© Victor Pravdka
Written by Gavin Van Marley 10/19/2023
The International Road Transport Union (IRU) has repeated its warnings that the global shortage of truck drivers has become a “chronic problem” that could push the industry to failure.
“Most regions are facing a growing shortage of truck drivers, posing significant risks to the supply chains on which we all depend,” said ITU Secretary-General Humberto de Brito.
“What is even more worrying is the decline in the rate of young people entering the profession. The trucking industry is suffering from an aging driver population and we must address it structurally.
According to the latest data from the International Transport Association, there are more than 2.8 million vacancies for truck drivers worldwide, with more than 50% of companies reporting a driver shortage.
The International Transport Association warned that the problem is getting worse, as the number of job vacancies is expected to double over the next five years, possibly reaching 6.5 million jobs.
The International Road Transport Union said this forecast is largely due to the aging of truck drivers. In Europe, 33% of drivers are over 55 and looking to retire within the next decade, while only 5% are under 25.
“The industry desperately needs more young people,” said Mr. De Brito.
Yvona Blecharczyk, a truck driver and industry advocate, said young people place great importance on work-life balance and therefore feel frustrated with spending all their time on the road. She suggested that measures such as self-driving trucks or part-time driving options might increase interest.
The main barrier for young people in the United States is the difficulty of getting insurance, added Rhonda Hartman, truck driver and captain of the ATA Americas Road Team.
Ms. Hartman recommended the “Curb to Driver” program, which gives young people the opportunity to be paid for working on the curb while also receiving free training for their Class A commercial driver’s license. In addition to the pay, young drivers will receive one-on-one training, she said, which is a more cost-effective way for young people to enter the industry.
Both also called for improved internet connectivity on roads and at rest areas, to allow truck drivers, especially young people, to stay in touch with friends and family.
Meanwhile, the IRU also noted that female drivers make up less than 6% of the workforce.
Women are frustrated by the lack of basic hygiene infrastructure at comfort stations, including gender-friendly showers and toilets, Ms. Blecharczyk said, adding that some women may also feel the job is too physically demanding and unsafe.
She suggested that improving facilities and modernizing rest areas in Europe, along with more open dialogue about male truck drivers and the physical demands of the job, would help dispel these myths.
