Question 1

What is ShiftOwt and who is it for?

Accepted Answer

ShiftOwt is an HGV driver availability and scheduling app designed for professional UK drivers who work with multiple recruitment agencies. It replaces spreadsheets, WhatsApp groups, and phone calls with a simple calendar that lets you share your availability with unlimited agencies while keeping your privacy. Best for HGV Class 1 & 2 drivers, LGV drivers, and logistics professionals.

Question 2

How much does ShiftOwt cost?

Accepted Answer

ShiftOwt costs £5.99 per month for drivers. We offer a 14-day free trial with no credit card required. Agency pricing is customised based on team size — contact us for a quote.

Question 3

Is there a free version of ShiftOwt?

Accepted Answer

We don't offer a permanent free tier, but you get 14 days free to try all features. Most drivers know if ShiftOwt is right for them within the first week.

Question 4

How do I download the ShiftOwt app?

Accepted Answer

ShiftOwt is available on the iOS App Store and Google Play. Search 'ShiftOwt' or download directly from the App Store or Google Play.

Question 5

How do I share my availability with multiple agencies?

Accepted Answer

With ShiftOwt, you update your calendar once and share it with unlimited recruitment agencies. Each agency sees your availability in real-time without seeing which other agencies you're registered with. Set your available days in the app, generate a unique sharing link for each agency, and send the link. Agencies see live updates instantly.

Question 6

Can agencies see which other agencies I'm working with?

Accepted Answer

No. Privacy is core to ShiftOwt. Each agency only sees your availability status. They cannot see which other agencies have access, who you've worked with previously, your earnings or rate history, or personal contact details unless you choose to share them.

Question 7

Does ShiftOwt track EU driving hours (EU 561/2006)?

Accepted Answer

Yes. ShiftOwt includes built-in EU driving hours compliance tracking. The app automatically calculates daily driving time (max 9 hours, extendable to 10 hours twice weekly), weekly driving time (max 56 hours), fortnightly driving time (max 90 hours), and required rest periods (11 hours daily, 45 hours weekly). You'll get alerts before you hit limits. Important: ShiftOwt is an informational tool, not a certified tachograph.

Question 8

What happens if I go over my driving hours?

Accepted Answer

ShiftOwt sends proactive alerts when you're approaching limits: a yellow warning 30 minutes before the limit, and a red alert at the limit when you should stop driving. If you do exceed hours in emergency situations, the app logs the infringement for your records. Always prioritise safety and compliance.

Question 9

Can I use ShiftOwt if I only work with one agency?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. While ShiftOwt shines for multi-agency drivers, many single-agency drivers use it for EU driving hours tracking, professional calendar management, proof of availability for disputes, and planning rest periods optimally.

Question 10

How do agencies benefit from ShiftOwt?

Accepted Answer

Agencies using ShiftOwt benefit from significantly fewer 'are you available?' calls, faster placement by seeing driver availability instantly, better compliance as drivers with hour tracking make fewer mistakes, and higher driver retention because drivers prefer agencies that respect their time.

Question 11

How do I onboard my drivers to ShiftOwt?

Accepted Answer

We provide agencies with an invitation system to send signup links to your driver database, onboarding guidance, and dedicated support during rollout. Contact support@shiftowt.com for agency onboarding assistance.

Question 12

Is my data secure with ShiftOwt?

Accepted Answer

Yes. ShiftOwt uses SSL encryption for all data in transit and at rest, GDPR-compliant data handling, and secure cloud infrastructure. We never sell your data. Location data is only collected during active tracking sessions. Your precise location is never shared with agencies. You can delete your account and all data at any time.

Question 13

What happens if I lose my phone?

Accepted Answer

Your data is safely stored in the cloud. Simply download ShiftOwt on your new device, log in with your credentials, and all your history and settings are restored.

Question 14

Does ShiftOwt work offline?

Accepted Answer

Partially. You can view your calendar offline, but updating availability and syncing with agencies requires an internet connection. Most drivers have sufficient mobile data coverage for this.

Question 15

What are the EU driving hours rules (EU 561/2006)?

Accepted Answer

EU Regulation 561/2006 sets legal limits on driving time for professional drivers in the UK and EU. Key rules: daily driving max 9 hours (can extend to 10 hours twice per week), weekly driving max 56 hours, fortnightly driving max 90 hours, daily rest 11 hours (can be reduced to 9 hours three times per week), weekly rest 45 hours (can be reduced to 24 hours every other week).

Question 16

What happens if I break EU driving hours rules?

Accepted Answer

Penalties include fixed penalties of £200-£300 on the spot, court fines up to £2,500, Driver CPC points that can affect your professional licence, and operator licence action against your employer. ShiftOwt helps you stay compliant with real-time tracking and alerts.

Question 17

Does ShiftOwt replace my tachograph?

Accepted Answer

No. ShiftOwt is an informational tool to help you monitor your hours. It is not a certified digital tachograph, not a legally approved recording device, and not a replacement for mandatory tachograph equipment. You must always maintain proper tachograph records as required by EU Regulation 561/2006.

Question 18

How do I cancel my ShiftOwt subscription?

Accepted Answer

You can cancel anytime from the app. Go to Settings, then Subscription, and tap Cancel Subscription. Your access continues until the end of your billing period. No phone calls, no retention teams, no hassle.

Question 19

How do I contact ShiftOwt support?

Accepted Answer

Email us at support@shiftowt.com. We typically respond within 24 hours during business days (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm GMT).

Question 20

Do you offer refunds?

Accepted Answer

We handle refund requests on a case-by-case basis. Contact support@shiftowt.com with your account details and reason for the request.

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