EUROPE’S TRUCK DRIVER SHORTAGE WORSENS AS AGE GAP GROWS
The International Road Transport Union (IRU) has published its 2024 Global Truck Driver Shortage Report, sounding the alarm over a growing demographic crisis that threatens road freight capacity and economic competitiveness across Europe.
While the overall number of unfilled driver positions has remained steady at 3.6 million worldwide due largely to reduced transport demand, the situation in Europe remains structurally critical. The share of young drivers under 25 continues to decline across major European markets, with youth representation in the driver workforce as low as 2.2% in Italy and 2.6% in Germany. Spain and Poland fare only marginally better, each at 3%. In contrast, over 30% of drivers across Europe are now over 55, with Spain (50%) and Italy (45%) particularly affected.
According to the IRU, 17% of Europe’s current driver population will retire by 2029, highlighting the urgency of attracting younger talent to the profession. Despite high levels of job satisfaction and above-average pay, barriers to entry - including age restrictions and limited training pathways - continue to deter younger workers.
CLECAT supports IRU’s call for coordinated policy action to address this imbalance. The report urges European governments to integrate professional driving careers into educational systems, lower entry-age thresholds, and improve working conditions through better-equipped parking and rest facilities.
The full report, with European-specific data, is available here.
Source: IRU