The driver shortage in the logistics and transport industry...

There has been a significant amount of focus and discussions surrounding the shortage of heavy goods vehicle drivers in the United Kingdom. At the end of 2017 the RHA chief executive Richard Burnett commented on the topic saying “The UK haulage industry is currently facing a shortage of between 45k and 50k HGV drivers and we as an industry need to face this challenge head-on. And with a shortage of drivers across Europe, it’s vital that the sector does more to bring people into the industry.” The estimated figure is anticipated to of grown at a rate of about 50 drivers per day and will continue to do so until radical changes happen, with about a 49 percent increase on the driver shortage in 2016.

The estimated shortage of drivers in the United Kingdom has led to mass concerns about supply chains and how we would cope with deliveries post Brexit. It has been reported that young people in the main were put off by the £3000 training fees required to become a lorry driver. However, concerns have been eased and more is being done to encourage young people into the logistics industry such as lorry driver apprenticeships. One example of this is the training programme created by the RHA, this programme is designed to encourage young people into the transport and logistics industry from all different societies. Without more initiatives being created to encourage young people into the transport industry these figures are only going to continue worsening, the average age of a lorry driver is said to be around 55 years old. Therefore, a large proportion of our drivers will be heading towards retirement soon.

Once drivers have gained their initial qualifications, the driver cpc legislation provides a great opportunity to work towards career progression. A range of driver cpc modules are available allowing drivers to continually develop their skills, as well as increasing their standard of driving. Some of the most recognised benefits of driver cpc training include increased fuel efficiency, less accidents and working with an increased workload or taking on more responsibility e.g a first aider.

When all of this is considered it could be argued that there is no better time for young people to enter the transport and logistics industry. The shortage of drivers and people nearing retirement age means that new people entering the industry have a big opportunity to quickly climb the ladder and progress their careers.

Testimonials

"Seven Training provided good training locations and facilities for all courses delivered. Our drivers all said the CPC courses were very enjoyable and engaging, they particularly liked the trainers use of their personal experiences rather than using slide shows of other incidents. "

Transport Manager, E H Smith

"The trainer utilised very good content to back up his impressive subject knowledge when making his points. The high-quality training equipment and environment also contributed to making this an enjoyable day, I would definitely use Seven Driver Training again."

Driver, CPC course, Alstons

"The trainers delivery style ensured the learners were fully engaged, giving them the opportunity to practice their skills significantly prior to assessment"

Auditing Body, Qualsafe

"The trainer identified each trainee learning style and asked questions appropriate to meet their learning needs, he had established a good rapport with his audience and easily engaged them in practical activities and discussions"