According to analysis by parking services company SNAP, a labor shortage “tipping point" has been reached in the European road transport industry. The company says challenges posed by the surge in demand for online deliveries, together with a shortage of new entrants to the driving profession in the EU, has left the road haulage sector facing a looming staff supply crisis.
The report cites data by the IRU, which indicates that a significant proportion of drivers, specifically 34%, are aged 55 years or older. SNAP says this demographic trend raises concerns about an imminent wave of retirements among truckers, which could potentially leave the industry grappling with a shortage of experienced drivers in the coming decade.
According to SNAP, the heightened demand in the haulage industry can be partly attributed to the surge in online shopping and food deliveries. Data reveals that in 2023, there have been 239 million meal deliveries and 180 million grocery deliveries across Europe.
SNAP’s audience research also underscores that safety concerns at truck parks significantly contribute to the driver shortage across Europe. Earlier this year, the European Parliament’s Transport Committee introduced strict deadlines for the construction and opening of safe and secure parking sites throughout Europe, aiming to mitigate the driver shortage. However, SNAP raises questions about whether these measures will be sufficient.
Source: trans.info