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Online surge set to push haulage industry over the edge

[ November 2, 2023   //   ]

Increased demand for online deliveries and a lack of new drivers has created a ‘tipping point’ in the haulage industry, according to an analysis by the SNAP digital marketplace.

It said that 55% of drivers are aged between 50-64, and the UK average age is 53, meaning that many truckers will be heading towards retirement in the next decade.  

SNAP head of commercial, Myra McPartlin, said: “There has long been the challenge of retaining HGV drivers in the UK, and when you combine this with the challenges faced by Brexit and an increase in demand for delivery services since the pandemic, the industry naturally becomes unsustainable. The number of new drivers decreasing and those leaving the industry means that we are at a tipping point.” 

The increase in demand is partly due to a surge in online shopping and food deliveries.

Despite the need for more drivers, Office for National Statistics (ONS) data figure show, that there were 6,000 fewer delivery and courier drivers in the UK from April 2022 to March 2023 versus the same period the year before.

Job openings in the ‘transport, logistics, and warehouse sector are still increasing.

Richard Owen-Hughes, group marketing director at the Driver Hire agency added: “The HGV industry is the unsung hero of the UK economy, with road freight responsible for transporting 98% of food and agricultural products. However, it faces an impending challenge as the majority of drivers are approaching retirement. The average age of professional HGV drivers in the UK is 55, emphasising the urgency to attract fresh young talent, and diversity too, with female drivers making up just 2% of UK drivers.

“One good initiative in recent years has been the Government’s Skills Bootcamp programme. It is available to current holders of a Category B (car) license aged 19 or over. This is the kind of initiative we welcome, making a career as a professional HGV driver more accessible than ever.” 

Myra McPartlin concludes: “We were pleased to hear that the government had launched a review into HGV parking and facilities, but in addition to ensuring there are adequate spaces for parking, the safety of drivers also needs to be considered. This is a big concern for drivers in the UK and is cited as a top reason for hesitance in joining the industry. Keeping drivers safe will not only put their minds at ease, but also help towards employee retention.”

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