Driver gear
Affiliate disclosure: some links on this page are Amazon affiliate links — we may earn a small commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend gear we'd use ourselves.
Card readers
CCID-class smart-card readers we have tested with HGV Time Pilot. Plug-and-play with Android via USB-OTG.
A solid, no-nonsense USB smart-card reader widely used across the haulage industry. Fast card detection and proven stability with HGV Time Pilot. Pairs with a USB-A → USB-C adapter for modern Android phones.
Best for: Drivers who want a dependable, straightforward setup.
View on AmazonOne of the most popular USB smart-card readers on the market. Strong build quality for daily use and consistent performance during repeated downloads.
Best for: Drivers who download their card regularly and want something battle-tested.
View on AmazonA compact, modern USB-C reader with great mobile compatibility. Lightweight and travel-ready — no adapter needed on most current Android phones.
Best for: Drivers who want a mobile-friendly, plug-straight-into-the-phone option.
View on AmazonReader accessories
Adapters that bridge USB-A readers to modern USB-C Android phones. Pair with one of the verified readers above.
A short, decent-quality USB-A to USB-C adapter for plugging legacy USB-A readers into modern Android phones. Stick to known-good brands — the cheapest no-name adapters are a common cause of failed reads.
View on AmazonHi-viz
Standard high-visibility long- and short-sleeve tops in orange and yellow — the basics every yard expects to see.
Class-3 long-sleeve orange hi-viz for sites that mandate long sleeves and the orange colourway.
View on AmazonClass-3 long-sleeve yellow hi-viz — the most commonly accepted across UK depots and yards.
View on AmazonShort-sleeve yellow hi-viz for warmer shifts. Class-2 in most cuts; check site rules before buying.
View on AmazonShort-sleeve orange hi-viz — handy for sites that want orange specifically. Class-2 in most cuts.
View on AmazonLighting
Compact LED torches for walkaround checks and pre-dawn yard work. Spare batteries are cheaper than missed defects.
Bright, pocketable LED torch for walkaround checks at the start of a winter shift. Look for one that takes common batteries you can replace from any garage.
View on AmazonHands-free lighting is a quiet game-changer for walkarounds in the dark. Get something rechargeable with a red-light mode to preserve night vision.
View on AmazonPPE
Hand protection for load checks, strap handling, and the occasional grim trailer floor.
General-purpose grippy gloves for load checks, strap handling, and the messier parts of pre-shift inspection.
View on AmazonOrganisers
Keep your CPC card, driver card, paperwork, and pens somewhere you can actually find them at 04:30.
Keeps your CPC card, driver card, training certificates, and paperwork together so you can hand it over without rummaging.
View on AmazonWe grow this list from driver feedback. Email support@hgvtimepilot.com or use the contact page — driver-led suggestions go straight to the test bench.
