If you want to drive your way into a successful career, becoming a lorry and HGV driver may be the right choice. You can fast-track your way into the business with a top-notch cover letter.
Your cover letter is key to proving yourself as the top candidate for a truck driving job. Writing a generic cover letter — or worse, not including one — leaves you in the dust of other candidates. Put yourself in the driver’s seat with our HGV driver cover letter tips.
Lorry and HGV full text-only cover letter example
Dear Mr. Evans,
I am excited to apply for the position of Lorry & HGV Driver at Tesco. With over 12 years of experience in the transportation industry and a proven track record of safe and efficient driving, I am confident that my skills and expertise make me an ideal candidate for this role.
Throughout my career, I have developed a deep understanding of the responsibilities and challenges associated with operating large commercial vehicles. I hold a valid Class 1 HGV licence and have extensive experience in driving a wide range of lorries and heavy goods vehicles, including articulated lorries, tankers, and refrigerated trucks. My strong knowledge of UK road networks, coupled with my ability to plan efficient routes and navigate complex delivery schedules, has enabled me to consistently meet deadlines and ensure customer satisfaction.
In my current role as a Lorry Driver at DHL, I have been responsible for transporting goods across the UK and Europe. My work has involved conducting thorough vehicle inspections, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and maintaining accurate documentation. Through my diligence and attention to detail, I have maintained an excellent safety record and have been commended for my reliability and professionalism.
One of my notable achievements was the successful completion of a challenging delivery project that required navigating through narrow city streets and meeting tight delivery windows. By carefully planning my route, communicating effectively with the dispatch team, and utilizing my advanced driving skills, I was able to complete all deliveries on time and without incident. This project showcased my ability to remain calm under pressure and to adapt to changing circumstances.
I am particularly drawn to Tesco's reputation for excellence in logistics and its commitment to providing exceptional service to its customers. I believe that my extensive experience, safety-conscious approach, and dedication to professionalism make me a perfect fit for your organization.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss further how my skills and experience can contribute to the continued success of Tesco's transportation operations.
Sincerely,
Matt Young
Sections of a lorry and HGV cover letter
Think of your cover letter as the map of your career; just like you wouldn’t set off on a delivery without directions, the hiring manager can’t make a decision about your candidacy without understanding your path.
The following components should be included in any cover letter for HGV drivers:
- Cover letter header. This is where you state your contact details and the date.
- Greeting. Make a personal connection by addressing the hiring manager or recruiter by name, if you can.
- Introduction. Grab the reader’s attention by sharing your excitement about the role and introducing yourself as a candidate.
- Body. The body of your cover letter is the most important part, where you’ll cover your experience, skill set, and accomplishments. Be sure to clarify how they align with what the company is seeking in their next lorry and HGV driver.
- Conclusion. Summarise your qualifications for the role, reiterate your interest, and include a compelling call to action.
- Signature. End with a professional sign-off and your name.
When writing a cover letter, each section is an important part of your overall narrative.
Keep your cover letter concise and one page or less. Make every word count to further your connection with the reader.
If you need inspiration, look no further than our related cover letter examples:
Once you’ve created your header and greeted the hiring manager, it’s time for the introduction.
Introduction of a lorry and HGV driver cover letter
Accelerate your introduction with an impactful accomplishment. This could be 100% on-time delivery, an exceptional safety record, or an improvement you made to your organisation’s logistics.
Dear Mr. Evans,
I am excited to apply for the position of Lorry & HGV Driver at Tesco. With over 12 years of experience in the transportation industry and a proven track record of safe and efficient driving, I am confident that my skills and expertise make me an ideal candidate for this role.
Hello, my name is Matt, and I’m looking for a driver's job. I have experience in the industry.
Map out your skills and show them in action—be specific. For example, share that you achieved 100% compliance with safety regulations or have 10 years of experience. This level of detail makes your cover letter more credible and enables the reader to picture you making an impact on their team.
Dear Mr. Evans,
I am excited to apply for the position of Lorry & HGV Driver at Tesco. With over 12 years of experience in the transportation industry and a proven track record of safe and efficient driving, I am confident that my skills and expertise make me an ideal candidate for this role.
Lorry and HGV cover letter body
The body of your cover letter should follow a clear template:
- Start by highlighting your driving skills and experience
- Then, show how you’re an ideal fit for the organisation’s culture
- Close out your letter with a conclusion that reiterates your interest
- Sign off with a call to action that leaves the hiring manager compelled to reach out
First body paragraph: your suitability for the role (skills & experience)
The first paragraph of the body should display your skills and experience, showing how you would fit into the job. Consider including the following:
- Your relevant education and licences. If you already hold a driving licence that includes HGV for lorries, or if you have completed a Certificate of Professional Competence (known as a Driver CPC), reference it upfront.
- Vehicle and transportation knowledge. Explain your familiarity with lorry operation and maintenance. Additionally, it’s important to show your understanding of various methods of transport and when to use them.
- Understanding of safety and security requirements. Safety is paramount to being a successful driver, so display your knowledge of and adherence to safety and security (whether on the road or when lifting and delivering goods).
- Customer service skills. As a lorry driver, you may encounter diverse customers and members of the public, so it’s imperative to show your ability to offer excellent service.
- Patience, concentration, and stress management. Driving a lorry requires you to remain calm in stressful situations, exhibit patience (especially in traffic!), and concentrate to ensure safe driving.
These other cover letter examples may prove useful for inspiration:
Second body paragraph(s): alignment with the organisation
Every organisation has its culture and mission, so tailor your cover letter to fit. Show how your values align with those of the organisation.
For example, Tesco’s mission statement includes:
- Serving customers, communities, and the planet
- Treating people as they want to be treated
- Doing a little at a time to make a big difference
Share examples of ways you, too, exemplify those values or how they inspire you.
Throughout my career, I have developed a deep understanding of the responsibilities and challenges associated with operating large commercial vehicles. I hold a valid Class 1 HGV licence and have extensive experience in driving a wide range of lorries and heavy goods vehicles, including articulated lorries, tankers, and refrigerated trucks. My strong knowledge of UK road networks, coupled with my ability to plan efficient routes and navigate complex delivery schedules, has enabled me to consistently meet deadlines and ensure customer satisfaction.
In my current role as a Lorry Driver at DHL, I have been responsible for transporting goods across the UK and Europe. My work has involved conducting thorough vehicle inspections, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and maintaining accurate documentation. Through my diligence and attention to detail, I have maintained an excellent safety record and have been commended for my reliability and professionalism.
One of my notable achievements was the successful completion of a challenging delivery project that required navigating through narrow city streets and meeting tight delivery windows. By carefully planning my route, communicating effectively with the dispatch team, and utilizing my advanced driving skills, I was able to complete all deliveries on time and without incident. This project showcased my ability to remain calm under pressure and to adapt to changing circumstances.
I am particularly drawn to Tesco's reputation for excellence in logistics and its commitment to providing exceptional service to its customers. I believe that my extensive experience, safety-conscious approach, and dedication to professionalism make me a perfect fit for your organization.
Call to action & conclusion: Finish strong
Wrap up your letter by emphasising your key points and excitement about the job.
Remember to add a call to action encouraging the hiring manager to contact you for a more detailed discussion.
Of course, express your thanks for their time and consideration—it’s mannerly, but it also lets you reiterate your interest—and then sign off with your name.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss further how my skills and experience can contribute to the continued success of Tesco's transportation operations.
Sincerely,
Matt Young
How to write a lorry and HGV driver cover letter with no experience
If you’re hoping to earn your first lorry driver job but don’t yet have experience, rely on transferable skills and related experience to create a cover letter that lands you the job.
For example:
- Highlight transferable skills. Show how skills you’ve gained in other roles can help you succeed as a driver. Think about any driving experience, warehouse work, or even customer service skills.
- Showcase vehicle knowledge. If you deeply understand operating and maintaining vehicles, include it.
- Emphasise safety. Have you worked in roles where safety was paramount? Display that knowledge.
- Include your education. If you’ve held a relevant apprenticeship or have the necessary licences to be a lorry driver, be sure that’s clear.
- Mention any relevant volunteer experience. Perhaps you’ve done deliveries on a much smaller scale to help out in a volunteer engagement.
Any of these points will help display your talents and balance the lack of direct experience.
Consider ATS
Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to collect and track applications. Some advanced systems may include algorithms that scan and rank CVs based on keywords.
It may be beneficial to review the lorry driver job advert and pinpoint the important keywords, then include them in your cover letter.
Example:
- “Lorry driver”
- “Driver CPC”
- “Driving licence”
Key takeaways
You can accelerate your lorry and HGV driver career with a well-written cover letter highlighting your skills, experience, and excitement for the industry.
Throughout your letter, display your strengths and accomplishments. If you lack direct experience, showcase transferable skills instead.
Our cover letter builder lets you create a professional cover letter in minutes, putting you on your way to your next lorry driver job.
