RALEIGH, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Vontier Corporation (NYSE: VNT), a leading global provider of critical technologies and solutions to connect, manage and scale the mobility ecosystem, today announced new survey data that reveals how the real-life Santa Clauses - delivery drivers - navigate the busy holiday season.
With over 1.5 million[1] delivery truck drivers on U.S. roads, these essential workers transport everything from household items to special gifts. During the holiday season, their delivery volume increases more than tenfold[2]. Vontier’s research offers a closer look at the motivations, habits and preferences of these drivers during the holiday season.
As Vontier continues to provide the critical infrastructure that enables the way the world moves, we celebrate the dedication and resilience of delivery drivers who play such a critical role in bringing joy to countless families during the holiday season.
Holiday Hubbub
An impressive 91% of drivers feel part of the community they serve, a sentiment fostered by their routine routes and regular customer interactions. Some even take to social media and share photos of the dogs that become familiar faces, greeting drivers on their routes.
However, as the holiday season approaches, the pace quickens. Notably, 92% of delivery drivers have taken on holiday shifts leading to compelling insights:
- 75% of drivers choose to work holiday shifts to earn extra money and 88% report their employer pays well during the holidays
- 85% say that working during the holidays leaves them with good memories
- Gen Z drivers are 35% more likely than average to say they love the hustle and bustle of the job at this busy time of year
Merry Must-Haves
For professional drivers spending long hours on the road, music is a constant companion, with rock emerging as the most popular genre for on-the-job listening. Survey respondents shared specific musical favorites, with artists ranging across genres and decades. From modern rap to pop hits from icons like Lady Gaga and ABBA, it's clear that jamming out is something they all have in common. A playlist of drivers’ favorites can be found here.
When it’s time for a snack, preferences vary: 20% reach for something salty, 17% grab coffee and 12% choose sweets or energy drinks, respectively.
Rest stops also play a crucial role in the day-to-day experience, with 48% prioritizing stops with clean restrooms and 34% seeking out fresh meal options.
Perhaps the most significant aspect for these drivers is maintaining connections with loved ones. An impressive 92% leverage technology to stay in touch while working holiday shifts, and 97% believe this connectivity helps them manage the stress associated with the holiday rush.
Gratitude For These Essential Workers
41% of drivers receive daily gratitude for their work. However, nearly all delivery drivers (97%) say that interactions between them and the communities they serve make them feel appreciated, especially during the holiday season. If you are looking for ways to say thanks to those who keep the community moving, know this:
- Overall, drivers prefer cash tips (47%), snacks (34%) and gift cards (25%) with a quarter appreciating a personal note
- Women drivers are 24% more likely to appreciate a personal note and 50% more likely to appreciate a handmade gift than their male counterparts
Stories That Move
Vontier’s research study received some open-ended tales from drivers sharing joyful memories from their time on the road. Stories have been lightly edited for length and clarity:
“One of my customers made me cookies and eggnog and had them on a bench in front of a heater waiting for me.”
“A family’s car broke down, so they weren’t able to go out shopping for presents. They ordered them. I know how it is during the holidays. They were so happy to receive them early – I even dressed up as an elf to deliver them.”
“A customer thought her package was delivered to the wrong house and gone forever. I recovered it and delivered it to her. I didn’t know it before, but apparently it was her only gift that entire year. I felt like a hero.”
“One Christmas, a customer thought that they weren't going to be able to gift their daughter with the newest iPhone. I got to the customer's house early in the morning when everyone was asleep except for the customer. It was a blizzard outside, and I had to walk through 4 feet of snow to get to the door. The customer was waiting at the window. She saw me and opened the door and was so happy I made it before the presents were opened. She invited me in for hot chocolate and that made my day.”
Sources:
[1] Source: BLM https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/delivery-truck-drivers-and-driver-sales-workers.htm
About Vontier
Vontier (NYSE: VNT) is a global industrial technology company uniting productivity, automation and multi-energy technologies to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving, more connected mobility ecosystem. Leveraging leading market positions, decades of domain expertise and unparalleled portfolio breadth, Vontier enables the way the world moves – delivering smart, safe and sustainable solutions to our customers and the planet. Vontier has a culture of continuous improvement and innovation built upon the foundation of the Vontier Business System and embraced by colleagues worldwide. Additional information about Vontier is available on the Company’s website at www.vontier.com.
