If you’re searching for Class 1 driver jobs in the UK, you’re stepping into one of the most in-demand, well-paid, and secure driving careers available today. With logistics networks growing, online retail increasing, and nationwide fleet shortages continuing, Class 1 HGV drivers are needed more than ever — especially for trunking, tramping, and RDC delivery work.
In this guide, we’ll break down what Class 1 drivers do, average pay rates, typical shift patterns, and how to secure the best roles in 2025.
What Is a Class 1 Driver?
A Class 1 HGV driver holds a Category C+E licence, which allows them to drive articulated vehicles.
These roles typically involve:
- Trunking between depots
- General haulage
- Tramping (nights out)
- Container work
- Store deliveries
- Amazon, Royal Mail, retail and supermarket contracts
Because Class 1 drivers operate articulated lorries, the licence is the highest commercial driving qualification you can hold.
Why Are Class 1 Driver Jobs in Such High Demand?
There’s no slowdown in the logistics sector — and that drives huge demand for reliable Class 1 drivers. In 2025, companies need:
- Drivers for just-in-time deliveries
- Cover for peak retail seasons
- Flexible support for trunking and warehouse-to-depot runs
- Experienced tramping drivers for UK-wide routes
Businesses value Class 1 drivers because they keep supply chains moving, especially during peak months like Christmas, Black Friday, and summer distribution spikes.
How Much Do Class 1 Drivers Earn in the UK?
Pay varies by region and shift type, but typical 2025 rates look like:
PAYE Class 1 Rates
- Days: £16.50 – £19.50 per hour
- Nights: £18.50 – £22.50 per hour
- Weekends: £20 – £23 per hour
- Tramping: Additional night-out allowance
LTD / Umbrella / Maxipay
- Nights: £20 – £24 per hour
- Tramping: £200 – £240 per shift (including night out)
- Containers: £18 – £22 per hour
Demand peaks can push rates even higher — especially for Royal Mail, Home Bargains/TJ Morris, Amazon, and container work around large ports like Tilbury, Southampton, Liverpool, and Immingham.
Typical Shift Patterns Include:
- 4 on 4 off
- Monday–Friday
- Weekends only
- Night shifts (fixed start times)
- Split patterns around peak demand
What Experience Do You Need?
Most Class 1 jobs require:
- 12 months Class 1 experience (though some accept new passes)
- Ability to operate curtainsiders, fridges, or containers
- Understanding of driver hours and tacho laws
- Confidence reversing into tight bays
- Ability to strap and secure loads
Some clients require:
- A written assessment
- A practical driving assessment
- A short site induction (paid or unpaid depending on client)
Where Are Class 1 Drivers Needed Most?
In 2025, the busiest Class 1 recruitment hotspots include:
- Warrington / Runcorn
- Manchester / Walkden
- Darlington / York
- Tilbury / Felixstowe / Southampton
- Immingham / Hull
- Boston / Peterborough
- Liverpool
- Birmingham / Midlands hub
Whether you want local work or tramping across the UK, there’s huge choice depending on your preferred lifestyle and hours
How to Get the Best Class 1 Driving Jobs
The quickest way is through agencies that specialise in HGV logistics recruitment — especially those with direct contracts with national hauliers.
At Avail Logistics, we regularly place drivers into roles such as:
- Royal Mail trunking
- TJ Morris (Home Bargains) store delivery
- Amazon tramping and trunking
- General haulage
- Container work
- Fridge work (Runcorn, Bolton, Skelmersdale, etc.)
Whether you prefer PAYE, LTD, Maxipay, nights, days, local work, or tramping — there’s always a match.
Ready to Apply?
If you’re looking for Class 1 driver jobs, ongoing work, or immediate starts, we can help.
DM Mia
Call the office on 07399 411407
📧 Or email mia@availtechnologies.co.uk
We have roles available today across the UK!
