UK Owner-Operators Losing Ground to Company Drivers

It used to be that lorry driving was a matter of purchasing a rig, getting some work, and earning a living as a self-employed owner-operator. Things are not that way anymore. For the better part of 20 years, owner-operators have been losing ground to company drivers. That is not necessarily a good or bad thing, but it is reality.

A quick perusal of the internet reveals there are some stalwart owner-operators still out, there running a couple of rigs out of rented space at a local yard. However, they are a dying breed. So why are more HGV drivers becoming company drivers rather than owner-operators? There are several factors in play:

• Operator Licence – Operating a haulage company in the UK requires an operating licence, also known as the O-license. This is in addition to the standard Class A HGV licence needed to drive lorries. An owner-operator must maintain two licences along with CPC certification in order to remain in business.

• Maintenance Requirements – The law requires haulage operators to have all maintenance performed under covered premises. That means operators must establish their own repair facilities or contract with others to handle maintenance. Strict regulations also make maintenance a costly proposition unless it can be done in bulk.

• Yard Space – Owner-operators also have to have approved yard space to store their vehicles. You cannot simply park two large lorries and a couple of trailers in a residential neighbourhood. Owner-operators have to either purchase their own yards or lease space from someone else.

• Competition – Finally, competition is a big part of the equation. Larger operations with a fleet of company drivers can move freight less expensively than a single owner-operator with just one or two rigs can. Freight forwarders are going to choose the best deal they can find unless a more expensive owner-operator gives them reason to do otherwise.

The transition from owner-operators to company drivers has not been a pleasant one to watch for veteran drivers who have been in the business for decades. Nonetheless, it is the natural evolution of the industry. To that end, the HGV Training Centre provides the training necessary to get new drivers into the industry.

Company and Individual Training

We offer HGV training for both individual and company drivers throughout the UK. Our training classes teach students everything they need to learn, and retain for that matter, to pass their tests the first time. We utilise a fast-paced and intense approach that does not waste time dealing with things that are unnecessary. Furthermore, students who apply themselves and learn quickly can be trained in a matter of weeks.

Working as an HGV driver is an opportunity to enjoy a long and rewarding career. If you are interested in becoming one of the many company drivers or owner-operators traversing UK roads, consider contacting the HGV Training Centre right away. The sooner you do, the sooner we can get you training for your new driving career.