The “White Van Man” stereotype coined in the mid-90s is facing dynamic change.

Today, van drivers are more diverse, skilled, and adaptable than 30 years ago. Modern drivers come from all walks of life, with 46% under 35 being university educated, and lead a healthier, more active lifestyle.

As the demand for deliveries continues to surge across the country, van drivers have had to keep up with the pace of today’s changing business landscape. Vans have been helping businesses stay on the move and making sure deliveries keep up with the fast-paced world we live in, as have the iconic Sprinter and eSprinter.

The statistics delivering change:
• 46% of van drivers under 35 hold a Foundation, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree.
• 3.2% of van drivers have a PhD.
• 33% of van drivers attended grammar school or were privately educated.
• 56% of van drivers aged 25-34 have a university degree.
• 63% of van drivers enjoy reading as a hobby, while 59% like puzzles such as Sudoku and Wordle.

The challenges of the modern van driver require a vast amount of endurance and reliability - from navigating long hours, tight deadlines, and the demands of a fast-paced economy. To put these pressures to the test, we enlisted endurance athlete Spencer Matthews - who conquered 30 marathons in 30 days - to see if he could handle a series of challenges emulating the modern van driver.

This research comes to light ahead of the highly anticipated release of the 2025 iteration of the Mercedes-Benz Vans Under the Bonnet report. The report delves deeper into the evolving challenges faced by van drivers in the 21st century, exploring how their roles, responsibilities, and daily demands have shifted in an increasingly fast-paced world. Download last year’s report for a taste of what’s to come in 2025.