IRU report warns of European shortage of HGV Drivers
The European road freight industry is grappling with an escalating driver shortage crisis. Recent data from the International Road Transport Union (IRU) indicates that unfilled driver positions for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) in Europe have surged to 426,000 in 2024, a significant increase from 233,000 in 2023.
Key Factors Contributing to the Shortage:
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Aging Workforce: The average age of EU HGV drivers is 47, with one-third over 55. Without significant recruitment efforts, vacancies are projected to exceed 745,000 by 2028 due to retirements.
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Limited Youth Engagement: Less than 5% of EU HGV drivers are under 25, highlighting a gap between school leavers and the profession.
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Working Conditions: Long, unpredictable hours and inadequate rest facilities contribute to job dissatisfaction. Nearly 91% of drivers cite the need for better access to well-equipped rest areas and improved treatment at delivery sites as pressing issues.
Industry Responses and Solutions:
- Policy Changes: The European Parliament has agreed to lower the minimum age for obtaining a HGV driving license from 21 to 18, with the possibility of allowing 17-year-olds to drive if accompanied by an experienced driver. This move aims to attract more young people into the profession.
- International Recruitment: Companies are expanding recruitment outside the EU, opening branches in countries like Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan to attract professional drivers.
- Technological Adoption: 54% of companies are prioritising automation to mitigate workforce shortages and drive productivity. Top technology choices include delivery route optimisation (54%) and driver mobile productivity solutions (45%).
- Improving Working Conditions: Efforts are underway to enhance employment conditions, with collaborations between the IRU and the European Transport Workers’ Federation to promote fairer standards and better working environments.
Conclusion:
The driver shortage in Europe's road freight industry is a multifaceted issue requiring coordinated efforts from policymakers, industry stakeholders, and logistics companies. Addressing the aging workforce, improving working conditions, embracing technological solutions, and implementing supportive policies are crucial steps toward mitigating this crisis and ensuring the resilience of supply chains.
Amid rising costs and a deepening HGV driver shortage, haulage companies must find ways to increase efficiency and hold on to current drivers. In research commissioned by Descartes, a survey across 1,000 companies in Europe and North America revealed that 54% are prioritising automation to deal with workforce shortages and drive productivity. The top technology choices to mitigate the shortage of labour workers were delivery route optimisation (54%) and driver mobile productivity solutions (45%). For knowledge workers, the top technology choice to improve productivity was real-time shipment tracking (53%).
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