There is a definitely a shortage.
Of intelligence on this thread.
Digit369:
For all of you thinking of embarking in a career in hgv do it because I can say it’s the best thing I’ve done. I passed in January and got on agency £9ph ltd with p&h (defo marmite) found a company local who do delivers to supermarkets it’s ok money is not amazing but it’s a start £7.50 plus time and half after 8hrs no crash bonus of £1200 at the end of the year plus 90p per hour to cover my holiday I’m on my second night tramping I’m only doing days 3-4 days a week then a night out missus does not like me away but hey it’s only one night a week the company are really nice and been going for nearly 100yr 3 generations I’m really enjoying it. I work average 12hrs a day bit long but driving trucks is easy tai lift off the gear, sign and done on to the next one I’ve got 11 drops over two days. I’m on my 4th now that’s tomorrow then I’m done I’m parked at my 6th drop so up for 8:30 to drop it off then they will probably have something lined up for the afternoon pick ups I’m reversing great and gears are going well I’m in a 6 gear 18t I’ve not even tried a 7.5 yet lolI will say revering is tricky but I’m getting it ok customers bit moody so I’m thinking of going CE soon so I can work my experience into that too agency keep asking me to go back to p&h but I don’t want too I don’t really like it.
Only downside is that I would like to be on 8.50 plus my 90p holiday but beggars can’t be choosers I’m getting experience and that what matters and they don’t put pressure on me it gets done when it’s done I do it safely and properly which the company likes
So if your thinking about it go for it get your experience now because in 10 yr time the shortage will be mega and you will have got your experience done and dusted
Another lamb to the slaughter. 
He hasn’t had enough time in the job to ignore a “Road unsuitable for HGV” sign yet…then he’ll understand 
I used to moan with the best of them but I’ve landed on my feet now in a right cushty number
I find drinking plenty of beer helps 
Digit369:
I’m on my second night tramping I’m only doing days 3-4 days a week then a night out missus does not like me away but hey it’s only one night a week
Tramping is where you’re out all week. Some would say longer than that.
Digit369:
I would like to be on 8.50
Aim for the stars 
Digit369:
I will say revering is tricky but I’m getting it ok customers bit moody so I’m thinking of going CE soon
Don’t worry, the places you’ll be delivering to in an artic are populated by people just as moronic as anywhere you’re currently going to.
And if you think reversing a rigid is tricky …
Keep us updated.
Terry T:
Digit369:
I will say revering is tricky but I’m getting it ok customers bit moody so I’m thinking of going CE soonDon’t worry, the places you’ll be delivering to in an artic are populated by people just as moronic as anywhere you’re currently going to.
And if you think reversing a rigid is tricky …
Keep us updated.