, handover notes).
• Mileage and incident records (journey logs, delay reasons, photos).
• Risk assessment records where manual handling or exceptional loads apply.
• Stock records.
• Picking records.

Reporting relationship

Typically reports to Warehouse Manager or Shift Supervisor. Confirm the employer's actual reporting structure in the builder.

Authority and escalation

• Driver must not operate a vehicle tagged 'do not use' or undertake repairs; defects, unsafe vehicle conditions, damaged consignments or safeguarding disclosures must be reported immediately to the transport or depot manager and dispatch. Drivers may make on‑route minor adjustments to planned stops for road conditions but must record changes in route systems and notify dispatch; they cannot reassign consignments, alter customer addresses, or authorise third‑party access without depot manager approval.
• Obtain approval before committing expenditure, changing contractual commitments or making regulated or staffing decisions outside the assigned role.

Tools and systems

• Warehouse management systems.
• Scanners.
• Stock handling equipment.
• Picking equipment.

Workplace context

• Depot, assigned vehicle, authorised routes and customer handover locations.

Training and certification

• Complete employer-required health and safety training.

Contract priorities

• Complete and accurately submit vehicle check and telematics records before departure
• Protect and limit access to customer, route and incident records and report suspected data loss promptly
• Escalate vehicle defects, unsafe equipment, damage to consignments or safeguarding disclosures to the transport or depot manager without delay
• Update route or delivery systems and mileage records during or immediately after each shift
• Use vehicles, telematics and PPE only for authorised transport work

Information the employer should prepare

• the vehicle classes routes and operating base
• the licence qualification and medical checks
• the shift nights-out and weekend pattern
• the load security coupling and site duties
• the expense defect and incident procedures