To mark Time To Talk Day, Mercedes-Benz Vans UK has released new research revealing that van driving is one of the UK’s loneliest jobs. Surveying over 2,000 UK workers, the study found van drivers spend more than 13 hours a week working alone, often going long periods without a single meaningful conversation.
Van driver Jayne Taggart has run her own removals business for 16 years – and reveals how she can go a week without having a physical conversation with anyone as a result of her job.
Jayne, who bought her first Mercedes-Benz Van over 20 years ago, started her Woman with a Van business in 2010 where she travels across the UK removing unwanted furniture and carrying out house moves.
Since starting the business, Jayne has owned five Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans, most recently upgrading in November 2025, which she depends on for its reliability as it is fundamental to operating her business.
While Jayne enjoys the flexibility of her business, she knows first-hand the impact of spending time alone on the road and in the industry.
Jayne said:
“I spend 80% of my time alone for my job and I can go days, sometimes as long as a week, without having a physical conversation with anyone.
“I will sometimes see my customers for a cup of tea before a job but other than that it’s a lot of time on my own.
“I make a point of listening as well as talking, as some customers may not have spoken to anyone in a while.
“However, since starting my removals business I’ve made a lot of friends along the way and I’ve even been invited to a few of my customers’ weddings.
“Having the loyalty of customers is so important in this business because being self-employed it’s hard to know when the next job could be.
“I can sometimes lose out on work because men are more likely to get the bigger jobs because they have the bigger vans.
“Most of my customers are women, who would rather work with another lady to help them as they’re usually more comfortable.
“But that means they trust me, and some have become friends.”