Jun 08 2016

UK - Driver shortages still hitting road haulage firms

The impact of truck driver shortages on the haulage industry is yet to peak, according to a national study from the UK's leading palletised freight network.

In a survey of 100 UK hauliers, Ellistown-based Pall-Ex found the main perceived reasons for driver shortages were an ageing population, a negative perception of the industry and competition from other sectors.

The majority of hauliers, saw driver shortages as a relatively recent issue, arising in the last five years.

The study found the future impact of driver shortages is even worrying hauliers that are not currently short of drivers.

Kevin Buchanan, managing director of Pall-Ex Group, said: "This insight into the concerns and causes of driver shortages is evidence that the sector seriously needs to invest in attracting, recruiting, and retaining young talent as our workforce retire or decide to change careers.

"The industry has a self-esteem problem, so by refusing to undercut on price, networks can operate more sustainably – by then reinvesting back into new and existing drivers." Read more

Source: LEICESTER MERCURY