For Drivers
What actually drives your pay rate.
UK agency driver pay rates are not a single national figure, they vary by licence category, certifications, shift type, route, region and the specific client contract. This page explains what affects what you earn so you can judge any offer on its merits. For our current rates against your role and region, request our rate card below and a consultant will WhatsApp it to you directly.
Last reviewed: June 2026
What determines a UK agency driver's hourly rate?
A UK agency driver's hourly rate is determined by a combination of licence category (Class 1, Class 2, 7.5T, Van, FLT category), specialist certifications (ADR, HIAB, Moffett, twist-lock), shift type (days, nights, weekends, bank holidays), route type and difficulty (multi-drop, trunking, store delivery, container haulage), region, and the commercial terms of the specific client contract. Rates also reflect the driver's experience, reliability and history with the agency.
What affects your rate
Seven factors do most of the work. Understand them and you'll judge any offer accurately, whether it's from us or anyone else.
- 1
Licence category
Class 1 (C+E) earns more than Class 2 (C), which earns more than 7.5T (C1) or van work. The gap reflects training, vehicle responsibility, and supply. FLT and warehouse rates sit lower per hour but often run longer shifts.
- 2
Specialist certifications
ADR (hazardous), HIAB (crane), Moffett (truck-mounted FLT), tanker endorsements and twist-lock container experience all push your rate up, typically a meaningful uplift over base for that licence class. Worth keeping current.
- 3
Shift type, days, nights, weekends
Nights routinely pay more than days for the same role. Saturdays and Sundays sit higher again. Bank holidays are typically 1.5× or 2× the standard day rate, confirmed per booking.
- 4
Route type and difficulty
Multi-drop store deliveries with tight SLAs pay above general trunking. High-drop-count residential van routes pay above lower-drop runs. Specialist contracts (named retailers, regulated industries) often pay premium for the operational demand.
- 5
Region
Pay varies across the North West and into the regions we supply (North East, Yorkshire & Humber). Cost of living, local driver supply, and concentration of distribution clients all shift the going rate. Some postcodes routinely sit above the regional norm.
- 6
Engagement, we pay PAYE
We pay every driver through PAYE: income tax and National Insurance handled at source, statutory holiday pay accrued on every hour, and no extra margins or hidden deductions reducing your pay. The rate we quote is the rate your pay is calculated from.
- 7
Experience and reliability
Drivers with strong references, no-show-free booking history, and good site relationships get first call on premium work. "Earn more by being reliable" sounds obvious, agencies actually price it in.
Typical uplift patterns
These are general industry patterns, useful as a benchmark when you're sizing up an offer. Your specific rate is confirmed per booking.
| Modifier | Typical effect on base rate |
|---|---|
| Night shift (vs day, same role) | +10-20% |
| Saturday | +10-25% |
| Sunday | +25-50% |
| Bank holiday | 1.5× to 2× day rate |
| ADR certification (vs non-ADR Class 1) | Material uplift, varies by category |
| HIAB / Moffett | Premium over base Class 2 / Class 1 |
| Premium store-delivery contracts | Above general multi-drop rate |
Percentages reflect typical industry patterns across the North West, not Tezlom-specific commitments. Your booking rate is confirmed before you accept.
Current rates on request
Get our current rate card for your role and region.
Tell us your role, region and any specialist certifications. A consultant will WhatsApp or call you within one working day, usually within the hour during business hours, with current rates against your specific situation. No spam, no obligation.
Pay-rate FAQs
Why don't you publish a specific rate card on the website?
Because rates are confirmed per client and per booking, and publishing a fixed number would commit us to something we can't honestly hold to. Instead we publish what affects your pay so you can make informed decisions, and we send our current rate card directly to drivers who request it, that way the figures stay current to your role and region.
How quickly will I get a rate card after I request one?
A consultant will WhatsApp or call you within one working day, usually within the hour during business hours, with current rates for your specific role, region and certification mix.
How does PAYE pay work with Tezlom?
We pay through PAYE only. Your income tax and National Insurance come out at source, you accrue statutory holiday pay on every hour, and you're paid weekly, with no extra margins taken off your rate.
How often does my rate change?
Booking-to-booking. The rate is confirmed when the booking is offered and locked for that shift. Standing rates with a regular client typically stay stable for 3-6 months and move when the client contract renews.