The world is over 3,000,000 lorry drivers short, says the International Road Transport Union (IRU), which warns in a new report that the figure is expected to double within the next five years.
The research surveyed 4,700 transport companies in 36 countries across Europe, Asia and America, and found that 7% of posts remain unfilled.
This shortage has worsened throughout 2023, with over half of the companies struggling to recruit qualified drivers.
Europe and the United States have suffered less from this scarcity due to inflation, which depresses consumer demand, thus decreasing the need for transport, the IRU said.
Over the next five years, the shortage could worsen, particularly in China, Europe, and Turkey, as the current population of drivers ages and not enough young drivers enter the profession. This hints at a looming “demographic timebomb,” according to the IRU.
By 2028, the industry could be lacking seven million drivers. This would result in complications in logistical flow and a surge in transport costs, the union notes.
The IRU is urging governments to accelerate and facilitate training for young people in the road transport profession. It suggests lowering the minimum age for entry into the profession and increasing funding for training programmes.
In the countries studied, only 6% of drivers were women. More female participation needs to be encouraged, says the IRU.
However, the appeal of the profession is limited due to extended periods away from home and challenging working conditions.
