Heavy Goods Vehicle Driver - Long Haul

Placements24; Richards Bay; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive per-kilometer or per-tripร

Modern fleet

Regular high-volume work

Bonuses for safety

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) driver for a contractor role, primarily operating between Richards Bay and inter-provincial destinations. You will drive large commercial vehicles with a strong emphasis on safety, route planning, and timely deliveries on long-haul routes across South Africa.

The ideal candidate has a Code 14 license with PDP, at least 8 years of HGV experience, a clean driving record, and the ability to work independently with reliable transport

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years' documented HGV experience.
• Valid Code 14 license with PDP.
• Proven clean driving record with no major violations.
• Extensive experience with long-haul routes and safety protocols.
• Own reliable transport to Richards Bay depot and contractor eligibility in SA.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate an HGV on long-haul routes across South Africa, including Richards Bay.
• Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections and report maintenance.
• Secure, load, and unload cargo to prevent damage.
• Plan routes considering traffic, conditions and delivery windows.
• Maintain logs and comply with driving hours and rest periods.

Skills

HGV experience

Code 14 + PDP

Clean record

Long-haul routes

Reliability

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the long-haul freight industry, is seeking a seasoned and dependable Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) Driver for a critical contractor role operating primarily between Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal and various inter-provincial destinations. This position is vital for ensuring the consistent and safe transit of goods across long distances. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience driving large commercial vehicles, a thorough understanding of national road networks, and an unwavering commitment to safety protocols and timely deliveries. This contract offers a significant earning potential for experienced drivers who can demonstrate reliability and professionalism on the road. You will be the face of our client on the highways, responsible for the secure transportation of valuable cargo and maintaining the highest standards of driving conduct. This role is suited for independent contractors who are self‑motivated and can manage their time effectively to meet demanding schedules. A focus on fuel efficiency and vehicle care will be paramount for success in this demanding yet rewarding position within the Richards Bay, KwaZulu‑Natal transport sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate an HGV (Code 14 license with valid PDP) safely and efficiently on long-haul routes across South Africa, including extensive travel from Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal .
• Conduct thorough pre-trip and post-trip inspections of the vehicle and trailer, documenting and reporting any required maintenance.
• Ensure cargo is loaded, secured, and unloaded correctly to prevent damage and ensure safety.
• Plan routes effectively, considering traffic, road conditions, and delivery windows to ensure punctuality.
• Maintain accurate logbooks and delivery documentation as per company and legal requirements.
• Adhere strictly to all national road safety regulations and company policies regarding driving hours and rest periods.
• Represent the company professionally and courteously during all interactions with clients and the public.
• Perform basic roadside checks and troubleshooting to minimize delays in case of minor vehicle issues.
• Manage fuel consumption and adhere to fuel efficiency best practices.
• Communicate regularly with the dispatch team regarding route status, ETAs, and any unforeseen circumstances.

Requirements

• Valid Code 14 driver's license with an up-to-date Professional Driving Permit (PDP).
• Minimum of 8 years' documented experience as an HGV driver, with significant long-haul experience.
• A proven clean driving record with no major violations.
• Demonstrated ability to handle large, heavy vehicles in various road and weather conditions.
• Experience with specific types of freight or trailers may be advantageous.
• Strong navigational skills and familiarity with national road networks, particularly routes serving Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal .
• Excellent physical stamina and ability to handle the demands of long-distance driving.
• High level of responsibility, punctuality, and reliability.
• Must possess own reliable transport to and from the depot in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal .
• Must be legally permitted to work as a contractor in South Africa.

Benefits

As a contractor, you will benefit from a competitive per-kilometer or per-trip rate, with an indicative annual earning potential of R based on consistent work and performance. Our client provides access to a modern, well-maintained fleet of HGV vehicles. They also offer regular, high-volume work to ensure consistent income. Opportunities for bonuses based on safety records and on-time delivery performance are available. Our client values long-term contractor relationships and provides support through regular communication and clear assignment details. This role is ideal for experienced drivers seeking a flexible yet substantial contracting opportunity within the thriving logistics sector of Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal .