Van drivers have revealed the top 25 nicest things people have done for them, from being made a fry-up – to receiving a tip at Christmas. A poll, of 500 delivery workers, found they have been treated to tea and coffee, chocolates, and even full roast dinners.
Many have been invited in to use the toilet, while others have received celebrity autographs, selfies, and personal thank-you notes.
Eight in 10 reckon they are the unsung heroes of the UK – and 90 percent say a compliment, a thank you, or a cuppa, can make their day.
Sten Saar, CEO of van delivery experts, Zego, which commissioned the research, said: “In the hustle and bustle of our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to overlook the hard work of van delivery drivers, who ensure our packages reach us safely and on time.
“Being nice to them is more than just politeness, it’s recognising the essential role they play in connecting us to the things we need.
“These drivers face challenging conditions and tight schedules, making a simple act of kindness a great way to acknowledge and appreciate their efforts.”
The study found 85 percent feel their customers appreciate them and the work they do – but 73 percent said a negative interaction can ruin their day.
And 22 percent are left feeling sad if a customer doesn’t say thank you, while 18 percent said it makes them feel worthless.
However, eight in 10 claim it would help them to feel more Christmassy if they received a tip or festive treat from someone they delivered to.
On average, van drivers can deliver up to 30 parcels a day, and 90 percent go out of their way for those who have been really kind to them in the past.
Some of the ways they do this include by waiting longer than normal after ringing the bell for them to answer (57 percent), and helping them to carry something awkward or heavy upstairs (55 percent).
Meanwhile, 45 percent said customers often apologise if their dog is aggressive towards them when they are delivering a parcel. However, 18 percent have had to refuse a delivery to someone, because they’ve been so rude.
It also emerged 88 percent of those polled, via OnePoll.com, go out of their way for other delivery drivers they get orders from, simply because they know how it feels.
Sten Saar, CEO at Zego, added: “Treating van delivery drivers with respect goes beyond the transaction – it’s about acknowledging their humanity.
“They’re not just drivers, they’re individuals – so a small gesture, like a smile or a thank you, can turn a routine delivery into a meaningful interaction, creating a positive atmosphere for everyone involved.”
