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The road transport industry is facing a chronic shortage of drivers, threatening the stability of mobility networks and supply chains. It¡¯s forecast to get much worse without significant action.

¡°Many countries and regions are facing high youth unemployment rates. Meanwhile, in the same places, around 30% of drivers are over 55 years old, while only 3 to 10% are 25 or younger,¡± highlighted Jens H¨¹gel.

¡°Governments, transport employers and users must work with trade unions to create fulfilling jobs to end driver shortages. ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½is focused on closing the ¡®school-to-wheel gap¡¯, building more safe and secure parking areas, providing more skilling and reskilling training through the ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Academy and other channels, improving conditions at delivery sites and border crossings, as well as building awareness around young people¡¯s critical role in our industry with initiatives such as our New Industry Shapers campaign,¡± he added.

Another solution to ease the shortage is to facilitate the access of qualified third-country drivers from countries with a surplus of professional drivers to help cover the gap.

Earlier this year, ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½and ITF launched a three-point plan to better balance national labour pools between those with a surplus and those with a deficit of driver talent. The plan outlines action for the UN, national governments and the industry.

¡°Ultimately, we need to look into policies and action that create a modern, green and resilient transport workforce,¡± concluded Jens H¨¹gel.