Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos & Interviews
Videos on the Web
- Heavy Goods Vehicle Owner Operator- from: Youtube Search
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanised Devices, or Equipment Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanised equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Controlling Machines and Processes Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
Working Life
Owner Operator lorry drivers are those who who own their own lorries, as opposed to company drivers who drive lorries supplied by employers. Being an owner operator comes with additional costs, such as paying for maintenance and insurance, but allows for greater independence.
Lorry or large goods vehicle (LGV) drivers are responsible for the delivery and collection of goods throughout Ireland, the UK and on the continent. They load the lorry and make sure that the load is securely fastened. When they arrive at the point of delivery, they clean and refuel their Lorries. Drivers usually have a basic understanding of vehicle maintenance.
LGV drivers are responsible for planning the quickest route and keeping records of mileage and deliveries. They have to deal with invoices and delivery notes, and make sure that all the paperwork is completed for each load. They must comply with the various regulations that exist relating to their vehicles, such as speed and load limits or hours of driving.
Some drivers specialise in delivering potentially dangerous loads, such as hasardous chemicals or extremely large loads. There are 3 types of lorry driver:
- Local - stay in their own locality
- National - travel around the country
- Long haul - travel to different countries They are often away for weeks at a time.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Check vehicles to ensure that mechanical, safety, and emergency equipment is in good working order.
- Follow appropriate safety procedures for transporting dangerous goods.
- Inspect loads to ensure that cargo is secure.
- Maintain logs of working hours or of vehicle service or repair status, following applicable state and federal regulations.
- Secure cargo for transport, using ropes, blocks, chain, binders, or covers.
- Maneuver trucks into loading or unloading positions, following signals from loading crew and checking that vehicle and loading equipment are properly positioned.
- Report vehicle defects, accidents, traffic violations, or damage to the vehicles.
- Obtain receipts or signatures for delivered goods and collect payment for services when required.
- Drive trucks with capacities greater than 3 tons, including tractor-trailer combinations, to transport and deliver products, livestock, or other materials.
- Check all load-related documentation for completeness and accuracy.
Qualities - Heavy Goods Vehicle Owner Operator
In addition to being a good driver, it is important that you are able to work alone and concentrate for long periods of time. You should be self-reliant and security conscious as the loads are often valuable and sometimes dangerous. Reasonable physical fitness and stamina are also required if carrying and lifting loads. You should be comfortable with spending time on your own.
As an owner operator some knowledge of how to develop business, such as making connections and managing accounts, would also be an asset.
Interests - Heavy Goods Vehicle Owner Operator
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Enterprising
Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Entry / Progression - Heavy Goods Vehicle Owner Operator
Heavy goods vehicle drivers & operators will need to develop their skills in line with required Driver Certificate of Professional Competence License to drive:
To obtain a UK & Ireland LGV Licence you must be 18 years old. Garda Vetting & security checks may form part of application processes for license and employment in HGV driving & operation.
Before you apply for your provisional licence you will be required to take a medical test and submit a medical examination report. The medical test can be arranged with your local doctor.
You can obtain the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence as soon as you’ve got your provisional licence. Your employer may also ask for you to have a Digital Tachograph card, or Forklift license/s for loading & delivery unloading.
Key Skills Certs:
Rigid Truck License
Artic Truck License
Forklift: Reach / Counterbalance / Power Pallet
Manual Handling
Digital Tachograph card
These courses may be available at low or no cost in FET centres nationwide. You can search for these key skills certs, just add the key word via Search our FET CourseFinder
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: transport distribution and logistics, start your own business.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: supply, transport, logistics.
Search for PLC Courses
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples: Commercial Driver, Supply Chain Specialist, Supply Chain Manager.
Search for Apprenticeships
Enterprise Development
Pay & Salary - Heavy Goods Vehicle Owner Operator
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €25k - €46k
Salaries vary by employer, location, experience, and duties.
Data Source(s):
FTAI/ Payscale.com/ Indeed.ie
Last Updated: March, 2023
Labour Market Updates - Heavy Goods Vehicle Owner Operator
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Bus and coach drivers; Taxi and cab drivers and chauffeurs; Train and tram drivers; Marine and waterways transport operatives; Air transport operatives; Rail transport operatives; Other drivers and transport operatives n.e.c.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
Employment growth was negative for this occupation, with little change in employment levels since 2020. Most are employed as taxi drivers and bus and coach drivers; although employment levels remained unchanged for taxi drivers between quarter 4 2021 and quarter 4 2022, there was a fall in the number of persons employed as bus and coach drivers. At 43%, the share aged 55 years and older far exceeded the national average and may lead to an increase in replacement demand across the roles in the coming years. Issues with recruiting taxi drivers that occurred with the reopening of the economy post-COVID-19 appears to have eased somewhat; the data does not point to any evidence of shortages.
In a statement to the Joint Oireachtas committee on Transport and Communications, the National Transport Authority noted issues with retaining and recruiting bus drivers in a time of full employment. There have been advertising campaigns (e.g. Dublin Bus, Bus Eireann) to recruit new bus drivers. As a result of issues with recruitment, a quota for 1,500 new permits for bus and coach drivers was added in December 2022 which has yet to be reflected in the data. The Skills for Growth data also indicates issues with filling vacancies for bus drivers (including for those with good communication skills). Despite the negative employment growth for this occupation overall, skills shortages have emerged for bus and coach drivers.
Useful Contacts - Heavy Goods Vehicle Owner Operator
-
British Association of Removers
- Tangent House, 62 Exchange Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD18 0TG
- + 44 1923 699 480
- [email protected]
- Click Here
-
Irish Road Haulage Association
- Suite 6 Gowna Plaza, Bracetown Business Park, Clonee Co. Meath
- (01) 8013380
- [email protected]
- Click Here
