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LGV/HGV Driver Shortage Worsens
Driver Shortage could get worse in the next few years!
The current driver shortage has been well publicised in recent months, with an estimated shortage of around 100,000 drivers. While the debate around the factors contributing to the crisis continues and the UK Government implements a number of changes with the aim of reducing the shortage, the UK driver shortage could potentially get much worse before it gets better.
The UK LGV/HGV Driver age profile shows that 28.9% are aged 56 or older, this is higher than 18.8% for the overall employed population, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This means that from a current total of 268,000 drivers, 78,000 drivers are likely to retire over the next 10 years.
In addition, over the last 4 years the age group 46-55 has seen the largest decline in LGV / HGV drivers, as people have left the industry for one reason or another.
Grapic Source : UK Government - Office for National Statistics Data
It’s no surprise therefore that many businesses are deeply concerned about the future. Clearly, there’s never been a more important time for providers to maximise their operations. Logistics Service Providers (LSP's) need to be more flexible and focus on getting more from their current resource base whilst retaining drivers and improving efficiencies across every aspect of their business in order to survive. So, what exactly can businesses do?
A key factor is to utilise smart technology to leverage the efficiencies required to prosper in the challenging climate, while also countering additional and increasingly important factors, such as emissions zone charges, rising fuel costs, increasing congestion and penalties for missed delivery slots. Most importantly, enabling drivers to do more whilst still remaining compliant with regulations on drivers’ hours.
By evolving and streamlining operations with intelligent supply chain infrastructure, such as scalable and advanced delivery route scheduling and route optimisation software, it can transform performance and enable logistics professionals to maximise the utilisation and efficiency of their existing resources.
The Descartes’ Route Planning solutions continually optimise demand and delivery capacity against resources to ensure drivers take the most efficient routes, conserve fuel and save time, whilst also ensuring that deliveries are never missed or drivers over-scheduled. The effects can be significant: decreasing costs, improving service, increasing productivity, and reducing the fleet’s environmental impact. The delivery options presented to customers at the point of sale are realistic, achievable, and costed.
Descartes is unique in the marketplace, offering Software as a Service solutions for fleets of all sizes that manage drivers’ hours compliance and optimises delivery capacity. For example, the John Lewis Partnership increased delivery capacity by 35% using Descartes routing and scheduling software whilst road transport operators have reduced infringement levels by 50% with Descartes SmartCompliance.
Utilising delivery scheduling and route planning, combined with driver compliance solutions has enabled companies to leverage and share real time data across their supply chain. Descartes solutions have enabled transport and fleet operators, retailers and distributors to better manage their assets and resources while enabling them to ‘do more with less’. (See Descartes’ Customer Success Stories)
Additional Info - HGV Drivers by age and nationality
