Many people discuss truck drivers without engaging with them directly. PhD candidate Anke van der Hoeven emphasizes that this perspective is misguided, noting that truck drivers form an unrecognized yet vital part of the European economy.
Research from a Camper Van
A cluster of trucks lines the A4 motorway near Schiphol Airport. In October 2019, a camper van drives up, parking among the large vehicles. With summer behind them, one might wonder about its presence. The driver, Van der Hoeven, steps out with her passengers, unfurling a banner displaying the Leiden University logo. It’s time to begin her work.
Over the next year, she will interview 32 truck drivers—31 men and one woman—inside the camper van, asking them about their working conditions and employment status in discussions that last between 90 minutes and over three hours.
The Importance of Fieldwork
Reflecting on her four years of research, Van der Hoeven focuses on truck drivers’ employment within the EU. “Regulations dictate many aspects of their work,” she explains. For instance, drivers must use tachographs to record driving and resting times. These regulations are intended to enhance their working conditions, ensuring they don’t overwork and have ample rest. After two weeks of work, their mandatory 45-hour breaks require them to leave their trucks, ideally staying in hotels rather than sleeping in their cabs.
However, Van der Hoeven points out that these laws often fail in practice. Traffic jams can make it impossible to take breaks as required. Many drivers resist leaving their cabs due to fears of theft and, at times, feel more comfortable staying in their trucks than in hotels. Employers often do not cover hotel costs, adding to the challenges.
Common Experiences
Despite these hardships, Van der Hoeven believes truck drivers share a sense of pride in their profession, which she captured in her dissertation title, “Met de vlam in de pijp door Europa” (Crossing Europe with Fire in the Pipe). This phrase, originating from a 1970s Dutch song, conveys a dedicated approach to their work.
While many drivers earn relatively good salaries compared to taxi and bus drivers back home, they experience financial instability. Many Eastern European truck drivers have low base salaries supplemented with daily allowances, making any inability to work financially stressful. “They typically work long hours, averaging 12 per day,” notes Van der Hoeven. This job’s demands also lead to personal tolls, with long periods away from family affecting relationships.
Underappreciated Yet Essential
“Truck drivers keep the economy moving, yet they often go unnoticed,” highlights Van der Hoeven. All goods transported by air, sea, or rail ultimately rely on truck drivers for delivery, yet the significance of their roles is frequently underestimated. Local workers often disregard this profession
To improve the situation, Van der Hoeven advocates for practical changes, such as more secure parking for international drivers. If truck drivers felt safer leaving their vehicles, they might be more inclined to seek hotel accommodations. Additionally, reforms to insurance schemes and pay structures are crucial to ensure drivers are financially supported during periods of illness or inactivity.
Van der Hoeven will defend her dissertation on December 12, 2023, at 11:15 AM in the Academy Building. More information can be found in her dissertation abstract, and the PhD ceremony will be livestreamed.
Interview by Helena Lysaght
Image at the top: Christian Chen via Unsplash
