WHITE VAN Man might get a bad rap, but it turns out there’s more to driving a van all day than meets the eye. Working as a van driver involves dealing with customers, making sure the van is shiny and appealing, and looking after the van’s safety. So, what exactly is it like to drive a van for your occupation?
It’s dangerous
White van men often have to deal with bad traffic and tailgating all day, when all they really want is to get from point A to point B. It’s tough, and no one looks out for the white van man but himself when he’s transporting goods at 48 km/h on the highway. All he wants is to get the job done.
It’s thankless
White van men work for long hours at low pay. According The Guardian, “that Ford Transit or Citroen Relay is probably being driven by an exhausted and exploited zero-hours worker.” It’s an unfortunate reality, and makes the life of a van worker tough.
It can get boring
Driving around all day means that whoever’s behind the wheel will need some entertainment. According to Autoinsurance.co.uk, the average white van man in the UK will drive 9426 miles in a single year! From podcasts and audiobooks to music and radio, there are plenty of options to prevent boredom. As long as the white van man has entertainment, the hours will fly by.
It takes work
The jobs of white van men involve more than just driving. AXA points out that not only do van drivers have to maintain their vehicles; they also have to keep them tidy. Customers expect the best, and driving around all day will make a vehicle dirty. From cleaning and polishing to monitoring oil levels and replacing old tyres, the life of a white van man takes a lot of work.
So, what have we learned about the life of the white van man? Well, it’s not easy. With all the hazards of driving and all the boredom that comes along with the job, it’s a wonder that white van men keep at it. Next time you’re on the road, keep an eye out for the white van man who works hard all day at his low-paying, thankless job. Who knows? Maybe someday you’ll pursue a career as a white van man, too.
