The real-world impact of the driver shortage

There are not enough drivers to keep up with supermarket deliveries, and the impact is already evident. In June 2021, news reports indicated that suppliers are delaying or cancelling thousands of loads each week because of the lack of drivers to transport the goods. As a result, the shelf life of products is becoming endangered. Tesco is scrapping 50 tonnes of fresh food each week.

There is more potential difficulty to come in October. At this point, the Brexit customs check grace period will end, meaning increased delays and issues with getting some products into the UK. Coupled with the driver shortfall, this could result in shortages of some items.

The supply issues are not exclusive to food products and could harm consumers, who could begin to see shortages across a broad range of industries if things remain the same.

As shops and wholesalers respond to the situation, the result is likely to be reductions in the product lines available for sale as they try to limit the range of products in stock and choose to focus on key products.

As supply numbers fall, it is likely prices will also increase to reflect demand.

As the UK moves out of a year of lockdowns, the construction industry is experiencing huge demand. The demand has seen activity reaching a seven-year high. However, due to the shortage of materials like bagged cement and electricals, prices are increasing, and project activity is pausing. The National Federation of Roofing Contractors said the increased demand and lack of supply had significantly affected both cost and productivity in the UK sector. Reduced availability of drivers in the haulage sector is likely to exacerbate the problem further. 

The UK construction industry has recovered well since March, but supply issues are likely to be an issue for the rest of 2021. As the increased demand for materials is occurring worldwide, the ongoing supply issues begin to have a financial impact on smaller construction firms that cannot afford delays. Not only will the materials cost more, but with a lack of drivers to deliver them, further expenses and delays could impact the progress of projects that are essential to a small company’s financial security.

How did we get here?

In January, SNAP published the article The UK truck driver shortage in 2021. While the situation has become more acute since then, many of the reasons for the driver shortage remain:

The restricted opportunities to complete HGV training during lockdown has slowed recruitment rates, but truck driving is still not considered a career path by many younger people. The lack of new drivers is particularly true with women, who make up just 20% of the workforce in the transport industry and only 1% of truck drivers.

With just 1% of UK truck drivers aged under 25 and the average being closer to 50, a natural reduction in numbers will occur as the workforce reaches retirement age faster than recruits are joining.

Frustration with pay and conditions has resulted in many drivers deciding to leave the industry entirely.

What can be done to resolve the driver shortage?

SNAP believes that the key to resolving the driver shortage will come through a range of measures, but vital to these are those elements that support drivers through funding, training and improving working conditions.

Truck driver training is expensive. So, it is crucial for the industry future that new drivers are not put off by the financial costs of the required training and licences. Apprenticeships need to provide an affordable platform to introduce younger generations into the sector. 

Test delays mean that there are people who want to drive but are unable to. Rearranging these tests should be a high priority. In the interim, the Government should make it possible to hire EU drivers to help fill vacancies during this crucial time for the industry.

Emma Westwood, Commercial Manager at SNAP says, “Measures that maximise a driver’s allowed working hours are an unsustainable short term solution that does little other than paper over the cracks and shows a lack of respect to the people involved in this logistical challenge.

“Ultimately, the way to bring drivers into the industry is to improve conditions. We can do this by providing high-quality truck stop facilities and secure parking as well as improved wages.”

While there are challenges to overcome, truck driving and the haulage industry are vital jobs for streamlining businesses and helping the nation. Resolving the driver shortage will take time, but it is possible if haulage becomes an attractive career path for the next generation.

Find out more about the pros and cons of being a truck driver in 2021, or read about truck driving as a career here.