HGV Driver / Ownership (Logistics Business)
This section provides a guide to setting up and running your own logistics company using Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs).
Step 1: Decide Your Business Type
You can operate as:
- Sole trader (simpler setup, full personal liability)
- Limited company (more formal, limited liability)
- Partnership (if multiple owners)
Register with HMRC for tax, or with Companies House if you’re forming a limited company.
Step 2: Obtain an Operator’s Licence
Step 2: Obtain an Operator’s Licence
If you’re running vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, you’ll need a Goods Vehicle Operator’s Licence from the Traffic Commissioner.
Types:
- Standard National Licence – to carry your own and others’ goods within the UK.
- Standard International Licence – for UK and international transport.
- Restricted Licence – only carry your own goods.
Requirements:
- A proper operating centre (secure parking for your vehicles)
- A Transport Manager (must hold a CPC – Certificate of Professional Competence)
- Proof of financial standing:
- £8,000 for the first vehicle
- £4,500 for each additional vehicle
You apply via: GOV.UK – Apply for a goods vehicle operator’s licence
Step 3: Get the Right Vehicle and Maintenance Plan
- Buy or lease HGVs (new or used)
- Register them with the DVLA
- Ensure MOT, road tax, and insurance
- Set up a maintenance schedule with regular safety inspections (mandatory)
Step 4: Hire Qualified Drivers
Step 2: Obtain an Operator’s Licence
If you’re running vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, you’ll need a Goods Vehicle Operator’s Licence from the Traffic Commissioner.
Types:
- Standard National Licence – to carry your own and others’ goods within the UK.
- Standard International Licence – for UK and international transport.
- Restricted Licence – only carry your own goods.
Requirements:
- A proper operating centre (secure parking for your vehicles)
- A Transport Manager (must hold a CPC – Certificate of Professional Competence)
- Proof of financial standing:
- £8,000 for the first vehicle
- £4,500 for each additional vehicle
You apply via: GOV.UK – Apply for a goods vehicle operator’s licence
Step 5: Insurance and Compliance
- Buy or lease HGVs (new or used)
- Register them with the DVLA
- Ensure MOT, road tax, and insurance
- Set up a maintenance schedule with regular safety inspections (mandatory)
Step 6: Plan Finances and Operations
Prepare a business plan and budget
Open a business bank account
Consider accounting software (like QuickBooks or Xero)
Plan routes, fuel management, and logistics systems
Step 7: Get Work and Build Contracts
- Buy or lease HGVs (new or used)
- Register them with the DVLA
- Ensure MOT, road tax, and insurance
- Set up a maintenance schedule with regular safety inspections (mandatory)
Step 8: Stay Compliant
Step 2: Obtain an Operator’s Licence
If you’re running vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, you’ll need a Goods Vehicle Operator’s Licence from the Traffic Commissioner.
Types:
- Standard National Licence – to carry your own and others’ goods within the UK.
- Standard International Licence – for UK and international transport.
- Restricted Licence – only carry your own goods.
Requirements:
- A proper operating centre (secure parking for your vehicles)
- A Transport Manager (must hold a CPC – Certificate of Professional Competence)
- Proof of financial standing:
- £8,000 for the first vehicle
- £4,500 for each additional vehicle
You apply via: GOV.UK – Apply for a goods vehicle operator’s licence
HGV Driver / Ownership (Logistics Business)
This section provides a guide to setting up and running your own logistics company using Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs).
Step 1: Decide Your Business Type
You can operate as:
- Sole trader (simpler setup, full personal liability)
- Limited company (more formal, limited liability)
- Partnership (if multiple owners)
Register with HMRC for tax, or with Companies House if you’re forming a limited company.
Step 2: Obtain an Operator’s Licence
Step 2: Obtain an Operator’s Licence
If you’re running vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, you’ll need a Goods Vehicle Operator’s Licence from the Traffic Commissioner.
Types:
- Standard National Licence – to carry your own and others’ goods within the UK.
- Standard International Licence – for UK and international transport.
- Restricted Licence – only carry your own goods.
Requirements:
- A proper operating centre (secure parking for your vehicles)
- A Transport Manager (must hold a CPC – Certificate of Professional Competence)
- Proof of financial standing:
- £8,000 for the first vehicle
- £4,500 for each additional vehicle
You apply via: GOV.UK – Apply for a goods vehicle operator’s licence
Step 3: Get the Right Vehicle and Maintenance Plan
- Buy or lease HGVs (new or used)
- Register them with the DVLA
- Ensure MOT, road tax, and insurance
- Set up a maintenance schedule with regular safety inspections (mandatory)
Step 4: Hire Qualified Drivers
Step 2: Obtain an Operator’s Licence
If you’re running vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, you’ll need a Goods Vehicle Operator’s Licence from the Traffic Commissioner.
Types:
- Standard National Licence – to carry your own and others’ goods within the UK.
- Standard International Licence – for UK and international transport.
- Restricted Licence – only carry your own goods.
Requirements:
- A proper operating centre (secure parking for your vehicles)
- A Transport Manager (must hold a CPC – Certificate of Professional Competence)
- Proof of financial standing:
- £8,000 for the first vehicle
- £4,500 for each additional vehicle
You apply via: GOV.UK – Apply for a goods vehicle operator’s licence
Step 5: Insurance and Compliance
- Buy or lease HGVs (new or used)
- Register them with the DVLA
- Ensure MOT, road tax, and insurance
- Set up a maintenance schedule with regular safety inspections (mandatory)
Step 6: Plan Finances and Operations
Prepare a business plan and budget
Open a business bank account
Consider accounting software (like QuickBooks or Xero)
Plan routes, fuel management, and logistics systems
Step 7: Get Work and Build Contracts
- Buy or lease HGVs (new or used)
- Register them with the DVLA
- Ensure MOT, road tax, and insurance
- Set up a maintenance schedule with regular safety inspections (mandatory)
Step 8: Stay Compliant
Step 2: Obtain an Operator’s Licence
If you’re running vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, you’ll need a Goods Vehicle Operator’s Licence from the Traffic Commissioner.
Types:
- Standard National Licence – to carry your own and others’ goods within the UK.
- Standard International Licence – for UK and international transport.
- Restricted Licence – only carry your own goods.
Requirements:
- A proper operating centre (secure parking for your vehicles)
- A Transport Manager (must hold a CPC – Certificate of Professional Competence)
- Proof of financial standing:
- £8,000 for the first vehicle
- £4,500 for each additional vehicle
You apply via: GOV.UK – Apply for a goods vehicle operator’s licence
HGV Driver / Ownership (Logistics Business)
This section provides a guide to setting up and running your own logistics company using Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs).
Step 1: Decide Your Business Type
You can operate as:
- Sole trader (simpler setup, full personal liability)
- Limited company (more formal, limited liability)
- Partnership (if multiple owners)
Register with HMRC for tax, or with Companies House if you’re forming a limited company.
Step 2: Obtain an Operator’s Licence
Step 2: Obtain an Operator’s Licence
If you’re running vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, you’ll need a Goods Vehicle Operator’s Licence from the Traffic Commissioner.
Types:
- Standard National Licence – to carry your own and others’ goods within the UK.
- Standard International Licence – for UK and international transport.
- Restricted Licence – only carry your own goods.
Requirements:
- A proper operating centre (secure parking for your vehicles)
- A Transport Manager (must hold a CPC – Certificate of Professional Competence)
- Proof of financial standing:
- £8,000 for the first vehicle
- £4,500 for each additional vehicle
You apply via: GOV.UK – Apply for a goods vehicle operator’s licence
Step 3: Get the Right Vehicle and Maintenance Plan
- Buy or lease HGVs (new or used)
- Register them with the DVLA
- Ensure MOT, road tax, and insurance
- Set up a maintenance schedule with regular safety inspections (mandatory)
Step 4: Hire Qualified Drivers
Drivers must have:
- A valid HGV licence (Category C or C+E)
- A Driver CPC card
- A tachograph card (to record driving hours)
- You’ll also need to keep drivers’ hours and working time records
Step 5: Insurance and Compliance
- Essential policies include:
- Motor insurance (HGV-specific)
- Public liability insurance
- Goods in transit insurance
- Employers’ liability insurance (if you hire staff)
Step 6: Plan Finances and Operations
Prepare a business plan and budget
Open a business bank account
Consider accounting software (like QuickBooks or Xero)
Plan routes, fuel management, and logistics systems
Step 7: Get Work and Build Contracts
- You can:
- Register on freight exchange platforms (e.g., Haulage Exchange, Returnloads.net)
- Contact local distribution companies, warehouses, or manufacturers
- Bid for contracts with logistics companies
Step 8: Stay Compliant
You must:
- Keep maintenance records and driver logs
- Renew your Operator’s Licence
- Follow DVSA checks and tachograph laws
- Maintain CPC training (35 hours every 5 years) for drivers