Longer, further, tougher: Triple threat causing van drivers to turn down jobs

• 61% of UK van drivers are working longer hours than last year, according to a recent study by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
• Driving greater distances and with fuel prices on the rise, average weekly fuel bills have risen by 15%, to £127.13 per week
• This has led 45% of respondents to turn down jobs every month as they become financially unviable

Milton Keynes, UK, 18 March 2025 – The UK’s van drivers face a triple threat of longer working hours, greater distances between jobs, and higher fuel bills. This has led to 45% having to turn down jobs each month as they become financially unviable.¹

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ latest study of 1,000 UK van drivers found that 61% of respondents experienced an increase in weekly working hours, averaging 9.25 hours per day in 2024¹, up from 9.18 hours in 2023² and 8.59 hours in 2022.³

With one third (31%) driving over 100 miles every day for jobs – a sharp increase from the 23% covering these distances in 2023² and 20% in 2022³ – the average weekly fuel bill for van drivers has risen by 15% to £127.13¹, up from £110.32 the previous year.²

As many as 62% of respondents therefore believe that an electric van would be more cost-effective to operate, and with a range of hybrid and all-electric vehicles available – including the award-winning ID. Buzz Cargo, and newly launched electric Transporter models – Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ line-up of electric vans is designed to cater to every customer. For businesses feeling the pinch, efficient diesel and petrol models – such as the Caddy Cargo – also offer competitive fuel consumption, available with a 2.0-litre Euro 6D compliant turbocharged diesel engine which returns 52.3mpg.⁴ 

Craig Cavanagh, National Fleet Manager at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “We recognise the considerable challenges facing the UK’s tradespeople, with more demanding hours and rising fuel costs, among other factors. At Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, we’re committed to keeping our customers on the road with Volkswagen Connected Services – offering roadside assistance, service scheduling, and more to support van drivers. Our fixed-cost servicing plans also provide peace of mind for both individual drivers and fleet managers, helping with scheduling and reducing unexpected expenses.”

For further details on Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ service plans and range of support, visit: https://www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/en/finance-offers-and-fleet/finance/service-plans.html.