The driver shortage is one of the major challenges facing industrial supply chains in Europe. According to the European Road Haulers Association (2023), the European Union is currently short 400,000 drivers—a number expected to reach 500,000 by 2025. This shortage has direct consequences on supply chain performance, including delivery delays and increased logistics costs.
Why this shortage?
1️. Difficult working conditions: The truck driving profession is increasingly seen in a negative light due to long hours and life on the road. In 2022, a European Commission study revealed that more than 60% of drivers were dissatisfied with their working conditions.
2️. Retirement of experienced generations: One of the key causes is the aging workforce—nearly 40% of European drivers are over 50, and younger generations are reluctant to enter the profession, leading to growing tensions.
3️. Training mismatch: Driver training is often too complex and costly. In 2022, only 4% of young Europeans considered becoming a driver, resulting in insufficient recruitment to meet transport demand.
Impacts on the supply chain
Delays, increased transport costs, and delivery uncertainties directly impact industrial company performance. According to a Deloitte study (2023), 72% of European supply chain managers cite the driver shortage as a major obstacle to logistics performance.
How to respond?
• Automation and digitization: Implementing advanced tech solutions, such as transport management platforms, can optimize transport flows and reduce dependency on labor.
• Improving working conditions: Rethinking working conditions and salaries could attract new generations to the profession.
• Focusing on training and support: Offering more accessible and market-relevant training is essential to bring new talent into the sector.
At MAP Transport, we support companies in optimizing their logistics chains by providing innovative solutions to effectively manage this crisis. The solution lies in adaptation and innovation.
