12 questions to ask an HGV agency before your first shift
Most bad agency experiences come down to things nobody asked about upfront. Screenshot this list before you sign up.
Pay
- Is the rate PAYE or umbrella? (why it matters)
- What's the rate for nights, weekends and overtime, and after how many hours does overtime start?
- How is holiday pay handled: rolled up in the rate or accrued?
- Is there a night-out allowance, and how much? (current HMRC figures)
- When is pay day, and how are missing hours fixed?
Work
- How many shifts a week can you realistically offer at my licence level?
- What happens if a shift is cancelled the same day? Do I get paid anything?
- Who are the main clients, and what work is it: trunking, multi-drop, tipper?
- Are there unpaid breaks, waiting time or yard time I should know about?
Paperwork
- Can I see the Key Information Document before I sign?
- Who pays for my CPC, medical and tacho card renewals?
- After 12 weeks on the same assignment, do I get equal pay with permanent drivers?
Check what they actually pay
Before you take the work, check the agency's real rates from other drivers. After your first week, add yours so the next driver knows too.