01
Operating authority
Make sure the operation has the licences and permissions required for the HGV work it undertakes.
For professional carriers
HGV Subcontractor Work UK
Explore HGV subcontractor work for owner drivers and fleets. Check the contracting business, vehicle requirements and agreed terms before accepting a movement.
HGV subcontracting for owner drivers and fleets
Work as an HGV owner driver subcontractor or offer fleet capacity to another freight or haulage business. Assess each opportunity against your vehicle, availability and agreed terms. Houlvek keeps applications, messages, job progress and proof of delivery connected; registration does not guarantee work.
This is business-to-business haulage using your own operating setup and suitable vehicle. It is not an employed-driver vacancy or a driver-only labour service.
Agree the subcontract before the movement
Use the job details and messages to resolve these points with the contracting company before committing. Keep the agreed terms with the job; an application alone is not an award of work.
Business & documents
- Contracting business: who orders the movement, who pays and which terms apply.
Vehicle & availability
- Freight and equipment: goods, weight, trailer, loading method, site access and responsibility for securing.
- Availability: collection and delivery windows, realistic waiting time and your next commitment.
Terms & delivery
- Rate and extras: agreed price, VAT treatment, waiting charges and how changes are approved.
- Evidence and payment: required POD, invoice recipient, payment due date and the process for queries or disputes.
- Changes and repeat work: cancellation terms and what each business must confirm for a further movement.
Before you apply
Prepare for HGV subcontractor work
Check that your vehicle, availability and operating setup fit the job. Keep relevant business and driver information ready before committing to the work.
02
Vehicle & availability
Keep vehicle or trailer capability and realistic availability clear before applying for work.
03
Documents
Keep the carrier and driver documents requested by the platform current so the working profile is ready for review.
For cover, limits and exclusions, review HGV insurance checks.
04
Job terms
Review the freight details, timing, collection and delivery requirements, and the commercial terms shown for the opportunity before committing.
Check the operating-licence basics
Operator-licensing requirements depend on the vehicle, use and circumstances of the operation. For an overview with official UK sources, read our HGV Operator Licence guide.
Before you apply for subcontractor work
Choose the carrier account that fits your operation and complete the verification steps shown in your account. Applying for loads requires approved verification and eligible marketplace access. Check your account status before applying; registration alone does not guarantee access or suitable work.
Read the getting-started steps and free HGV offer before you register. For each opportunity, confirm the contracting business, vehicle requirements and agreed payment terms.
From application to delivery
01
Discover HGV opportunities
The company publishes a load. An eligible carrier reviews the route, freight, timing and vehicle requirements in Find Loads, then applies to a suitable posting. For general freight searches, use HGV Loads UK.
HGV Loads UK02
Keep documents organised
The company reviews applications and carrier information. Keep requested documents current and clarify the movement and terms through the available messages; a verified profile does not certify every job.
03
Move into job management
After acceptance creates a job, follow its authorised next steps, messages and POD requirements. Keep any agreed changes recorded. A completed movement does not create a recurring contract automatically.
Looking for freight for an empty return journey?
Explore Houlvek's return-load information and practical guidance on reducing empty HGV mileage.