driver shortage
Forwarders are missing 80,000 truck drivers – the industry is trying to counteract this
German freight forwarders are struggling with personnel worries. The industry wants to make the profession more attractive again (symbol image).
© Dieter Menne / Picture Alliance
The order books of German freight forwarders are full, but business is getting worse and worse. The reason is staff concerns. There is currently a shortage of around 80,000 female truck drivers in Germany – and the number is increasing every year.
This article first appeared on RTL.de.
Around 80,000 truck drivers are already missing in Germany – and the trend is rising. The job has long been considered extremely unattractive. However, freight forwarders and industry associations are increasingly recruiting young people and lateral entrants, and not just with more money. Better framework conditions should also make the job more attractive for women.
Freight forwarders are plagued by personnel worries
According to the Federal Association of Road Haulage, Logistics and Disposal (BGL), many transport companies had to turn down orders before Christmas because there were no drivers. Around 80,000 truck drivers are currently missing in Germany. According to the association, 30,000 to 35,0000 retire each year, but only 15,000 to 20,000 follow. “So the gap is growing by 15,000 every year,” said association spokesman Dirk Engelhardt.
The freight forwarders could hardly do better: the order books are full and business is booming. If it weren’t for the personnel worries.
profession should be made more attractive
The shortage has a lot to do with the fact that the job of truck driver is perceived as less and less attractive. Long waiting times in traffic jams, difficult work-life balance and a great lack of suitable parking spaces where it is safe to stand or take a shower and eat.
“One thing must be clear to consumers: without the truck, our supermarket shelves are empty very quickly, everyday goods are not available and online shipping will not work either,” Engelhardt told RTL. One wants to avoid conditions like in Great Britain.
Better places to rest, more comfortable cabins and more attractive pay – this could also be the decisive factor for many women in striving for a driver’s license. Lara Groß has given up her old job as a teacher and already has her driver’s license in her pocket. For her, being a truck driver is a real dream job.