If you’re already an HGV driver, adding a HIAB (lorry-loader crane) certification is one of the more straightforward ways to make yourself more employable and open up better-paid work, without retraining from scratch. Here’s what the certification actually adds and how to plan it properly.
Why Add HIAB to an Existing HGV Licence
Employers needing crane-assisted delivery — builders’ merchants, plant hire, steel and timber haulage — specifically look for drivers who can both drive the vehicle and operate the crane. That combination reduces their need for separate loading staff or equipment on site, which is exactly why HIAB-qualified drivers tend to be offered roles paying more than standard driving-only positions. Our guide to HGV driver salaries covers how specialist skills like this affect pay more broadly.
How ALLMI Certification Works
UK HIAB training is accredited through ALLMI, and certification is split into categories based on the attachment type — hook, hoist, clamshell, brick grab, pallet, and auger attachments each have their own category and capacity tiers. Being certified on one attachment doesn’t automatically qualify you on another; you need conversion training first.
Choosing the right attachment categories to train on first should be based on what your target employers actually load, not just what’s cheapest to book.
ALLMI certificates last 5 years. If you’re planning to add more than one attachment category over your career, it’s worth doing so in a way that keeps renewal dates aligned rather than staggered — fewer separate trips back for refresher training over time, and a cleaner certification record to show employers.
Combining HIAB With Other Specialisms
HIAB certification stacks well with other specialist qualifications. Drivers who combine it with an ADR qualification for hazardous goods, or who hold a C+E licence for articulated work, tend to have the widest range of well-paid roles available to them, since they can cover more of an employer’s delivery requirements without needing a second driver or extra plant on site.
Getting Started
If you’re not yet HGV-qualified, see our full guide to HIAB career routes for how the licence and crane training fit together from scratch. If you’re already qualified and want to add HIAB, our HIAB training course covers exactly this.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does HIAB certification typically add to my pay?
It varies by employer and region, but HIAB and crane-assisted roles consistently sit above standard driving-only rates in current UK market data.
Can I add HIAB certification while still employed?
Yes, most drivers do exactly this — training is short (1–3 days depending on your situation), and many employers support it as a way to widen what you can be rostered for.
Does HIAB certification expire if I stop using it?
The certificate itself is valid for 5 years regardless of use, but conversion training for a new attachment requires recent hands-on experience, so gaps matter more when you’re adding categories than when you’re simply renewing.
Thinking about adding HIAB to your licence? Get in touch and we’ll help you plan the right training route.
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