A new report from the Road Haulage Association (RHA) warns that the UK logistics sector requires 40,000 new HGV drivers each year for the next five years to maintain supply chain stability. The report, Lorry Drivers: The Vital Link, highlights that road freight accounts for 81% of goods transported in the UK, emphasising the critical role of HGV drivers. Forecasts suggest that by 2029, demand for qualified drivers will rise to nearly 740,000, compared to the 700,000 currently required. However, the RHA estimates that only 684,000 drivers are actively working at present, underscoring a growing gap.
Recruitment challenges remain a key issue, with an ageing workforce adding pressure to the sector. The majority of HGV drivers are aged 50-59, while the number of drivers aged 25-34 is at its lowest in five years. Retirement, alongside health-related departures, continues to shrink the workforce. The impact of Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic, and the cost-of-living crisis have also contributed to the driver shortage. To address this, over 73,000 driving tests must be completed over the next five years to meet demand.
The report also raises concerns about the lack of diversity in the profession. Women make up just 2% of HGV drivers, although the proportion is slightly higher among those under 30 at 4.5%. Meanwhile, only 5.3% of drivers come from ethnic minority backgrounds, compared to a national average of 16.3%. Additionally, just 1% of HGV drivers identify as LGBTQ+, significantly below the 3.5% reported across all industries.
A separate survey by fleet management firm Samsara echoes these concerns, with 69% of 500 commercial drivers agreeing that the sector is already experiencing a shortage. Additionally, 66% believe not enough young talent is entering the industry, while 53% feel that the profession is failing to attract women. Philip van der Wilt, Samsara’s senior vice president for EMEA, stressed that improving working conditions is essential to making the job safer, smarter, and more appealing to new recruits.
