Auto Fanboy

With layoffs happening all over the globe, it appears that secure jobs are getting scarcer everyday. However, despite the hard times, it appears that there are simply those jobs that continue to be in demand. One of them is LGV driving. LGV or Large Goods Vehicle is an alternative name for HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle), referring to lorries with allowable masses that run up to 3.5 tonnes.

The vacancies for these drivers are at par with the number of layoffs in other industries. While companies in other industries continue to add thousands of employees to the ever mounting pile of jobless individuals, vacancies for these drivers on the other hand have risen to 80,000 heads in UK alone. Continue reading ‘Combating the Recession with LGV Training’ »

Driving a Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) is certainly a lot different than driving a car. The size of the Lorry alone is very intimidating to the new LGV driver. Once you are in the cab of the vehicle, you will notice the vast number of controls at your fingertips as well as you will be sitting up higher then you were when you were driving a car. The following are some basic general tips that you should use to avoid the great intimidation when you start out as an LGV driver. Following these tips may also prevent any unwanted accidents while on the road.

The very first thing you should be aware of when you are driving a Lorry is that you will need to break earlier and more often then you would while driving a car. The LGV that you are driving is well over two times the weight of a car that you normally drive, so your stopping distance in the Lorry will be longer, especially when you are carrying a full load. The same adjustments will also apply when you need to turn. The Lorry is longer than your car, so you will need to adjust your times accordingly to turn to avoid possibly clipping a vehicle or running over the curb. Continue reading ‘Tips for new LGV Drivers’ »

Driving a Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) is certainly a lot different than driving a car. The size of the Lorry alone is very intimidating to the new LGV driver. Once you are in the cab of the vehicle, you will notice the vast number of controls at your fingertips as well as you will be sitting up higher then you were when you were driving a car. The following are some basic general tips that you should use to avoid the great intimidation when you start out as an LGV driver. Following these tips may also prevent any unwanted accidents while on the road.

The very first thing you should be aware of when you are driving a Lorry is that you will need to break earlier and more often then you would while driving a car. The LGV that you are driving is well over two times the weight of a car that you normally drive, so your stopping distance in the Lorry will be longer, especially when you are carrying a full load. The same adjustments will also apply when you need to turn. The Lorry is longer than your car, so you will need to adjust your times accordingly to turn to avoid possibly clipping a vehicle or running over the curb. Continue reading ‘Tips for new LGV Drivers’ »

Now, just what is an LGV driver? LGV stands for Large Goods Vehicle. And an LGV driver is someone who is properly licensed to drive the vehicle. Many different career paths can be taken as a LGV driver. One can even drive internationally throughout the entire European Union if the driving company is large enough. Also, if you want to stay a bit more local here in the United Kingdom, many LGV drivers can find other work working for depots, warehouses, and distribution centers. If you desire to work a bit more local than that, you can also drive for area supermarkets and retail chains.

Typically, LGV drivers will transport various goods on Lorries that weigh more than 7.5 tonnes. Some typical examples of these various large goods vehicles are Oil transport Lorries, large transporters, and multiple trailer LGV. Starting out as a LGV driver, you will have some basic responsibilities included with your daily task of driving. First and foremost, you will be constantly checking to see if the load that you are hauling is properly secured on your vehicle. Continue reading ‘A Career as an LGV Driver Explained’ »

For a HGV operator to get the ideal HGV insurance policy, it is necessary to have good knowledge of the terminologies conditions as well as the fine distinctions pertaining to HGV insurance. HGV insurance does have some issues which the common man is not well versed with hence the need to learn more about the HGV insurance. The law demands that it’s mandatory for all HGVs operating on highways to have insurance coverage, which is why HGV insurance is very important.

Reasons That Make HGV Insurance Special
The main reason HGV insurance is exceptionally important is the fact that the entire client’s consignment in transit is comprehensively insured by the HGV insurance. This gives the client or customer peace of mind against any unforeseen circumstances that may arise while the cargo is in transit. Continue reading ‘What Makes HGV Insurance Unique’ »

The main reason people usually hesitate to opt for a career in the HGV industry is the idea of driving alone for long distances. This happens to be a challenge most people cannot handle in an otherwise very lucrative industry. Driving for long distances alone is not only tiring but also quite boring which could eventually result in the HGV driver falling asleep while driving and hence very easily end up causing an accident.

Getting enough sleep is the most essential thing any HGV driver should do if he intends to go on a long distance trip. The best way to remain awake and focused is by having enough sleep every night. Sleeping for seven to eight hours every night is recommended for any long distance trip. A combination of both sleepiness and boredom is a recipe for disaster for any driver especially on long distance deliveries. Many drivers get a pet for company when going on long distance drives. A cat or dog is a good companion while driving for long distances. These pets are also are safe and easy to keep in the cab while driving. Some drivers will pick up hitchhikers for company, however, this should be done cautiously lest you end up with someone dangerous riding in your truck. Continue reading ‘Tips for Staying Awake While Driving’ »

The Coach hire industry is one that is ever flexible and always willing to customize their services according to the needs of their clients. Most coach hire companies also focus their energy on how to make the trip of their clients more luxurious and as enjoyable as possible. In this regard, they a variety of vehicles are readily available for any customer, depending on what their specific trip entails. Here are the usual options for one who is interested in turning to the coach hire industry for their land transportation requirements

Chauffeured cars are on the top of the list when it comes to personalized service. Most coach hire companies decided to include this option on their list of services because a lot of clients wish for these chauffeured cars and limousines for special events. Usually, this kind of service is only gotten for one night. The chauffeur will go to any place that the client decides. This is of course subject to agreed upon terms by the client and the coach hire company. But it is most common that these chauffeured cars are only allowed to travel within city limits. Continue reading ‘Types of Coach Hire’ »

Reflecting on the current economic turmoil, many people are finding it difficult to decide which career is the safest for them given that recession is knocking on everyone’s door around the world. There is no more job security as more and more companies keep on downsizing and sending home many helpless employees both skilled as well as unskilled in order to survive. However, as much as more and more people are getting retrenched due to the effects of recession, there are certain jobs that are immune to recession. HGV driving is one of the jobs that are not affected by recession.

There are several reasons why HGV drivers are very secure with their jobs despite recession playing havoc in many different industries as far as job securities are concerned. First and foremost, goods such as food as well as other domestic items will always be needed by the public whether there is recession or not. For these goods to reach the entire population, HGV drivers will have to deliver them in different parts of their respective countries. Therefore HGV drivers are the lucky few whose jobs are very secure even in this economic climate. Continue reading ‘HGV Work during the Recession’ »

In the earlier times, HGV was quite popular unlike today where the once admired HGV has shown some decline in its popularity. Despite the misconceptions about HGV industry, many people still opt for a career in the HGV industry. HGV delivers heavy and bulky cargo between factories as well as warehouses and hence require a strong driver capable of manoeuvring a truck as big and heavy as a HGV to avoid causing accidents.

It’s not only expensive but also very difficult to get a license to drive a HGV. HGV has two categories of driving license, N2 and N3 license. The N2 license is meant for drivers going for a HGV that can carry between 3.5 and 12 tons of maximum allowed mass, while N3 license is for drivers that can drive a HGV that can carry more than 12 tons. Continue reading ‘Rules of Driving an HGV’ »

Before you obtain your HGV application and DVLA medical form it is important to consider the range of different HGV licenses that can be applied for. Unlike the standard car and motorbike licence, Larger Goods Vehicle and Public Service Vehicle licences require additional training that take into account the size and weight of the vehicle and the amount of passengers you will be carrying. Licence categories are largely determined by the weight of the vehicle. The unladen weight, the maximum authorized mass and the train weight are all taken into consideration. Additionally it is important to note that certain licenses have a specific age stipulation.

Before applying for the LGV licence check to see if your standard, full Category B driving license actually permits. Some employers will require that you have held your Category B license for more than a few years, whilst certifications and additional training can be required. It is important that you check that you vehicle you operate corresponds to the licence you hold Certain forklift trucks, dumper trucks, construction machinery, industrial tractors, crop sprayers, as well as digging machines can all be legally operated on a Category B licence. Vehicles that are for people with a disability can be driven as long as the weight does not exceed 3.5 tonnes and carries no more than eight passengers including the driver. Additionally you may be allowed to drive a minibus with a maximum of 17 seats, if it is not used for hire or reward by the passengers. If you are looking to do this as a form of employment you will require an F extension on your licence.

Continue reading ‘Types of HGVs’ »