Van driver

What does a van driver do? – Tasks and work environment

A van driver mainly is responsible for transporting goods, packages, or materials with light trucks and vans, often within cities or between nearby locations. The tasks include loading and unloading goods, planning routes, and handling delivery documentation. Contact with customers and recipients is common, requiring service skills and accuracy. The work environment can vary from larger distribution centers to small warehouses, and work is often outdoors or in the vehicle, regardless of weather conditions. Van drivers often work under time pressure and may have day and evening shifts depending on the employer and assignments.

Salary development over time

The salary for van drivers has shown a slight downward trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 29,900 SEK per month, which decreased to 29 500 SEK in 2023 and further to 28 200 SEK in 2024. This represents a reduction of approximately 5.7% over the period. The decline can be linked to increased supply of labor and an oversupply of drivers in the profession, which has pressured wages. At the same time, digitalization and more efficient logistics solutions have impacted the job market, with more employers seeking flexible and cost-effective solutions. Despite this, salary levels remain relatively stable compared to other transport sector occupations, but the trend highlights the importance of staying updated with in-demand skills.

Van driver salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 28 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 23,600 SEK/month (male), 25,400 SEK/month (female)
• Highest salary: 36,300 SEK/month (male), 35,500 SEK/month (female)
• Hourly wage: 169 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 104% of what men do (29 100 SEK/month vs 28 100 SEK/month)
• Regional differences: Salaries may vary depending on demand, but clear regional differences are difficult to determine from current statistics

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a van driver is relatively straightforward and generally requires a valid B driver's license, as most vans are covered by this license. Formal education at high school level in transportation or logistics can be advantageous, but many employers also offer internal training. Practical experience and good local knowledge are highly valued, and some employers may require safety courses or ADR certificates for hazardous goods depending on the tasks.

• B driver's license: Basic requirement for all van drivers
• High school education: Focus on transport or equivalent is recommended
• Experience: Practical experience in logistics or transportation is considered an advantage
• Certifications: ADR certificates for hazardous goods may be required in some cases
• Prerequisites: Good physical condition and local knowledge are benefits

Common benefits and compensations

In addition to the base salary, van drivers can often expect supplements for unsociable hours, overtime pay, and sometimes per diems for longer drives. Some employers also offer wellness allowances, work clothes, and insurance. Opportunities for occupational pension and collective agreements exist within larger companies and public employers.

Competition and challenges

The competition for jobs as a van driver is currently high, as there is a nationwide surplus of labor in the profession. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecast, demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, meaning no major changes in the availability of new positions are anticipated. Digitalization and automation in logistics increase demands for flexibility and adaptability. Physically demanding tasks and time pressure are everyday realities, which can affect the work environment. At the same time, the industry offers many entry-level jobs, making the profession accessible even without extensive education.

Tips for aspiring van drivers

To succeed as a van driver, it is good to be self-reliant and resilient to stress, as the work often involves many deliveries under time pressure. Good physical condition facilitates loading and unloading, while accuracy is required to ensure correct deliveries. Flexibility is a valuable asset, as working hours can vary and sometimes include evenings or weekends. Service-mindedness and a friendly attitude towards customers make a difference in daily work. It is also wise to stay updated on new traffic regulations and continuously improve local knowledge, which contributes to smoother deliveries and better workdays.

Key facts about van drivers

• Average salary: 28 200 SEK/month
• B driver's license: Mandatory requirement
• Job market: Surplus of labor, 412 job openings in the profession
• Gender difference: Women earn 104% of men's salaries
• Typical employment: Full-time, shift work, or hourly employment

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience as a van driver, there are opportunities to advance into more senior roles within the transportation sector, such as distribution manager, heavy vehicle driver with higher licenses, or logistics supervisor. Some choose to further their education in transport planning or warehouse management, which can open doors to administrative or coordinating positions. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, demand for van drivers is expected to remain unchanged in the coming five years, with limited job opportunities and a nationwide surplus of labor. Those who broaden their skills and experience have better chances of finding new development paths within the industry.

Frequently asked questions about van drivers

• What is the average salary of a van driver?
  - The average salary for a van driver is 28 200 SEK per month.
• What are the gender differences in salary?
  - Women earn on average 29 100 SEK per month, which corresponds to 104% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a van driver?
  - A valid B driver's license is the basic requirement, and sometimes high school education in transportation or logistics is also requested.
• What is the job market like for van drivers?
  - There is a surplus of labor and job opportunities are considered limited nationwide.
• Are there regional salary differences for van drivers?
  - Clear regional differences are difficult to determine, but salaries may vary depending on demand and employer.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for van drivers?
  - The highest salary is 36,300 SEK (male, public sector), and the lowest is 23,600 SEK (male, private sector).
• What personal qualities are important for the profession?
  - Independence, accuracy, stress resistance, and good physical condition are important qualities for a van driver.