The UK logistics sector is heading into another year of high demand, tight margins and ongoing driver shortages. As we move through 2025 and into 2026, understanding HGV driver rates 2026 is essential for transport managers, fleet operators and logistics businesses looking to stay competitive.
In this blog, we break down the current HGV driver rates for 2025, what’s influencing pay, and what drivers are already expecting as we move toward 2026.
HGV Driver Rates 2026: The Current Landscape
HGV pay levels have stabilised since the post-pandemic spike, but they remain significantly higher than pre-2020 levels. The combination of inflation, increased operating pressures and ongoing labour shortages means employers are still competing fiercely for reliable Class 1 and Class 2 drivers.
Average HGV Rates in 2025 (UK)
Class 1 (C+E)
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£16.00 – £21.00 per hour (days)
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£18.00 – £25.00 per hour (nights)
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£20.00 – £28.00 (weekends)
Class 2 (C)
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£14.00 – £18.00 per hour (days)
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£15.00 – £20.00 per hour (nights/weekends)
Courier and multi-drop drivers are seeing similar increases, especially in final-mile peak environments.
These are averages — regional competition, sector, contract type and shift pattern all influence final rates.
What’s Driving HGV Pay in 2026?
Several market pressures are shaping HGV driver earnings this year:
1. Persistent Driver Shortages
The industry is still short of an estimated 30,000–45,000 drivers. Despite new entrants, retirements and career changes continue to outweigh replacements.
2. Rising Cost of Living
Drivers continue to expect wages that reflect rising fuel, food and household costs. Many employers have had to increase pay simply to maintain staffing levels.
3. Seasonal Peaks and High Turnover
Retail, food distribution and parcel networks continue to rely heavily on temporary and agency drivers, pushing up demand for short-notice cover.
4. Competition Between Hauliers
Large operators often raise rates to attract talent — forcing smaller businesses to match or lose out.
What HGV Drivers Expect Going Into 2026
Understanding driver expectations early will help employers plan budgets, reduce turnover and stay competitive.
1. A Minimum of 2025 Rates — with Uplift
Drivers expect 2026 rates to match or exceed current levels. Any reduction is likely to push drivers toward agencies or higher-paying operators.
2. Premium Pay for Unsociable Hours
Nights, weekends and long-haul tramping must pay a noticeable premium. Drivers expect to be compensated for lifestyle disruption.
3. Guaranteed Hours or Consistent Work
Uncertainty is a major frustration. Drivers increasingly want:
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Guaranteed weekly hours
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Block bookings
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Ongoing contracts
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Predictable shift patterns
4. Faster Hiring and Onboarding
Drivers want quick start times, simple compliance processes and clear communication — slow onboarding loses talent.
5. Better Treatment and Support
Pay is essential, but drivers also prioritise:
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Respect from planners
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Realistic route planning
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Clear expectations
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Reliable kit and safe working conditions
Businesses offering this see lower turnover AND lower recruitment spend.
How Employers Can Stay Competitive in 2026
Here are practical ways to retain and attract drivers heading into 2026:
1. Review Your Rates Quarterly
Annual reviews are no longer enough. Market rates move fast — your wages need to keep up.
2. Offer Flexibility Where Possible
Split shifts, fixed patterns or 4-on-4-off structures are increasingly popular.
3. Build a Reliable Driver Pipeline
Partnering with a specialist agency ensures:
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Consistent cover
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Last-minute support
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Christmas/peak flexibility
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Fully compliant drivers ready to start
4. Invest in Better Communication
Clear instructions, respectful planners and predictable shift patterns matter just as much as headline rates.
5. Use Seasonal Uplifts as a Retention Tool
Christmas, Black Friday and summer peaks are ideal times to reward loyal drivers with bonuses or enhanced pay.
The Outlook for 2026: Higher Expectations, Higher Standards
The message from the market is clear:
Drivers expect to earn more, be treated better and have more control over their working life in 2026.
Employers who adapt will see:
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Lower recruitment costs
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Higher driver retention
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More reliable staffing year-round
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Better relationships with their workforce
Those who don’t? They’ll struggle to compete with operators who understand the reality of modern driver expectations.
Need Support With Drivers in 2026?
At Avail, we supply fully vetted, professional Class 1 and Class 2 drivers for:
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Ongoing contracts
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Short-notice shifts
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Peak-season cover
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Holiday/sickness cover
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Full transport-team support
If your business wants reliable drivers — without the hiring headache — reach out today.
