A guide to HGV removal driving.

For UK customers booking a heavy-goods removal — house contents, large furniture, multiple items requiring a 7.5-tonne or larger vehicle — understanding what the driver is responsible for matters when comparing quotes. Typical removal driver day rates: £200–£400 for the driver alone; £400–£900 for driver + 2 movers + appropriate vehicle. Specific responsibilities depend on the type of move, vehicle class, and any specialist load.

For homeowners, the practical question isn't about the driver's job description — it's about what's included in the quote and what isn't. Most disputes between removers and customers come from misunderstandings here.

What removal drivers typically do

• Drive the vehicle — qualified Cat C (3.5-7.5 tonne) or Cat C+E for HGV-size loads. Hold appropriate Driver CPC.
• Vehicle inspection and safety checks — daily walkaround, tyre pressures, lights, fluid levels.
• Load planning — placing items so they don't shift in transit. Heavy items low and forward; fragile items secured.
• Securing the load — straps, blankets, edge protectors. Loose loads shift in transit and damage everything.
• Driving safely — adjusting for the weight of the load, planning for height restrictions.
• Tachograph compliance — for HGVs, accurate driving hours logging.
• Customer interaction — confirming pickup details, signing inventories, getting acknowledgments at delivery.

Typical UK removal day rates

What's typically included in a UK removal quote

• Driver and crew labour for the booked time.
• Vehicle, fuel, and motorway charges.
• Loading and unloading at agreed addresses.
• Standard goods-in-transit insurance (typically £25,000-£50,000 limit).
• Floor and door protection materials.
• Basic disassembly of common items (beds, wardrobes).

What's typically NOT included

• Packing materials (boxes, tape, paper, bubble wrap) — separate £80-£250 cost.
• Packing service (you usually pack yourself unless ordered).
• Disassembly of complex items (pianos, pool tables, hot tubs — specialist heavy-lift).
• Loft / cellar clearance — extra labour.
• Storage between properties.
• High-value insurance for items over the standard cover limit.
• Cleaning at either end.

Things people often miss

• BAR membership — British Association of Removers. Vetted, audited, holds professional cover. Worth choosing for any non-trivial move.
• Insurance limits — standard goods-in-transit cover often capped at £25,000-£50,000 per claim. For valuable contents, declare value upfront and arrange specialist cover.
• Parking permits — for moves involving parking-restricted areas (London, Bath, Edinburgh), parking suspensions may be needed. Quoted separately.
• Access surveys — for tight access (narrow streets, low bridges, no driveway), pre-move survey by the removal firm prevents day-of surprises.
• Inventory at both ends — mark each box with destination room. Walk through with the driver before unloading to confirm placement.
• Hourly vs fixed quote — most domestic moves are fixed quote based on inventory; commercial and unusual moves more often hourly. Confirm before booking.

Frequently asked questions

Want a local pro to handle this? A BAR-member removal firm with proper survey, written quote, and goods-in-transit insurance is the right choice for any home move. £700-£1,500 for a competent local move buys peace of mind that DIY hire-van moves can't match.