Behind the Wheel
Name: Jack Fielding
Age: 32
Nickname: UKVanMan
Location: Greater Manchester
Jack has spent many years working professionally behind the wheel. Like many professional drivers, his journey into the haulage industry didn't begin in the cab of an artic but behind the wheel of a van, gradually building the skills and experience that would shape the career he enjoys today.
Of course, life on the road isn't without its challenges.
"The long hours and time away from family can be tough. Traffic, road closures and delays are all part of the job too, but they're things every driver learns to deal with. Like any career, it has its challenges, but the good days definitely outweigh the bad."
Like many drivers, Jack turned to social media to document life on the road. What started as a way of sharing his experiences while driving vans has grown into a popular online presence under the name UKVanMan, a name that has remained, even though the vehicles have become considerably larger.
Through his content, Jack offers followers an honest look at life as an HGV driver. From early starts and difficult manoeuvres to frustrating traffic, nights away from home and the lighter moments that only trucking can provide, his posts show the realities of the job rather than a polished highlight reel.
"I've never claimed to be the world's greatest truck driver or an expert on everything," he says. "I'm just a normal bloke doing my job and sharing bits of it along the way. Sometimes things go perfectly, sometimes they don't. That's the reality, and I think people appreciate seeing that."
After gaining his Class 2 licence, Jack spent three years driving rigid vehicles, learning the trade and developing his confidence on the road before progressing to his Class 1. It was a natural next step, opening the door to new opportunities and a career that has taken him the length and breadth of the UK.
Today, Jack works for a specialist film, television and event transport company based in Greater Manchester, a role he has held for around five years. It's far from your average driving job. One week might involve delivering television production equipment to a city-centre studio, while the next could see him transporting specialist props to a remote filming location. Every assignment is different, and that's exactly what keeps the job exciting.
"The best part of the job is the freedom," Jack explains. "Every day is different and I'm lucky enough to travel all over the UK. I enjoy the responsibility that comes with driving an HGV and the fact that no two jobs are ever really the same. Working in film and TV transport also means you never quite know where you'll end up next."
The name UKVanMan still raises the occasional question.
"I do get the occasional comment asking why I'm called UKVanMan when I drive a truck! But that's where it all started for me. I was driving vans when I created the page, and by the time I progressed onto HGVs, UKVanMan had become part of who I was online. So the name stayed, even if the vehicles got a bit bigger!"
Jack is passionate about the transport industry and believes professional drivers deserve greater appreciation for the role they play.
"I think HGV drivers don't always get the recognition they deserve. Without drivers, shops don't get stocked, hospitals don't get supplies and businesses don't keep moving. It's a career with a lot of responsibility and one that deserves more respect than it sometimes gets."
For anyone considering a career in haulage, his advice is simple.
"Don't be afraid to ask questions and never think you know it all. Listen to experienced drivers, take your time and don't let anyone rush you. Confidence comes with experience, not overnight."
Away from the driver's seat, Jack's proudest role is being a dad to his two sons, Toby and Riley.
Balancing family life with the demands of the transport industry isn't always straightforward. Long days, early starts and nights away from home are all part of the job, but no matter how many miles he's travelled, family always comes first.
"Toby and Riley are my boys, and I'm incredibly proud of them both. Trucking can mean some ridiculous start times, long days and nights away, so the time I get with them means everything to me. Being their dad is the most important job I'll ever have."
Every now and then, the worlds of trucking and family life come together, with the boys getting a glimpse into their dad's working life and creating memories that mean far more than any delivery or destination ever could.
When he's not behind the wheel, Jack enjoys creating content for his social media channels, keeping fit in the gym, photography and, unsurprisingly, anything truck-related.
"I enjoy meeting other drivers and sharing the realities of life on the road."
Jack is keen to recognise those who have supported him throughout his journey.
"I'd like to thank my family for always supporting me, especially my two boys, Toby and Riley, who are my biggest motivation. I'd also like to thank my dad. As a kid, I spent countless hours going trucking with him, and looking back, without those days sat in the passenger seat, I honestly don't know if I'd have ended up becoming a truck driver myself.
"Thank you to everyone who follows UKVanMan and supports what I do, and to my colleagues and the many drivers I've met throughout the years. The transport industry is full of great people, and I'm proud to be part of it."
For Jack, trucking is far more than simply moving freight from A to B. It's a career built on responsibility, variety and pride, while UKVanMan has become a platform for showing the industry exactly as it is, honest, demanding, rewarding and full of great people. Whether he's delivering to a film set or simply spending time with his two boys, Jack continues to prove that being genuine is what resonates most.
