HGV Class 1 Low Loader / Plant Transport Driver
Full-time, permanent position
Overview
We are seeking a skilled, reliable and flexible HGV Class 1 Low Loader Driver to join our specialist plant and machinery transport team.
The role will involve transporting powered-access equipment, plant and machinery to customer sites, construction sites, dealerships, storage yards and auction locations.
Our work includes our own powered-access deliveries and collections, as well as general haulage and plant-moving work for external customers. A significant part of the role may involve transporting equipment to and from machinery auctions.
The successful applicant must be prepared to drive the most suitable vehicle for each job. This may include a Class 1 articulated low loader, Class 2 beavertail, rigid lorry, pickup and trailer, or other company vehicle.
This is a varied driving position and applicants must be willing to carry out both large and smaller deliveries rather than expecting to drive only one particular vehicle.
Responsibilities
- Safely operate Class 1 articulated low loaders and Class 2 beavertail vehicles.
- Drive pickups and trailers or other company vehicles when required.
- Transport scissor lifts, cherry pickers, excavators, dumpers, telehandlers, forklifts and other plant and machinery.
- Carry out general haulage and specialist plant-moving work for customers.
- Collect and deliver machinery to and from auctions, dealerships, customer premises and storage yards.
- Load and unload machinery safely.
- Secure machinery correctly using chains, straps, tensioners and load binders.
- Select suitable loading and securing points for each machine.
- Carry out pre-use and end-of-day inspections of vehicles and trailers.
- Ensure vehicles, trailers and load-restraint equipment remain safe and in good working order.
- Check loads, vehicle weights, dimensions and route suitability before travelling.
- Maintain accurate delivery, collection, vehicle and working-time records.
- Record photographs, customer signatures and job information using a PDA, tablet or mobile device.
- Check equipment for visible damage during collection and delivery.
- Comply with road traffic regulations, drivers’ hours, tachograph requirements and company procedures.
- Communicate effectively with the transport office regarding schedules, delays, access restrictions and other issues.
- Provide professional and courteous customer service during deliveries and collections.
- Report vehicle defects, damaged equipment and safety concerns immediately.
- Assist with moving and organising machinery within the yard when required.
- Keep vehicles, trailers and equipment clean and presentable.
Requirements
Applicants should have:
- A valid UK Category C+E HGV Class 1 driving licence.
- A valid Driver Certificate of Professional Competence.
- A valid digital tachograph card.
- Previous HGV driving experience.
- Previous low-loader, beavertail or plant-transport experience.
- Experience loading, unloading and securing plant or machinery.
- A strong understanding of load restraint and safe loading practices.
- Confidence driving both articulated and rigid commercial vehicles.
- A willingness to drive smaller vehicles, including pickups and trailers, when required.
- Good knowledge of road safety regulations and commercial-driving requirements.
- Good time-management and organisational skills.
- The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Good communication and customer-service skills.
- A reliable, practical and safety-conscious attitude.
- The physical ability to carry out the loading, securing and other practical duties associated with the role.
- The right to work in the United Kingdom.
Applicants holding a Class 2 Category C licence may also be considered where they have suitable beavertail and plant-transport experience.
Desirable Experience
The following would be advantageous:
- Experience transporting powered-access equipment.
- Experience moving excavators, dumpers, telehandlers, forklifts or agricultural machinery.
- Experience delivering and collecting machinery from auctions.
- Experience using low loaders, step-frame trailers, beavertails and plant trailers.
- IPAF or other relevant plant-operating qualifications.
- Basic mechanical knowledge and confidence operating different types of machinery.
Pay and Benefits
- Pay: £3,800 to £4,150 per month, depending on experience and qualifications.
- Monthly bonus scheme.
- 25 days’ paid holiday plus bank holidays.
- Free on-site parking.
- Full-time, permanent employment.
- Varied workload involving powered access, plant transport and general haulage.
Working Arrangements
The role will include local, regional and longer-distance work depending on customer requirements.
Early starts and occasional later finishes may be required. Applicants must be flexible and prepared to work around delivery schedules, site-access times and auction requirements.
Experience
- HGV driving: minimum one year preferred.
- Low-loader, beavertail or plant-transport experience: minimum one year preferred.
Work Location
In person.
To apply, please submit your CV together with details of your HGV driving, low-loader, beavertail, plant-transport and machinery-loading experience.
Pay: £3,800.00-£4,150.00 per month
Benefits:
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Experience:
- LOWLOADER/BEAVERTAIL: 1 year (required)
- HGV DRIVING: 1 year (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
