Van Driver

Also known as:

Delivery Van Driver
Driver, Van
Goods Van Driver

Introduction

Van drivers deliver goods to customers' premises. In addition to driving, they have to plan their route, deal with the necessary paperwork and make sure that goods are delivered safely and on time.

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Work Activities

Most van drivers collect items from one place and deliver them to another. They usually drive commercial vehicles between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes and handle a wide variety of goods from bouquets of flowers and supermarket shopping orders to furniture, domestic appliances and carpets.

The job is rarely just about driving. Van drivers sort out their schedule, plan their route and load the van so that the goods are arranged in order of delivery. They unload the goods at the customer's premises, obtain a signature or receipt and sometimes collect payment for the goods.

Sometimes they will have an assistant to help with loading and unloading, but often, they work on their own. In some cases, they may be expected to set up goods, such as furniture, for the customer.

Drivers usually have to record their mileage, and complete time sheets, delivery records and other records, often on a hand held computer. The work may be routine at times but can be pressurised when there are deadlines to meet. Van drivers may be expected to keep their vans clean and do routine maintenance.

Some van sales drivers are responsible for sales as well as delivery. They may have an area in which they visit all customers and potential customers, taking orders and delivering goods. They may be responsible for increasing sales and deciding which items to carry and promote.

Drivers who work for security companies may be responsible for transporting cash or valuables in specially adapted vehicles.

Some drivers only travel within a local area, while others drive long distances throughout the country and may spend short periods away from home. Drivers may have to wear a uniform and sometimes protective clothing.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You should have excellent driving skills and be able to concentrate for long periods of time. You must be safety conscious, and should be able to work to a schedule, coping with any delays and emergencies. This may include carrying out minor repairs to your vehicle.

You should be able to work on your own without direct supervision, and you may be responsible for organising your own workload. You will need a good knowledge of your local area, and should be able to follow maps or use a computerised satellite navigation system to work out routes for driving longer distances. You must be honest, reliable and punctual.

If you are selling goods, you will need to feel comfortable dealing with customers and handling cash. If you are loading and unloading heavy goods, you need to be physically fit.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Van drivers earn in the range of £240 - £270 a week, rising to £320 - £390. Higher earners can make around £460 a week.

Van drivers usually work a basic 40-hour week, but may be required to work irregular hours, with early starts, late finishes and weekend work. Part-time/casual work may be available. Longer hours are worked at busy times, for example, at Christmas.

Employers throughout the UK include parcel distribution companies, manufacturers, wholesalers and government departments. There are also opportunities for self-employment.

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Adult Opportunities

Age limits apply to this occupation.

The minimum age for driving small vans (up to 3.5 tonnes) is 17. Higher age limits apply depending on the size of vehicle driven.

Van drivers need to be fit and able to cope with some lifting duties. Previous driving, customer service or retail experience is useful.

Some employers ask for several years' driving experience.

A background in the road transport industry, for example, as a delivery assistant or warehouse assistant, can be helpful.

• 18% of van drivers work part-time.
• 2% have flexible hours.
• 2% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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