The recruitment crisis in the road transport industry spares no region of the world. Whether in Asia, Europe or America, the whole world is affected by this driver shortage. What's worse, the number of vacancies is increasing year after year. Asia and Europe, for example, will see a 40% increase in vacancies between 2021 and 2022.
An industry facing difficulties to attract
One of the main problems linked to the lack of truck drivers everywhere in the world is the lack of attractiveness of the sector. The profession is indeed perceived very negatively, notably because of the difficult working conditions, the low investment in aging and deteriorating infrastructures (freeway service areas, truck parks), a lack of balance between personal and professional life and a physically demanding daily life.
All of these unrewarding conditions are even less attractive to the younger generation. In fact, only 7% of the workforce is under 25 years old. This leads to an aging driver population. The average age of truck drivers is 47, and many of them will be retiring in the coming years without being replaced by as many new entrants.
Another problem that has a strong impact on the recruitment of truck drivers is that this is a profession that is predominantly male. Worldwide, only 3% of truck drivers are women. This again limits the available workforce for transport companies.
Road transportation impacted by global geopolitical situation
Since February 24, 2022 and the beginning of the war in Ukraine, road transporters are facing an additional problem. Many Ukrainian drivers are not allowed to operate due to the national mobilization, while the majority of Russian and Belarusian drivers are not allowed to operate in the European Union, unless they are transporting essential goods.
In addition to the driver shortage, road transportation companies are also facing a truck shortage since the health crisis. Indeed, Covid-19 has greatly impacted the production of semi-conductors, which are essential to the manufacture of new vehicles. Thus, in the United States as well as in Europe, the price of new trucks has increased by +40% in two years. The situation is so tense that recent vehicles (one to two years old) are now at the same price as new ones.
Road transporters are also directly impacted by the increase in fuel prices, which may ultimately threaten the smallest structures.
What are the consequences on the transport of your goods?
All of the factors described have a direct impact on the transport of goods, even those whose main transport mode is by air or sea. Indeed, the pre and post transport of goods to the port or airport from the warehouse of origin and arrival, can be done by road. Therefore, the lack of road drivers leads to a longer immobilization of the goods and thus to more important congestion.
What solution to avoid long transit times?
By entrusting us with your goods for their pre- and post-carriage by sea or air, you can be sure that they will travel fast and well. Our wide network of partners allows us to select the most suitable transport mode according to your needs, whether by road, river or rail.
To learn more, our experts are ready to answer your questions and help you find the best solution for your needs.
