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 Entitlement20 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 4×2 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.
…