The shortage is forecast to get much worse in the coming years. Without action to attract and retain drivers, over 7 million truck driver positions could be unfilled by 2028 in the surveyed countries, including 4.9 million in China (20% of total positions), 745,000 in Europe (17% of total positions), and 200,000 in Türkiye (28% of total positions).
IRU Secretary General Umberto de Pretto said, “The structural issues behind truck driver shortages are continuing to impact transport services. With the rate of newcomers being significantly lower than drivers retiring every year, urgent action is needed now.
“We are missing over 3 million truck drivers in the countries we’ve examined. Given the demographics of the profession, we forecast that it could double within five years.
“The consequences of such a shortage are already harming the communities, supply chains and economies that depend on our industry.
“We cannot allow driver shortages to get any worse. Operators are doing their part, but governments and authorities need to increase efforts to improve working conditions and access to the profession.”
At least 50% of road transport operators have serious problems hiring skilled drivers, in most countries studied. Many are also unable to expand their business and are losing existing clients and revenues.
Persistent demographic gaps
The truck driver profession has an ageing population: less than 12% of truck drivers are below 25 years old, falling to 5% in Europe.
The only two countries surveyed with a higher share of drivers under 25 are China (17%) and Uzbekistan (25%).
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