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Becky Hinshelwood 26th May 2023

How Do You Become a HIAB Driver?

Picture this. With a little help from the right training company, you’ve finally earned your HGV license, and you’re currently in the process of seeking out the best possible employers for your new career. As you search through possible job listings, you start to notice a new option: HIAB driving.

HIAB driver roles can open new doors to additional career opportunities in a very lucrative industry. However, because these jobs require you to use and manage specialist equipment, they can also require additional training.

Here’s what you need to know if you’re thinking of looking into HIAB driver roles.

What is a HIAB Driver? Understanding the Role

First, it’s worth defining what a HIAB driver actually does.

A HIAB driver is often a type of accredited HGV driver, responsible for loading, transporting, and offloading goods from vehicles with a lorry-mounted crane attached to them. The term “HIAB driver” is typically used as an umbrella term to refer to anyone who deals with these kinds of vehicles, however, HIAB is the name of just one brand in the industry.

Working with a vehicle that includes a crane means developing additional skills to help you safely operate and manage new heavy machinery. You’ll need to learn how to deliver large machinery, load, and unload contents from a truck, and so on.

While some people claim they’ve learned their HIAB skills “on the job”, most employers looking for a HIAB driver today will require their employees to have a HIAB certification. This accreditation is also known as an “ALLMI certificate”, and it’s awarded by the Association of Lorry Loader Manufacturers and Importers. Achieving your certification will enable you to (safely) use various kinds of lorry mounted cranes.

Another style of HIAB certificate is the ITSSAR qualification, which focuses on teaching the skills required to operate fork lift trucks and similar vehicles.

What Does HIAB Training Involve?

Similar to getting your HGV license, acquiring HIAB accreditation will mean accessing training from a respected company, who can prepare you to take your HIAB test. To earn the certificate, you’ll usually need to complete an assessment to prove your competence, as well as a practical exam.

The exact nature of the training you undertake will depend on the HIAB certification you apply for. An ALLMI certification, for instance, allows drivers to operate any crane on a vehicle, regardless of the type of automotive. There are two types of ALLMI certificates, including the Modernised (Basic) certification, and the traditional foundation certificate.

The Basic certificate lasts 4 years, while the foundation certificate is valid for 6 years. In order to achieve either certification, you’ll need to undergo a period of training, be at least 18 years old, and have a certificate of professional competence (CPC). The CPC certificate is something you’ll acquire during your HGV training process. You’ll also need a DBS certificate, and a European CESE safety certificate, as well as a UK driving license.

Throughout the training process, you’ll learn about:

Legislation
Loader crane operation
Pre-operational performance checks
Performing operator maintenance
Using crane attachments and equipment
Deploying stabiliser legs
Using controls safely
Preparing loader cranes for use
Stowing processes

The Cost of Becoming a HIAB Driver

Just like you’d pay to access a university degree, there are often costs associated with training to become a HIAB driver. To begin with, you’ll need your CPC certificate, which means taking a CPC course, and paying for your test and accreditation. The price of a CPC certificate is usually £55 for the practical test, and there are additional expenses for other parts of the course.

Once you’ve achieved your CPC certificate, you’ll need to pay to complete your lorry loading training, so you can earn your HIAB certification. The price you’ll pay depends on a number of factors, including the kind of certification you apply for. Some loader courses will cost around £425+ depending on your experience, and how quickly you want to become accredited.

The good news is that depending on your existing knowledge, you can gain your certification within as little as one or two days, so you can start searching for new roles pretty quickly. However, it’s worth noting most employers looking for HIAB drivers will be looking for more than just technical skills. They’ll want to see the same characteristics in employees as those looking for HGV drivers, such as good interpersonal skills, commitment, and reliability.

Is Becoming a HIAB Driver Worth It?

While there are some costs (and significant effort) to consider when becoming a HIAB driver, the process can definitely pay off. As demand for professional drivers continues to grow, you could find you can earn a significant wage in this role. The average salary starts at around £32,000 for entry-level positions, and increases from there.

A HIAB driver certification will also allow you to apply for more opportunities than a standalone CPC certification or HGV driver accreditation. This means you can have a greater selection of roles to choose from, and potentially more options for employment.

Additionally, similar to being an HGV driver, becoming a HIAB driver can give you a lot more freedom in your day-to-day career. You can explore more the world, enjoy flexible schedules, and even spend more time enjoying the scenery of the open road.

Are You Ready to Become a HIAB Driver?

If you want to expand your earning potential, work with innovative machinery, and spend more of your work days enjoying the freedom of the open road, a HIAB driver certification could be an excellent option for you. It will allow you to build on the skills you develop as an HGV driver, and unlock new opportunities for employment.

The good news is the path to becoming a HIAB driver doesn’t have to be nearly as complex as it seems, provided you have the right support. You can start by earning your CPC driver certification with Easy as HGV today. From there, you can take any number of avenues with your future career, from exploring horsebox training, to HIAB certification.

Contact Easy as HGV today to learn more about how we can help you to pursue your new career in HGV and HIAB driving.

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