Updated August 2026
The HGV Driver Pay Index 2026
What UK HGV drivers actually earn, by licence class, shift pattern and region. Real ranges from live agency and permanent vacancies, not estimates.
Pay by licence class
These are typical 2026 UK ranges. Endorsements (ADR, HIAB), nights and weekend work push earnings toward the top of each band.
| Licence class | Hourly rate | Annual (permanent) | Typical work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 (C+E) | £16.00 – £24.00 | £38,000 – £50,000 | Artic, trunk, tramping, general haulage |
| Class 2 (C) | £14.00 – £20.00 | £28,000 – £36,000 | Rigid, refuse, skip, store delivery |
| 7.5 Tonne (C1) | £13.00 – £17.00 | £24,000 – £31,000 | Multidrop, event, home delivery |
| Van / 3.5t | £12.50 – £15.50 | £22,000 – £28,000 | Courier, parcel, multidrop |
| ADR (hazardous) | £18.00 – £26.00 | £40,000 – £52,000 | Packed dangerous goods, chemicals |
| Tanker | £20.00 – £27.00 | £44,000 – £56,000 | Fuel, food-grade, chemical (often + ADR) |
| HIAB / loader | £17.00 – £23.00 | £36,000 – £46,000 | Construction, builders merchants, steel |
Pay by shift pattern (Class 1)
Shift premiums are where agency drivers earn the most. Weekend and night rates carry the biggest uplift.
| Shift | Typical rate |
|---|---|
| Days | £16.00 – £19.00 |
| Nights | £18.00 – £24.00 |
| Weekends (Sat) | £20.00 – £26.00 |
| Weekends (Sun) | £22.00 – £30.00 |
| Tramping (per week) | £800 – £1,200 |
What affects your pay
- Licence class — Class 1 pays more than Class 2, which pays more than 7.5t.
- Endorsements — ADR, HIAB and tanker tickets add £2 to £5 per hour.
- Shift — nights and weekends carry premiums; tramping pays for nights out.
- Region — the South East and London edge higher on rate, though the Midlands has the most volume.
- Pay model — PAYE, umbrella and limited each net differently. See our pay model guide.
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