While the shortage of drivers peaked in 2021 when there was a shortfall of more than 100,000 qualified drivers, Nationwide Vehicle Contracts said that a “significant shortage” still exists despite the increase in the number of large goods vehicle (LGV) tests.
To earn an LGV or HGV licence, drivers need to pass four tests and then take additional training and tests every five years.
However, the industry is facing issues attracting new drivers, which has a major knock-on effect on food and drink supply chains.
According to Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, 55% of HGV drivers are aged between 50 and 65 and less than 2% of drivers are under 25, which the firm said will place “increased pressure on UK businesses in the coming years as the driver shortage is likely to worsen”.
Incentives required
Commenting on the situation, a spokesperson for Nationwide Vehicle Contracts explained that retailers rely on HGV and LGV drivers in the build up to Christmas and warned that shortages could result in food and drink deliveries being delayed.
“These vehicles transport stock across the UK [and] a shortage of drivers can lead to businesses not receiving produce on time, resulting in fewer products in shops for consumers,” the spokesperson said.
“A decrease in supply will lead to an increase in costs, as well as unhappy customers over the festive period. UK businesses will need to offer attractive incentives to increase the workforce of LGV drivers, especially for the younger demographic.”
Meanwhile, the 2024 Road Haulage Association (RHA) survey found that 66% of hauliers are concerned about the state of the economy.
“With [more] companies sliding into administration this year and with rising costs and much lower profits, businesses are now having to make savings wherever possible,” said RHA managing director Richard Smith.
“If the UK Government is serious about its objective of economic growth, they’ll have to work collaboratively with an industry that’s crucial to delivering it. We want to work with them to lower the costs and regulatory burdens placed on our key sector.”
