HGV / Haulage Trucking Contractor Agreement (UK)
This HGV / Haulage Trucking Contractor Agreement (the “Agreement”) is entered into on [Agreement Date] between:
[Operator Name], [Operator Type], with its registered or principal place of business at [Operator Address], [Operator City], [Operator County], [Operator Postcode], England and Wales (Operator’s Licence No. [O-Licence Number]) (hereinafter referred to as the “Operator”); and
[Contractor Name], a self-employed contractor, of [Contractor Address], [Contractor City], [Contractor County], [Contractor Postcode], England (National Insurance No. [Contractor NI Number]) (hereinafter referred to as the “Contractor”).
BACKGROUND
The Operator wishes to engage the Contractor as a self-employed independent contractor to provide HGV driving and haulage services. The Parties intend that this Agreement shall not create an employment relationship. The Contractor shall remain self-employed for the purposes of employment law, income tax, and National Insurance. The Parties acknowledge their obligations under the Road Transport (Working Time) Regulations 2005, EC Regulation 561/2006 (drivers’ hours) as retained in UK law, the Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995, and the Transport Act 1968.
1. STATUS OF THE CONTRACTOR
1.1 The Contractor is engaged as an independent contractor and not as an employee, worker, or agent of the Operator. Nothing in this Agreement creates a contract of employment or any employer-employee relationship between the Operator and the Contractor.
1.2 The Contractor shall not be entitled to any employee benefits, including holiday pay (beyond statutory minimum if applicable), sick pay, pension, redundancy pay, or rights under the Employment Rights Act 1996.
1.3 The IR35 off-payroll working status for this engagement has been assessed as: [Ir35 Status], pursuant to the Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003 (Chapters 8 and 10).
1.4 The Contractor shall be solely responsible for accounting and paying all income tax and National Insurance contributions due on payments received, and shall indemnify the Operator against any HMRC assessment arising from failure to do so.
1.5 The Contractor shall be free to provide services to other operators, provided this does not breach drivers’ hours regulations or cause a conflict of interest.
2. QUALIFICATIONS AND LICENCES
2.1 The Contractor warrants and represents that throughout the term of this Agreement the Contractor holds and will maintain:
- a valid DVLA driving licence with entitlement to drive [Licence Category], licence number [DVLA Licence Number];
- a current Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) card, number [CPC Card Number], expiring [CPC Expiry Date], in accordance with the Road Transport (Driver Qualification) Regulations 2014;
- a valid digital tachograph driver card, number [Tachograph Card Number], in compliance with EU Regulation 165/2014 as retained in UK law.
2.2 The Contractor shall immediately notify the Operator in writing of any endorsement, disqualification, suspension, or revocation affecting any licence, certificate, or card.
2.3 The Contractor shall comply with all drivers’ hours and rest period requirements under EC Regulation 561/2006 as retained in UK law, including the daily driving limit (9 hours, extendable to 10 hours twice per week), the weekly limit of 56 hours, and the fortnightly limit of 90 hours.
2.4 The Contractor shall comply with the Road Transport (Working Time) Regulations 2005, including the 48-hour average weekly working time limit for mobile road transport workers.
3. SERVICES AND VEHICLE
3.1 The Contractor shall provide the following haulage services (the “Services”): [Scope of Services].
3.2 The Services shall be provided on a [Contract Type] basis, commencing on [Start Date].
3.3 The vehicle to be operated under this Agreement is a [Vehicle Description] (registration: [Vehicle Registration]), provided by [Vehicle Ownership]. The Contractor shall conduct a pre-use vehicle inspection before each duty period and report any defects in writing in accordance with the Road Traffic Act 1988.
3.4 The Contractor shall comply at all times with the Highway Code, Road Traffic Act 1988, Transport Act 1968, and all other applicable road transport legislation.
4. REMUNERATION
4.1 The Operator shall pay the Contractor at the rate of £[Fee Rate] ([Fee Structure]) for the Services provided.
4.2 The Contractor shall submit invoices [Payment Frequency]. The Operator shall pay each invoice within [Invoice Terms Days] days of receipt.
4.3 If payment is not made by the due date, the Contractor shall be entitled to charge interest under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 at 8% per annum above the Bank of England base rate, accruing daily.
4.4 The Operator shall not deduct income tax or National Insurance from payments unless required to do so by law or a final IR35 determination.
5. INSURANCE
5.1 The Contractor shall maintain public liability insurance with a minimum indemnity limit of £[Contractor PLI Minimum] per claim throughout the term of this Agreement, and shall provide evidence of such insurance to the Operator on request.
5.2 The Operator shall maintain valid motor vehicle third-party liability insurance for the Operator’s fleet in accordance with the Road Traffic Act 1988.
6. HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT
6.1 The Contractor shall comply with all applicable health and safety legislation, including the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
6.2 The Contractor shall not operate any vehicle while impaired by drink or drugs, and shall comply with the Road Traffic Act 1988 and the Transport and Works Act 1992.
6.3 The Contractor shall not tamper with, misuse, or interfere with any tachograph equipment and shall use the digital tachograph card correctly at all times.
7. CONFIDENTIALITY
7.1 The Contractor shall keep confidential all information relating to the Operator’s business, clients, routes, rates, and operations, and shall not disclose such information to any third party without the Operator’s prior written consent.
7.2 This clause shall not prevent a protected disclosure under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 or reporting a criminal offence to the relevant authority.
7.3 Each Party shall comply with the Data Protection Act 2018 (UK GDPR) in respect of any personal data processed under this Agreement.
8. TERMINATION
8.1 Either Party may terminate this Agreement by giving [Notice Period] written notice to the other Party.
8.2 The Operator may terminate this Agreement with immediate effect upon:
- revocation, suspension, or surrender of the Contractor’s driving licence, CPC card, or tachograph card;
- conviction of any road traffic offence involving dangerous driving, drink driving, or drug driving;
- material breach of this Agreement not remedied within 7 days of written notice;
- the Contractor becoming insolvent or bankrupt; or
- the Contractor providing false or misleading information regarding qualifications or licences.
8.3 Termination shall not affect the accrued rights or liabilities of either Party at the date of termination.
9. GENERAL PROVISIONS
9.1 Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties relating to the Contractor’s engagement and supersedes all prior representations and arrangements.
9.2 Amendments. No variation shall be effective unless made in writing and signed by both Parties.
9.3 Severability. If any provision is found invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force.
9.4 Third Party Rights. A person not a party to this Agreement shall have no right under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce any of its terms.
9.5 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of England and Wales, and the Parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this HGV / Haulage Trucking Contractor Agreement as of the date first written above.
THE OPERATOR
Name: [Operator Name]
Address: [Operator Address], [Operator City], [Operator County], [Operator Postcode]
O-Licence No.: [O-Licence Number]
THE CONTRACTOR
Name: [Contractor Name]
Address: [Contractor Address], [Contractor City], [Contractor County], [Contractor Postcode]
DVLA Licence No.: [DVLA Licence Number]
Driver CPC Card No.: [CPC Card Number]
Operator
________________
Signature
Date: ________________
Contractor
________________
Signature
Date: ________________
What Is a HGV / Haulage Trucking Contractor Agreement (UK)?
A HGV / Haulage Trucking Contractor Agreement in the United Kingdom sets the services to be provided, the fees, the timetable, and each side's responsibilities for the engagement, and takes its legal force from the Employment Rights Act 1996.
The UK road haulage sector is one of the most heavily regulated industries in England and Wales. Self-employed HGV drivers must hold a valid Category C, C+E, C1, or C1+E driving licence issued by the DVLA, a current Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) under the Road Transport (Driver Qualification) Regulations 2014, and a valid digital tachograph driver card under EU Regulation 165/2014 as retained in UK law. Haulage operators must hold a valid Operator’s Licence (O-licence) under the Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995 and comply with all maintenance, inspection, and roadworthiness requirements.
Drivers’ hours rules are a central feature of any HGV contractor agreement. EC Regulation 561/2006 as retained in UK law sets maximum daily driving times, weekly driving limits, and mandatory rest periods. The Road Transport (Working Time) Regulations 2005 impose additional restrictions on the working time of mobile road transport workers. A breach of these rules is a criminal offence for both the driver and the operator, and a well-drafted contractor agreement must address each party’s obligations in this area.
IR35 off-payroll working rules under the Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003 are also relevant. Since April 2021, medium and large private-sector operators are responsible for determining whether a HGV contractor falls inside or outside IR35. A genuinely self-employed driver with multiple clients, a right of substitution, and their own vehicle is more likely to fall outside IR35.
The legal framework governing the HGV / Haulage Trucking Contractor Agreement (UK) in United Kingdom draws on several key statutes and regulatory bodies. Under the Employment Rights Act 1996, the Employment Tribunal adjudicates workplace disputes. Section 94 of the Employment Rights Act 1996 provides the right not to be unfairly dismissed. The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) provides early conciliation under Section 18A of the Employment Tribunals Act 1996. The UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 govern personal data handling. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) administers PAYE and National Insurance contributions under the Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003. Parties executing a HGV / Haulage Trucking Contractor Agreement (UK) in United Kingdom should confirm the document reflects current law, including any amendments enacted since the original drafting date. The Employment Rights Act 1996 sets the foundational requirements.
When Do You Need a HGV / Haulage Trucking Contractor Agreement (UK)?
A HGV trucking contractor agreement is needed whenever a haulage operator or logistics company engages a self-employed truck driver to provide HGV driving services. The most common situations in England and Wales include:
An owner-operator truck driver who provides their own HGV and drives for multiple hauliers on a subcontract basis. In this arrangement, the owner-operator is a self-employed contractor with their own O-licence, and the agreement governs the relationship between the owner-operator and each haulier engaging their services.
A haulage company that engages self-employed drivers to supplement its employed workforce during peak periods, seasonal demand, or to cover driver shortages. Rather than taking on permanent employees, the operator uses contractor drivers on an as-and-when-required basis, reducing fixed labour costs while meeting delivery commitments.
A specialist haulier operating in a niche sector — such as temperature-controlled logistics, hazardous materials transport, abnormal loads, or car transporter operations — that requires contractors with specific qualifications or experience. The agreement should specify the relevant specialist licence categories, ADR certificates, or other qualifications required.
A logistics company that uses agency drivers supplied by a driver agency. While the primary contract will be between the logistics company and the agency, many operators also require individual driver contractors to sign a direct agreement setting out their obligations regarding vehicle care, drivers’ hours compliance, and conduct.
A small haulage business or sole trader that engages a self-employed driver to cover for illness, holidays, or a specific contract. Even short-term engagements should be documented in a written contractor agreement to protect both parties and to support the driver’s self-employed status for IR35 and tax purposes.
Parties in United Kingdom should prepare a HGV / Haulage Trucking Contractor Agreement (UK) proactively rather than waiting for a dispute to arise. Courts interpret agreements based on the written terms rather than oral representations. Under the Employment Rights Act 1996, the Employment Tribunal adjudicates workplace disputes. Section 94 of the Employment Rights Act 1996 provides the right not to be unfairly dismissed. The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) provides early conciliation under Section 18A of the Employment Tribunals Act 1996. The UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 govern personal data handling. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) administers PAYE and National Insurance contributions under the Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003. Where the transaction involves regulated activities, prior approval from the relevant authority may be required before execution.
What to Include in Your HGV / Haulage Trucking Contractor Agreement (UK)
A well-drafted UK HGV / Haulage Trucking Contractor Agreement for England and Wales should contain the following key provisions:
Parties and Status — Clear identification of the haulage operator and the self-employed driver, with an express statement that the relationship is one of independent contractor and not employer and employee. The agreement should address the three key IR35 indicators: control, substitution, and mutuality of obligation.
HGV Licence and Qualifications — A warranty by the driver that they hold and will maintain a valid DVLA driving licence with the appropriate HGV category entitlement, a current Driver CPC card, and a valid digital tachograph driver card. The agreement should include an obligation on the driver to notify the operator immediately of any licence endorsements, suspensions, or revocations.
O-Licence Compliance — A reference to the operator’s O-licence number and the driver’s obligation to comply with all conditions attached to the O-licence, including vehicle maintenance, roadworthiness, and documentation requirements.
Drivers’ Hours and Working Time — The driver’s obligation to comply with EC Regulation 561/2006 as retained in UK law (maximum daily and weekly driving times) and the Road Transport (Working Time) Regulations 2005. The agreement should also address tachograph compliance, including the prohibition on tampering with or misusing tachograph equipment.
Vehicle and Pre-Use Inspection — Specification of whether the operator or the driver provides the vehicle, the vehicle’s registration mark and description, and the driver’s obligation to carry out a pre-use inspection before each shift and report defects in writing.
Fees and Payment — The fee rate (hourly, daily, mileage-based, or per assignment), invoicing frequency, payment terms, and the right to charge statutory interest under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998.
Insurance — The driver’s obligation to maintain public liability insurance and any other required cover, and the operator’s obligations regarding fleet insurance, goods in transit cover, and motor vehicle third-party liability insurance under the Road Traffic Act 1988.
Termination — Notice periods, grounds for immediate termination (including licence revocation and serious road traffic offences), and post-termination obligations.
Additional compliance elements for a HGV / Haulage Trucking Contractor Agreement (UK) used in United Kingdom include: Under the Employment Rights Act 1996, the Employment Tribunal adjudicates workplace disputes. Section 94 of the Employment Rights Act 1996 provides the right not to be unfairly dismissed. The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) provides early conciliation under Section 18A of the Employment Tribunals Act 1996. The UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 govern personal data handling. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) administers PAYE and National Insurance contributions under the Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003. Forms-legal.com provides this template as a starting point for United Kingdom-compliant documentation.
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Forms Legal. (2026). HGV / Haulage Trucking Contractor Agreement (UK) (United Kingdom) [Legal document template]. Forms Legal. https://forms-legal.com/uk/employment/contractor-agreements/hgv-haulage-trucking-contractor-agreement-uk
"HGV / Haulage Trucking Contractor Agreement (UK) (United Kingdom)." Forms Legal, 2026, https://forms-legal.com/uk/employment/contractor-agreements/hgv-haulage-trucking-contractor-agreement-uk.
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year = {2026},
howpublished = {\url{https://forms-legal.com/uk/employment/contractor-agreements/hgv-haulage-trucking-contractor-agreement-uk}},
note = {Free legal document template. Based on Employment Rights Act 1996}
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Frequently Asked Questions
A self-employed HGV driver in Great Britain must hold several mandatory qualifications and documents. First, a valid UK driving licence with the appropriate entitlement: Category C for rigid HGVs over 3.5 tonnes, Category C+E for articulated lorries or draw-bar combinations, or Category C1 for medium goods vehicles between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes. The licence is issued by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). Second, a current Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC), which is required for commercial goods vehicle drivers under the Road Transport (Driver Qualification) Regulations 2014 (implementing the EU Driver CPC Directive as retained in UK law). Drivers must complete 35 hours of approved periodic training every five years to maintain their CPC. Third, a valid digital tachograph driver card, which is required under EU Regulation 165/2014 as retained in UK law. Drivers must insert their personal tachograph card when operating a tachograph-equipped vehicle and must not tamper with or misuse the equipment.
The primary drivers’ hours rules for HGV drivers in Great Britain are set out in EC Regulation 561/2006 as retained in UK law. The key limits are: a daily driving limit of 9 hours (which may be extended to 10 hours no more than twice per week); a weekly driving limit of 56 hours; a fortnightly driving limit of 90 hours; a minimum daily rest period of 11 hours (which may be reduced to 9 hours no more than three times between weekly rests); and a minimum weekly rest period of 45 hours (which may be reduced to 24 hours in alternate weeks, provided the reduction is compensated within three weeks). Drivers must also take a break of at least 45 minutes after 4.5 hours of driving (which may be split into two breaks of 15 and 30 minutes). The Road Transport (Working Time) Regulations 2005 additionally limit the average working week for mobile workers (including self-employed drivers who opt in) to 48 hours, calculated over a 17-week reference period. Breaches of drivers’ hours rules are a criminal offence and can result in prosecution of both the driver and the operator.
The IR35 status of a self-employed HGV driver depends on the factual circumstances of the engagement, assessed against three key indicators: control (does the operator dictate exactly how, where, and when the driver works?), substitution (does the driver have a genuine right to send a qualified substitute?), and mutuality of obligation (is the operator obliged to offer work and the driver obliged to accept it?). Many genuine self-employed HGV drivers operate outside IR35 because they have multiple clients, provide their own vehicle, set their own hours subject to regulatory limits, and have a genuine right of substitution. Since April 2021, medium and large private-sector operators (those meeting two of: 50+ employees, £10m+ turnover, £5m+ balance sheet) are responsible for making the IR35 determination. Small operators remain exempt, and the driver’s intermediary (if any) retains responsibility. The written contractor agreement is evidence of the parties’ intentions but HMRC and tribunals will also examine the actual working practices.
A self-employed HGV contractor in England and Wales should maintain several types of insurance. Where the contractor provides their own vehicle, they must hold third-party motor vehicle insurance under the Road Traffic Act 1988, which requires that any motor vehicle used on a road or other public place is insured against liability for death or bodily injury to third parties. In practice, most owner-operator HGV drivers hold detailed fleet or goods vehicle insurance. The contractor should also hold public liability insurance to cover claims arising from personal injury to third parties or damage to third-party property caused by the contractor’s operations. Where the operator provides the vehicle, the operator is responsible for the fleet insurance, but the driver may still be required to hold employer’s liability insurance if they themselves employ any staff. Goods in transit insurance covers the loss of or damage to goods being carried; this is typically maintained by the haulage operator but the contractor agreement should clarify responsibility. Professional indemnity insurance may also be appropriate for contractors providing logistics consultancy services.
An Operator’s Licence (O-licence) is required for any business that uses goods vehicles with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) exceeding 3.5 tonnes on public roads in Great Britain. The requirement is imposed by the Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995, administered by the Traffic Commissioners. There are three types of O-licence: a Restricted licence (own goods only), a Standard National licence (hire or reward, domestic operations), and a Standard International licence (hire or reward, including international operations). A self-employed HGV driver who operates their own vehicle under contract with hauliers does not necessarily need their own O-licence if the vehicle is operated under the haulier’s licence. However, if the driver uses their own vehicle to carry goods for hire or reward (including on behalf of multiple clients), they will generally need their own Standard National or International O-licence. Operating without a required O-licence is a criminal offence. The O-licence number should be referenced in any haulage contractor agreement.
This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.Full disclaimer
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