A new generation of truck drivers is challenging long-held stereotypes, swapping office desks for dashboards, boardrooms for truck parks, and spreadsheets for freedom of the road, according to reseach by digital payment provider SNAP.
In a recent conversation captured as part of SNAP’s Driving Conversations series, truck driver Shane shared his unconventional journey into the logistics industry.
After more than a decade working in banking, he made the switch to life on the road as a full-time HGV driver.
His story is just one of many that reflect a growing shift in the image and identity of professional drivers across the UK, Poland, and Spain.
“I worked in the banking industry for 11 years, so it was a bit of a change in career.
“I enjoy my own company, so truck driving gives me time to think and process stuff. And you get to meet so many people out and about, which I really like.
“I think there needs to be more focus around the positives of truck driving. It’s actually a good place to work. Coming from an office background, I think it offers someone the opportunity to see the country a little bit, which is great.”
SNAP said a wider demographic of people are turning to truck driving as a second career - for many and varied reasons.
According to industry estimates, Europe is facing a shortage of between 380,000 and 500,000 truck drivers. The average driver age is around 47, and fewer than 5% are under 25.
As a result, the sector is seeing new talent arrive from backgrounds in finance, education, retail and more.
“It’s not obvious to me that there’s a driver shortage,” the banker-turned-driver added. “But I definitely see a difference in the age range of drivers. I’m probably on the younger side at 32, but I’m sure there are a lot of people younger than me who could come into the industry.”
SNAP has been documenting these stories through its Driving Conversations project. The series captures the voices of drivers whose journeys into logistics began far beyond the motorway.
The interviewed driver also mentioned he was heading to the onsite gym after his chat with SNAP, highlighting the growing variety of routines and priorities among modern drivers.
“This isn’t just about mobility. It’s about people finding purpose in places the industry doesn’t always spotlight,” said SNAP Stuart Willetts, UK business development manager. “We’re meeting drivers with laptops, gym bags, and yoga mats. These are not clichés. These are people reshaping what a truck driver looks like.”
In the UK, Poland, and Spain, three key freight corridors, SNAP has seen a rising demand for amenities such as healthier food options and on-site gyms.
SNAP said these trends reflect the expectations of a more diverse and health-conscious workforce and align with the rising focus on driver welfare.
“There’s something deeply modern about a driver planning his route with an app, hitting the weights before dinner, and then sleeping in his cab with Netflix downloaded,” said Willetts. “It’s not just a career change. It’s a mindset shift.”
