Young people are reluctant to choose this profession and companies are sounding the alarm.
The International Road Transport Union (IRU) is once again sounding the alarm regarding the significant shortage of drivers that road transport companies are facing globally, and recalling the reluctance of young people to enter the sector. According to a study of 4,700 trucking companies in America, Europe and Asia, people under the age of 25 represent only 12% – or even less – of the workforce. The share of young truck drivers is below the labor force benchmark in all countries except China and Uzbekistan, meaning the profession attracts fewer young people compared to others. other sectors.
In most regions, the percentage of drivers aged 55 or over is particularly high, and much higher than that of younger drivers, meaning the shortage will worsen in coming years as the current pool of young professionals will not be able to replace those who retire. Europe has the highest average age of truck drivers (47%), with a third of drivers over 55, while the percentage of those under 25 is limited to just 5%.
The percentage of female truck drivers is also very low, being below 6% in all regions except the United States where it is 8%. It is recalled that in order to deal with the recruitment crisis in the road transport sector, the EU is pushing for lower age limits, wishing to allow 17 year olds to drive trucks, as part of a accompanied driving system.
At the same time, the road industry seems determined to offer particularly high salaries as an incentive to join the sector. However, many oppose the EU plan. They recognize that Europe faces a large shortage of professional drivers and understand the problem this poses, but believe that the solution does not lie in reducing age limits, as this would undermine recent efforts to strengthen the road safety.