DHL

My name is Tieron Gordon, and I work as a 7.5 tonne driver for DHL Supply Chain. My role involves delivering goods to different locations, ensuring deliveries are completed safely, efficiently and on time. Every day brings new routes, customers and challenges, which keeps the job interesting.

To work in my role, I need to hold a valid Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC). This ensures that I have the training and knowledge required to drive professionally and operate safely within the logistics industry.

I didn’t go to university, as that wasn’t the path I chose after leaving school. Instead, I went straight into work and built my experience through different roles.

I first heard about the opportunity at DHL through someone who was already working there. They mentioned the role to me and explained what the job involved, which sparked my interest and encouraged me to look into it further.

Before joining DHL, I worked as a chef for 12 years. When I became a dad for the first time, I realised that the hours in hospitality were no longer working for my family life. A colleague at DHL told me that I could start as a driver’s mate and potentially progress into a driving role over time. That opportunity for progression really appealed to me. It felt like a chance to build a long-term career while also improving my work/life balance.

Although moving from hospitality into logistics was a big change, many of the skills I developed as a chef transferred well into my current role. Working in a busy kitchen taught me how to stay calm under pressure, work quickly and efficiently, stay organised and adapt to changing situations. Those same skills are important in logistics, especially when managing delivery schedules and dealing with unexpected challenges on the road.

One of the best things about my role is the variety. No two days are the same. I enjoy travelling to new places, meeting different people and dealing with the challenges that come with each day. The improved work–life balance has also made a huge difference to me and my family, and I’ve really settled into the role.

One of my biggest career highlights so far has been winning the UKI DHL Driver of the Year award in 2025. It meant a lot to me because it recognised the hard work and dedication I’ve put into the job. Moments like that make me proud of how far I’ve come and motivate me to keep developing in my career with DHL.

My name is Sintija Stanners, and I work as a Class C+E Driver and Dray Person. My role involves delivering stock to pubs and venues, ensuring that goods are transported safely and efficiently while keeping to tight schedules.

When I first started my career in driving, I held a Class 2 driving licence. While working on the DHL Sainsbury’s contract, I decided to upskill and gain my Class 1 (C+E) licence. After achieving this, I applied for the Class 1 Driver / Dray Person role on the Tradeteam contract through the DHL careers website. The site operates multiple contracts, which created opportunities to move into different roles.

I did not attend university. Instead, I chose to pursue a practical career path and develop my skills through work and professional licences.

One of the main reasons I applied for the position was the working pattern and improved work–life balance. On the Sainsbury’s contract, I was working 12-hour shifts on a four-on, four-off rota. The Tradeteam role offered nine-hour days, which suited me better and also provided a higher income.

Before moving into HGV driving, I worked as a bus driver in 2015. Later, in 2023, I decided to gain my Class 2 licence and pursue a career in logistics. I’m very grateful to DHL for giving me the opportunity to start in the industry, as it can sometimes be challenging to get that first role after passing your test. At the time, some employers were hesitant to hire someone who had just passed their Class 2 licence, but DHL supported me and gave me the chance to prove myself.

There are several aspects of my role that I enjoy, but one of the most satisfying parts is planning my day. I like to check how much stock I have on the vehicle and estimate roughly what time I will finish my deliveries. By the end of the day, when the vehicle is empty, it gives me a real sense of achievement. I also enjoy delivering to pubs and interacting with different customers throughout the day.

My biggest career highlight so far has been progressing through different types of vehicles. I started driving smaller vehicles and have worked my way up to driving double-decker trailers. Being able to reach that level and handle such large vehicles confidently is something I am very proud of.

Looking back, I’m proud of the progress I’ve made in my driving career and excited to continue developing my skills in the logistics sector.

I have worked at DHL Tradeteam for almost 3 years. I have always been interested in driving so when I was given the opportunity to complete my Class 1 via Driver Ambition I jumped at the opportunity. I was able to complete and achieve this at the first attempt and was really pleased to become employed as a Class 1 Driver.

My father previously worked at Tradeteam, so I was aware of what the role entailed. I took the opportunity to take a temporary position over the Christmas period as a Drivers mate. I worked hard and was then made permanent. I loved my temp time and working in logistics and that for me made it an easy decision to stay in transport.

The best part of the job for me is the friends I have made, colleagues and customers, all make the day fun and make me want to work hard to support them and Tradeteam. Without a doubt that is one of my highlights and my biggest achievement to date was gaining my Class 1 Licence, especially with the support of DHL and my base depot.