HGV Driver (Class 1 / Class 2) Jobs in Gateshead NE8
Immediate start, flexible shifts & competitive pay with Temping Agency. Join our network of trusted drivers across the North East today.
This Role Is For You If You Have:
- Valid Cat C/CE (Class 1) or Cat C (Class 2) licence
- Current Driver CPC qualification
- Digital Tachograph card & excellent driving history
Local routes across Gateshead, Newcastle, Sunderland, and the wider NE region.
Local & regional routes from the Tyne & Wear hub.
Immediate start for qualified drivers.
Paid weekly. Rate based on licence, experience & shift.
Flexible assignments with permanent potential.
HGV Driver (Class 1 / Class 2) Job Description
Temping Agency is actively recruiting experienced and safety-conscious HGV Drivers for a range of immediate temporary placements with reputable logistics, retail, and distribution clients across Gateshead NE8 and the surrounding North East. Our clients rely on us to supply reliable, professional drivers who can hit the ground running, ensuring their supply chains remain fluid and efficient.
Whether you specialise in Class 1 (C+E) articulated work or Class 2 (C) rigid deliveries, registering with Temping Agency opens doors to a variety of shifts—days, nights, weekends—across sectors including general haulage, supermarket replenishment, and construction materials. We understand the local road network, from the A1(M) to the Tyne Tunnel, and match drivers with routes that suit their preferences and expertise.
Key Responsibilities & Daily Tasks
- 1 Safe Vehicle Operation & Pre-Driving Checks: Conduct thorough pre-start checks (DEF, oil, tyres, lights) and post-trip inspections, reporting any defects immediately via the client’s system.
- 2 Timely Collection & Delivery: Transport goods between depots, suppliers, and customer sites across the North East, adhering strictly to delivery schedules and time windows.
- 3 Loading & Unloading: Depending on the assignment, you may be required to assist with loading/unloading using tail lifts, pump trucks, or by hand, always following manual handling procedures.
- 4 Digital Compliance: Correctly use the digital tachograph and ensure your Driver CPC hours are recorded. Complete all delivery paperwork (e.g., PODs) accurately and legibly.
- 5 Customer Service & Professional Conduct: Represent the client and Temping Agency professionally at all times, communicating clearly with site staff, traffic offices, and our consultants.
Essential Requirements & Qualifications
- Valid UK Driving Licence: Category C (Class 2) or Category C+E (Class 1) with no more than 6 penalty points.
- Driver CPC Card: Current, valid Driver Qualification Card (DQC) with 35 hours of periodic training.
- Digital Tachograph Card: Your own driver smart card.
- Right to Work: Passport or relevant UK immigration documents.
- Experience: Minimum 6 months recent HGV driving experience in the UK.
- References: Provide at least one verifiable employment reference.
Why Drivers Choose Temping Agency
- Weekly Pay: Get paid every Friday without fail. No waiting for monthly payrolls.
- Local Knowledge: We specialise in Gateshead NE8 and know the major employers and logistics parks.
- Temp-to-Perm Pathway: Many of our temporary assignments lead to permanent offers from the client.
- Dedicated Consultant: One point of contact who understands HGV driving and your preferences.
Pay, Benefits & What You'll Earn
Rates vary based on licence class, shift pattern (night/weekend premiums), and experience. We negotiate the best possible rate for every driver.
Get paid every Friday for the previous week's work. No delays. Your timesheet is processed swiftly by our dedicated payroll team.
You accrue holiday pay from your first shift. It's paid separately, ensuring you're rewarded for your time, just like a permanent employee.
For a detailed breakdown of current pay scales for Class 1 and Class 2 HGV Driver roles in Gateshead, speak to our consultant on 0333 242 2711. All rates are compliant with UK minimum wage laws and industry standards.
How to Apply: Your 3-Step Roadmap
From application to your first shift, our process is fast, transparent, and designed to get you working.
Apply Online or Call
Submit your details via our form below or call 0333 242 2711. Have your licence and CPC details ready.
Quick Registration & Check
We'll verify your documents (right to work, licence, CPC) and discuss your availability, preferred shifts, and pay expectations.
Job Match & Start
We match you with a suitable local client, brief you fully, and arrange your first shift. You start earning.
Apply for HGV Driver Jobs Now
Fill out this quick form and a consultant will contact you within one working day.
By submitting, you agree to our data processing terms. We will contact you about HGV driver roles and relevant opportunities.
If you are interested email your cv and info to [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
No. For all temporary assignments arranged through Temping Agency, you will be driving the client's vehicle. The client's motor insurance policy covers you as the driver whilst on their business. You do not need your own HGV insurance policy for these roles.
Very quickly, provided your documents are in order. For urgent vacancies, we have placed drivers within 24-48 hours of their initial call. The speed depends on completing your right-to-work check and the client's induction schedule. We specialise in last-minute placements for the logistics sector.
You must have a valid Driver Qualification Card (DQC) to drive professionally. If yours is due to expire within the next 3 months, we strongly recommend you complete your 35-hour periodic training immediately. We can provide guidance on local training providers. We cannot place you without a valid CPC.
Absolutely. Many of our clients use temporary assignments as an extended interview. If you perform well, are reliable, and fit the team, they often offer a permanent contract. We facilitate this temp-to-perm pathway regularly. It's a low-risk way for both driver and employer to ensure it's a good fit.
It varies by assignment. Class 2 roles typically involve 18-tonne rigids, often with tail-lifts, for multi-drop retail or builders' merchant deliveries. Class 1 roles usually involve articulated tractor units pulling trailers for trunking work between regional distribution centres (RDCs) – common on routes to and from the Team Valley Trading Estate, Port of Tyne, and major supermarkets.
Other Urgent Driving & Logistics Roles in Gateshead
Temping Agency recruits for a wide range of immediate-start positions across the North East.
| Job Title | Location | Pay Type | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 Night Trunking Driver | Gateshead NE11 | £17.50 - £19.50 p/h | Apply |
| Class 2 Multi-Drop Driver (Tail-Lift) | Newcastle upon Tyne | £15.00 - £16.50 p/h | Apply |
| 7.5t Driver / Van Driver | Sunderland SR5 | £13.50 - £15.00 p/h | Apply |
| Warehouse Operative with FLT | Gateshead NE8 | £12.50 - £14.50 p/h | Apply |
| Logistics Administrator | Team Valley (NE10) | £12.00 - £14.00 p/h | Apply |
We also recruit for roles like Sales Representative / Executive, Payroll Administrator, and Retail Assistant positions across the UK.
Your Next Driving Role is One Call Away
Stop searching job boards. Let Temping Agency, your local Gateshead NE8 specialist, match you with immediate HGV driving work that fits your skills and schedule.
If you are interested email your cv and info to [email protected]
Temping Agency
Your local recruitment partner for Gateshead NE8 and the North East. Specialists in temporary, temp-to-perm, and permanent staffing solutions.
We connect great drivers with great companies.
Contact Details
Phone: 0333 242 2711
Email: [email protected]
Location: Serving Gateshead NE8 & the wider Tyne & Wear region.
© Temping Agency. An equal-opportunities recruitment & employment business. All rights reserved. | Registered in England & Wales.
The Gateshead Logistics Landscape: Your Opportunities
Understanding the local distribution network helps you see where your skills are needed most. Gateshead NE8 is a major logistics hub.
Key Industrial Estates & Routes
Drivers operating from Gateshead are at the heart of the North East's supply chain. Major employers are concentrated in strategic locations, each offering different types of work:
- Team Valley Trading Estate (NE11): The UK's largest trading estate, home to national retailers' RDCs, requiring constant Class 1 trunking to stores across Scotland and Northern England.
- Port of Tyne: Generates demand for container movement and bulk haulage. Experience with curtainsiders or flats is advantageous for Class 1 drivers.
- Gateshead Interchange (A1/M1 Link): Perfect for regional multi-drop Class 2 roles servicing builders' merchants and trade counters across Tyneside and County Durham.
Peak Season & High-Demand Periods
Driver demand fluctuates. Being available during these periods can mean more shifts and higher pay:
- Q4 October - December: Retail peak for Christmas. Massive demand for trunking and multi-drop drivers.
- Spring March - May: Construction season ramps up, increasing demand for tipper and flatbed drivers.
- Summer July - August: Cover for permanent staff holidays creates consistent temporary opportunities.
Case Study: From Temp to Depot Trainer
How one driver used temporary work to advance his career.
David, a Class 1 driver from Gateshead, registered with Temping Agency during a period of uncertainty after his previous employer closed. He was placed on a 4-week temporary contract with a major supermarket's RDC on Team Valley.
His reliability, positive attitude, and efficient work did not go unnoticed. After the initial temp period, the client extended his assignment repeatedly. Six months later, a permanent role for a Driver Mentor/Trainer became available internally.
"Because I was already on-site, understood the operation, and had built a reputation, I was the natural choice," David says. "Temping Agency gave me the foot in the door. My temp role was essentially a prolonged interview, and it led directly to a permanent promotion with better pay and conditions."
Beyond the Basics: Advancing Your HGV Career
Upskilling & Additional Qualifications
Investing in extra training can make you more versatile and increase your earning potential with Temping Agency. We often have clients requesting drivers with these specialist skills:
-
ADR (Hazardous Goods):
Even a basic ADR qualification (in packages) opens doors to chemical, fuel, and waste sectors, which typically pay a premium of £2-£4 per hour more.
-
Forklift Truck (FLT) Licence:
Many warehouse and cross-dock roles value drivers who can load/unload their own vehicle using counterbalance or reach trucks, reducing turnaround times.
-
HIAB / Lorry Loader:
Specialist certification for construction and plant hire work. This skill is in constant demand and commands higher rates, especially for Class 2 drivers.
We can provide information on local, accredited training providers for these qualifications.
Navigating Compliance & Avoiding Pitfalls
Professional driving is heavily regulated. Here’s how we support you in staying compliant and trouble-free:
Tachograph Analysis & Best Practice
Mistakes with the tachograph card are a common cause of issues. We provide a simple guide on:
- Correctly inserting/removing your card to avoid"Card Insertion Errors".
- Manual entry for periods of"Other Work" (OW) when assisting with loading/unloading.
- Printing out rolls/records if the vehicle unit malfunctions.
Dealing with DVSA Roadside Checks
Our drivers are briefed on what to expect. We ensure your documentation (licence, CPC, right to work) is digitally verified upfront, so you can be confident if stopped. A well-presented vehicle from our clients also reduces the likelihood of a full inspection.
More Than Just a Job Board: Our Full Support Service
Secured, Fast Payment
Our proprietary timesheet app allows instant submission. Combined with our in-house payroll, this eliminates agency payment delays. You get paid for every minute you work.
Direct Consultant Access
You won't speak to a different call centre agent each time. Your dedicated consultant learns your preferences and proactively matches you with roles, saving you the job search grind.
Issue Resolution Advocate
If any problem arises on assignment—be it with hours, vehicle condition, or site access—we act as your advocate with the client. Our goal is to resolve issues so you can focus on driving.
Career Pathway Planning
For drivers seeking permanency, we don't just place you in any temp role. We strategically match you with clients known for hiring permanently and provide feedback to increase your chances.
Ready to Experience the Difference?
Drivers who work with us report less stress, more consistent income, and a clearer path to their career goals. The first step is a simple conversation.
Lines open Monday-Friday, 7am-6pm.