HGV Class 1 Driver

Job Title: HGV Class 1 Driver (Tramping) 
Location: Manchester, M17 
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent 
Start Date: Monday 27th April onwards 

Freight Force Recruitment are acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this permanent vacancy. 

About the Role 

We are seeking a professional and reliable HGV Class 1 (C+E) Tramper Driver based in Manchester to undertake UK and EU movements . This role involves regular work across the UK and Benelux region.   

Drivers will typically start from Manchester on a Sunday or Monday, completing collections and deliveries before shipping to mainland Europe. It is common to complete 2–3 crossings per week, although some weeks may involve UK-only work. Occasional trailer swaps at UK ports may also be required. 

All operational planning is managed by our Netherlands office, with drivers reporting directly to the EU planning team while being employed under our UK company. 

Pay & Benefits 

Hourly Rates (dependent on experience): 

Weekday basic: £16.66 – £17.85 per hour 
Weekday overtime: £21.15 – £22.31 per hour 
Saturday: £25.00 – £26.77 per hour 
Sunday: £33.33 – £35.70 per hour 
Night out allowance: £32.42 per night 

Holiday Entitlement
20 days paid holiday plus statutory holidays  
Bank holidays accrued at 1.66 days per month 

Pension: 
Workplace pension after 3-month probation 
3% employer contribution 

Breaks: 
45-minute unpaid break per working day 
Second break rarely required 

Vehicle & Equipment 

You will be assigned a: 

Dutch registered left-hand drive DAF XF Super Space Cab 
4x2 low ride axle 
Automatic gearbox 
Air conditioning pod 
Fridge 
Microwave 
Inverter 

The vehicle will be fully valeted prior to handover to ensure it is presented in pristine condition. 

Expenses & Parking 

SNAP account provided for UK overnight parking 
Pre-booked secure parking for high-value loads where required 
Expenses reimbursed weekly (typically minimal) 
Tolls such as Runcorn Bridge, Humber Bridge, Tyne Tunnel and Dart Crossing covered on account 
M6 toll reimbursed when used (rare) 

Driver Performance & Safety 

We operate a monthly automated telematics reporting system covering: 

Harsh braking and acceleration 
Fuel consumption 
Overspeed warnings 
Tachograph infringements 

We are looking for a professional driver who demonstrates: 

Defensive driving techniques 
Compliance with regulations 
Road-condition awareness 
Safety-first approach 

We prioritise safe and achievable workloads — safety always comes first. 

Requirements 

• Valid HGV Class 1 (C+E) Licence 

• Clean licence (no major endorsements) 

• Maximum 3 penalty points 

• Valid Driver CPC (International DCPC) 

• Digital tachograph card 

• Valid passport 

• Age 25+ (insurance purposes) 

• ADR licence is preferred  

Interview Process 

Our interview process is relaxed and professional, consisting of: 

• Face-to-face discussion about the role and expectations 

• Review of industry experience 

• Informal conversation to understand you as an individual 

• Driving assessment  

The driving assessment may include: 

• Vehicle familiarisation 

• Trailer coupling/uncoupling 

• General driving capability 

Typical Working Pattern 

• Start: Sunday or Monday from Manchester 

• UK collections/deliveries 

• Ferry or Channel crossing to Netherlands 

• Work across Benelux region 

• Return to UK 

• Occasional UK-only week depending on workload 

What We’re Looking For 

• Professional and reliable driver 

• Good communication skills 

• Comfortable with EU tramping work 

• Responsible vehicle care 

• Safety-focused mindset 

• Flexible and adaptable approach 

If you're a professional HGV Class 1 driver looking for consistent tramping work with modern equipment and fair pay, please apply today with an up-to-date copy of your CV for consideration.