Van drivers will deliver around 100 million parcels over christmas

Van drivers will work an average of four extra hours a week over the festive period to deliver an estimated 100 million parcels during December, according to new research from Mercedes-Benz Vans.

The research also reveals that 95% of van drivers feel responsible for making sure that the festive period runs smoothly.

One in five (20%) of the van community are going to spend over 40 hours working away from loved ones this Christmas, with 40% saying this is because the amount of work increases.

According to the Mercedes-Benz Vans Business Barometer, which monitors the opinions on more than 2,000 people in van community, 36% of van drivers feel that technology is crucial to ensuring they can deliver on time.

Whether used to manage their daily workload (42%), stay connected (44%) or adapt to changes in their schedule (37%), the nation’s van drivers heavily rely on tools such as GPS.

Over half of these van drivers (54%) also predict that the adoption of more and improved technology will be the biggest catalyst for growth of their business over the next 12 months – which is more than those who think cash flow (44%) or recruitment (47%) will be the key to making progress.

Steve Bridge, Managing Director, Mercedes-Benz Vans UK Ltd, said: “We’re so lucky that the nations’ hardworking van community gives Father Christmas such a helping hand this time of year, but with the longer hours and increased pressure, we also need to make sure that they all feel supported and that we express our gratitude to them. From fixing broken central heating, to bringing the new cooker for Christmas day lunch, to delivering the perfect presents and food, to ferrying around revellers on a festive night out, our UK van community works tirelessly to keep us all moving, especially at this time of year, and for that, we salute you all – thank you for all you do.”