Driver Shortages

A recent article in Commercial Motor magazine highlighted the findings of a report from the Logistic Skills Network which highlighted some of the difficulties that operators face in trying to recruit drivers. They point to findings from Road Hauliers, Recruiters and Training Providers which confirms that high insurance premiums, experience thresholds and employers risk-averse policies all make it difficult for newly qualified drivers to secure work.

The report also identifies a lack of real-time data as a major obstacle as there is no clear picture of how many drivers are qualifying, how training is funded, or how many newly qualified drivers fail to find employment. Available data is often outdated, limiting the industry's ability to respond effectively to demand.

Lack of visibility leaves training providers operating without reliable signals, while hauliers face ongoing costs and risk pressures. Recruiters, meanwhile, are left attempting to bridge what the report describes as a ''structural gap''.

So how should a newbie driver review these findings?

Our recommendations to people who have just passed their LGV test is - be flexible!

A driver might decide to do training and test on LGV CE and go straight to the top HGV licence to be able to drive all trucks, including those with trailers. And they might dream of driving an shiny, new, gleaming, articulated heavy goods vehicle on an almost empty 'open road'.

But be realistic. If you were the boss, would you put a newly qualified driver straight after passing their test on the Pride of the Fleet? No, inexperienced drivers should consider taking on a role that is suitable for someone new into the logistics industry.

These roles might not be the best paid jobs, or maybe it might mean driving a lower grade of licence like LGV C (HGV Class 2), but if that employer is willing to support and give guidance to a new driver, then it's worth it to get the much needed time behind the wheel 'developing working-driving skills' to work efficiently and effectively, and gain knowledge and experience which is over and above what is needed to pass the driving test because these are the skills that employers are looking for when they recruit.

And remember, it's not forever. Ambition is great, but unless you've already got a job offer, be flexible with the roles you take on. Because after gaining some experience, it will be whole lot easier to get that dream job.