What is the answer to worsening van driver shortages?

The newly-launched 2018-19 Van Excellence report highlighted the worsening van driver shortages. This is something that could affect businesses as operators struggle to cope with the booming demand for online shopping and home delivery. One in five van drivers, operators or owners believes a van driver shortage could prevent their businesses operating successfully over the next year. You can download a copy of the report here.

For the more unscrupulous operator it could mean pressure on drivers to drive for excessive hours putting road users at risk.

The fears of EU nationals currently employed as van drivers in the UK or those considering it may well make matters worse. The proportion of van drivers which are EU nationals fell to 7.3% in 2017, compared with 12.9% in 2015.

Appetite for online shopping and delivery at a place convenient for the customer will continue to increase for the foreseeable future and any plan to increase the pool of drivers in the UK for recruitment will take years to deliver results.

So what can be done right now?

The answer lies in extracting the maximum possible delivery capacity from drivers and vehicles without compromising vehicle maintenance or drivers’ hours law.

Descartes is unique in the marketplace in offering Software as a Service solutions for fleets of all sizes that manage drivers’ hours compliance and optimise delivery capacity. John Lewis Partnership increased delivery capacity by 35% using Descartes routing and scheduling software whilst road transport operators have reduced infringement level by 50% with Descartes SmartCompliance.

Find out how Descartes can unlock the hidden potential in your fleet operations whilst maintaining compliance with drivers’ hours law.