Hiring the right employee is essential for any business, but it’s especially critical when it comes to logistics and transport roles. For businesses in Leicester that rely on HGV drivers, finding skilled, reliable, and vetted drivers can make the difference between smooth operations and costly delays.

Looking to hire HGV drivers in Leicester, for a logistics class 1, Class 2 and 7.5 tonne roles. At RecruitNest, we specialise in Leicester recruitment and offer fully vetted HGV drivers to businesses. In this guide, we’ll explain how you can find the right employee while ensuring safety, reliability, and efficiency for your transport and logistics business.

Define the HGV Driver Role Clearly

Before you start searching for HGV drivers, it’s essential to clearly define the role. A well-defined job description helps attract candidates who meet your requirements.

Key points to include:

  • Type of vehicle and licence requirements: Class 1 or Class 2 HGV licence, CPC qualification, etc.

  • Experience needed: Number of years driving HGVs, experience with specific routes or freight types.

  • Working hours and shifts: Night shifts, long-distance deliveries, or flexible schedules.

  • Essential skills: Reliability, time management, and communication.

Clearly defined roles reduce the risk of hiring someone who isn’t a good fit, which is especially important in high-responsibility positions like HGV driving

Use Multiple Recruitment Channels

Finding qualified HGV drivers requires reaching them where they are most active. Using a variety of recruitment channels increases your chances of finding the right candidates.

Effective channels include:

  • Job boards specialising in logistics: RecruitNest, Indeed, Totaljobs, and TruckJobs.

  • Local recruitment agencies: RecruitNest specialises in Leicester recruitment and provides quality vetted HGV drivers.

  • Social media: LinkedIn, Facebook groups for drivers, and transport forums.

  • Employee referrals: Current drivers or staff often know reliable HGV drivers looking for work.

  • Community colleges or driving schools: Graduates with CPC certification may be looking for their first HGV driving role.

By combining multiple channels, you ensure your job reaches experienced and qualified drivers in Leicester.

Vet Candidates Thoroughly

When hiring HGV drivers, vetting is crucial. Driving is a high-responsibility role, and you want drivers who are safe, professional, and reliable.

Vetting steps include:

  • Licence and certification checks: Ensure the driver holds the correct HGV licence and CPC qualification.

  • Driving record checks: Look for a clean record with minimal accidents or infractions.

  • Experience verification: Confirm experience with similar vehicles, routes, or freight types.

  • References: Speak to previous employers to verify reliability and professionalism.

At Recruitnest, all HGV drivers are pre-vetted, meaning businesses can hire with confidence, knowing they are hiring qualified and trustworthy drivers.

Conduct Structured Interviews

Even for HGV drivers, interviews are essential to assess skills, professionalism, and cultural fit. Structured interviews help you compare candidates fairly.

Interview tips for HGV roles:

  • Ask scenario-based questions, e.g., “How would you handle a tight delivery schedule or a delayed load?”
  • Include practical questions about vehicle handling, safety, and regulations.
  • Discuss availability, flexibility, and willingness to cover different routes or shifts.
  • Consider a trial period or ride-along to observe driving skills in real conditions.

Structured interviews combined with vetting ensure you hire the best drivers for your logistics operations.

Offer Competitive Compensation and Benefits

Top HGV drivers are in demand. To attract and retain them, you need to offer competitive compensation and benefits.

Consider the following:

  • Salary benchmarking: Research typical HGV driver salaries in Leicester.

  • Benefits: Health insurance, pension, holiday pay, and bonus structures.

  • Work-life balance: Flexible scheduling or rota systems can make a role more appealing.

  • Career progression: Opportunities to train on larger vehicles or move into supervisory roles.

Competitive packages help retain drivers and reduce turnover in this high-demand sector.

Onboard New HGV Drivers Effectively

Hiring a driver doesn’t end once they accept the job. A structured onboarding process ensures they can start safely and efficiently.

Onboarding tips:

  • Provide clear instructions on routes, safety procedures, and company policies.
  • Ensure they are familiar with company vehicles and equipment.
  • Assign a mentor or experienced driver to guide them for the first few weeks.
  • Check in regularly to resolve issues and provide support.

Proper onboarding increases safety and efficiency while helping new drivers feel supported.

Leverage Local Expertise with RecruitNest

Finding the right HGV drivers in Leicester can be challenging. That’s where RecruitNest can help. We specialise in Leicester recruitment and provide fully vetted drivers ready to meet your business needs.

Benefits of using RecruitNest:

  • Access to a pool of experienced, vetted HGV drivers
  • Save time on screening, vetting, and interviewing
  • Reliable candidates who understand safety and logistics requirements
  • Support for temporary, permanent, or ongoing roles in logistics

Working with a recruitment partner ensures your business gets the right drivers quickly, without compromising quality or safety.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right HGV drivers for your business in Leicester requires careful planning, clear role definitions, thorough vetting, and structured interviews. Offering competitive compensation and proper onboarding ensures that you retain your drivers and maintain efficient logistics operations.

If you want to hire qualified, vetted HGV drivers who are ready to contribute to your business, contact RecruitNest to find your next great hire. Our team specialises in Leicester recruitment and can connect your business with skilled drivers for logistics jobs in Leicester and beyond.