Van Driver

Van drivers transport a wide range of goods such as documents, parcels, furniture, domestic appliances, computers and food and drink.

The work usually includes:

• ensuring the correct items are ready to be loaded, and planning and timing routes
• taking part in, or supervising, loading and unloading and securing the load
• sticking to driving regulations and remaining security aware at all times
• getting signed receipts for goods that are delivered and keeping records of the goods delivered, hours worked and distance travelled.

Some van drivers sell items from their van or deliver goods that have been ordered.

Working hours vary and may include evenings, weekends, shift and part-time work. However, van drivers are legally limited to a maximum of ten hours' driving per day. Van drivers usually have to spend long periods of time in the van, and the work may involve lifting and carrying.

Salaries may range from around £11,000 to over £23,000 a year.

Van drivers need to:

• have safe and fuel-efficient driving skills
• be security aware as loads may be valuable
• have excellent concentration skills
• have good knowledge of the area, or good map reading and navigation skills
• have an awareness of safety when loading and unloading
• enjoy driving and travelling.

There are over 200,000 van drivers in the UK. Van drivers may work throughout the UK for a range of manufacturing, parcel delivery, service and retail organisations. Some drivers are self-employed. The industry has been affected by the recession and there are now fewer vacancies for van drivers.

No formal academic qualifications are required to enter the work, but applicants should have skills in English and maths, an appropriate driving licence for the size and type of vehicle driven, and a good driving record. Van drivers transporting cash and valuables also need a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence.

Some employers offer Apprenticeships.

Initial training is usually a mixture of learning from experienced staff and attending short courses. While at work, it is possible to work towards NVQs.

Van drivers may move into related areas in transport, distribution and retail. By taking a category C or C + E driving test they could move into large goods vehicle (LGV) driving.

Further details