The freight transport sector is facing a growing challenge: the shortage of professional drivers. This problem affects both Spain and the rest of Europe and has a direct impact on the supply chain, causing delays, increased costs and difficulties in the distribution of essential products.
In this article, we analyse the causes of this crisis, its consequences or logistic and what measures are being taken to guarantee the stability of the sector.
Causes of the driver shortage
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Lack of generational replacement
The average age of professional drivers in Spain is over 50 and there is a shortage of young people joining the sector. Working conditions and the high cost of obtaining a driving licence are factors which hinder generational replacement.
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Demanding working conditions
Long journeys, long working hours and difficulties in reconciling work and personal life mean that many professionals are looking for alternatives in other sectors.
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Increasing demand for e-commerce
The rise of e-commerce has increased the need for goods transport, but the number of available drivers has not grown at the same pace, creating a mismatch between supply and demand.
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Legal and training requirements
Freight transport regulations are becoming more and more demanding, which means that entering the profession requires more training, increasing the barriers to entry for new workers.
Impact on the transport sector
The lack of drivers has led to an increase in transport costs due to the need to offer better wages and conditions to attract new professionals. In addition, this leads to difficulties in meeting delivery deadlines, affecting key sectors such as food, industry and commercial distribution. Last but not least, staff shortage lead to an overload of work for existing drivers, which can lead to fatigue and affect road safety.
The driver shortage is a challenge that requires structural solutions and measures to make the profession more attractive and accessible. Guaranteeing generational replacement and improving working conditions is key to maintaining efficiency in freight transport and ensuring the stability of the supply chain.
At Subitur, we work to offer an efficient transport service adapted to the needs of the market, focusing on route optimization and the use of advanced technology.