28 September 2026
When you’ve got deliveries to make and not enough drivers to cover them, getting the right people behind the wheel becomes a priority.
But should you bring in temporary HGV drivers or recruit someone permanently?
The answer depends on your strategy and priorities: workload, budget and how much flexibility you need. Both options have their advantages. Here’s what to consider before making your next hire.
When temporary HGV drivers make sense
Temporary drivers can be a good option when you need additional support without committing to a permanent increase in your workforce.
This is particularly useful for transport and logistics businesses dealing with seasonal demand, staff shortages or unexpected increases in work.
You might need temporary HGV drivers to:
- Cover annual leave or sickness.
- Manage busy periods, including the Christmas rush.
- Support a new contract or short-term project.
- Cover additional shifts.
- Keep deliveries moving while recruiting permanent staff.
One of the biggest advantages is flexibility. You can increase your workforce when demand rises and reduce it when things settle down.
Working with a specialist driving recruitment agency can also save time when you need qualified drivers at short notice.
When permanent HGV recruitment is the better option
If your business has a steady workload and an ongoing need for drivers, permanent recruitment could make more sense.
Having a reliable team of permanent drivers can help you build consistency across your operation.
Your drivers get to know your routes, vehicles, customers and working practices. Over time, that experience can make day-to-day operations easier to manage.
Permanent recruitment may be particularly suitable when you’re:
- Expanding your transport operation.
- Taking on long-term contracts.
- Replacing drivers who have left.
- Looking to reduce your reliance on agency staff.
- Building a more consistent workforce.
Of course, finding the right permanent driver takes more than checking they’ve got the correct licence. You also need someone whose experience, availability and expectations match the job.
What should you consider before deciding?
Before choosing temporary or permanent recruitment, ask yourself a few simple questions.
How long will you need the driver?
If it’s just a few weeks of additional work, temporary recruitment may be the more practical choice. If you expect demand to continue, a permanent hire could be worth considering.
How predictable is your workload?
Regular contracts and consistent delivery schedules make long-term workforce planning easier. If demand changes from week to week, flexibility may be more important.
What are the actual costs?
Don’t just compare the hourly rate.
Consider recruitment time, onboarding, overtime, employment costs and the impact of having vehicles sitting idle because you haven’t got enough drivers.
How quickly do you need someone?
If you’ve got work that needs covering immediately, an experienced temporary driver could help while you make longer-term recruitment decisions.
Could a mixture of temporary and permanent drivers work?
Absolutely.
For many transport businesses, the answer isn’t one or the other.
A core team of permanent drivers, supported by temporary staff during busier periods, can offer a useful balance between stability and flexibility.
The important thing is having a recruitment plan that works for your business, rather than constantly reacting when you’re short of people.
FAQs: Temporary and Permanent HGV Recruitment
Can I hire temporary Class 1 and Class 2 HGV drivers?
Yes. Recruitment agencies can help businesses source qualified Class 1 and Class 2 drivers for temporary assignments, subject to availability, suitability and the requirements of the role.
Is temporary HGV recruitment more expensive than permanent recruitment?
It depends on the length of the assignment, the type of work and the costs involved. Temporary agency rates and permanent recruitment fees are structured differently, so it’s worth comparing the overall cost rather than just the headline rate.
Can a temporary HGV driver become a permanent employee?
Yes. Some employers use temporary assignments to assess whether a driver is a good long-term fit before offering permanent employment. Any transfer arrangements should be agreed with the recruitment agency.
Find the right drivers with ODIN Recruitment
Whether you need additional drivers for a busy period or you’re building a permanent transport team, ODIN Recruitment can help.
Our Driving and Logistics recruitment team understands the importance of finding reliable people who suit your business and the work involved.
We’ll take the time to understand what you need and help you find the right recruitment solution.
Need HGV drivers? Let’s have a chat.
