Truck drivers are Skilled labor shortage in many countries, including here. The shortage is considered one of the biggest challenges for the logistics industry. How many truck drivers are missing in Germany exactly? And how can the problem be brought under control? We have the answers.
The most important facts about the truck driver shortage in Germany at a glance
- The shortage of truck drivers in Germany is one of the biggest challenges facing the logistics industry, with 70,000 drivers missing in 2023.
- The driver shortage leads to significant economic consequences such as supply bottlenecks, increased costs and production stoppages.
- Reasons for the shortage include long working hours, a lack of social appreciation and unattractive salaries.
- Technological solutions such as AI and better working conditions can help alleviate the shortage.
- In order to improve the situation, measures such as targeted support for young talent and simplified recognition of foreign qualifications are necessary.
Acute shortage of truck drivers
Loud statistics According to the Federal Association of Freight Transport, Logistics and Disposal (BGL) and the Federal Association of German Bus and Coach Operators (BDO), there was a shortage of between 60,000 and 80,000 truck drivers in Germany in 2022. These figures are consistent with the results of other Studies, according to which at least 70,000 drivers will be missing in 2023. And the trend is rising!
There is a specific shortage of drivers with a class “C” driving license, i.e.:
- Professional driver
- Concrete mixer driver
- Driver of construction vehicles
- Motor vehicle driver (supply and disposal)
- Special vehicle/tractor driver
Devastating impact on the logistics industry
The tense personnel situation has noticeable consequences for the German economy and in particular for the logistics sector:
Delivery bottlenecks and delays: Companies are struggling to get their products to customers on time, leading to bottlenecks and increased pressure on supply chains.
Increased costs: The shortage of drivers has caused additional costs for the German economy of around 10 billion euros in 2022.
Production stops: In some cases, production lines have to be stopped because required materials or components cannot be delivered on time. This results in financial losses and inefficient use of resources.
Obstacles to growth: Companies in the logistics industry cannot expand or improve their services if they do not have enough drivers. This hinders the industry's growth potential and ability to respond to increasing demand.
Deterioration of customer service: Delivery delays and failures lead to customer dissatisfaction. In the long term, this can damage trust in the supply chains and the reputation of the companies affected.
Increase in transport costs: To retain drivers and attract new ones, logistics companies must offer higher salaries and better working conditions, which increases transportation costs. These cost increases are often passed on to end customers, resulting in higher prices for goods and services.
Difficult access to markets: Smaller companies and start-ups may not have the resources to keep up with rising costs and demand for transport capacity, making market access and growth difficult.
Reduced competitiveness: Countries with better functioning logistics systems could gain an advantage in the global market, leading to a loss of orders and market share for German companies.
Bottlenecks during seasonal peaks: During times of increased demand, such as during the Christmas season, supply chains can come under particularly great pressure. The driver shortage exacerbates these bottlenecks.
Increase in environmental pollution: The lack of drivers can lead to transport being organised less efficiently. Empty kilometres and vehicles that are not used optimally increase fuel consumption and emissions, which has negative environmental consequences.
Increased risk of accidents: Overworked drivers working under high time pressure can be more prone to accidents. This increases the risk of accidents on the roads and can lead to additional costs and delays.
Increased use of subcontractors: Companies may increasingly resort to subcontractors to compensate for the shortage of drivers. This may lead to less control over the quality and reliability of services, while also worsening drivers' working conditions and pay.
Reasons for the driver shortage
The causes of the truck driver shortage in Germany are complex, they include both internal and external challenges and therefore require a holistic solution strategy.
Internal:
- Image and social perception: Negative image of the profession and the logistics industry leads to low attractiveness.
- Working environment and framework conditionsLong working hours, high physical demands and overtime deter potential applicants.
- Technology and structural influences: Increasing automation could reduce the need for drivers in the future and negatively impact the perception of the profession.
External:
- Architecture logistics chains and infrastructural limitations: Complex processes and infrastructural bottlenecks make the profession more efficient and attractive.
- Demand development and capacity bottlenecks: Fluctuations in the economy and limited training and recognition opportunities for foreign licenses make access to the labor market difficult.
In short, the job is not very attractive for many. Long, unpredictable working hours and a lack of social recognition are the main reasons for this. The salary is often inadequate compared to other professions and industries, which makes recruiting young talent even more difficult, especially since external factors such as demographic changes also have a negative impact on the availability of new drivers.
Measures to combat staff shortages
To counteract the shortage of truck drivers in Germany, several measures are necessary.
On the one hand, working conditions should be improved, for example through more flexible working hours and higher salaries, to make the profession more attractive. In addition, targeted support for young talent is important, for example through training initiatives and programs that inspire young people to become truck drivers.
Technological solutions such as AI-supported assistance systems and partially autonomous vehicles could reduce the workload and increase efficiency. Recruiting should be expanded, for example to include career changers and passive candidates as a target group. Our tool flynne is the perfect tool for this, which with the help of Social Media Recruiting Campaigns and AI technology identify suitable candidates who could not be reached through other channels such as job boards.
Another important measure would be to reduce the bureaucratic hurdle for foreign drivers by recognizing their qualifications more quickly and offering integration assistance. Finally, there needs to be greater public recognition and appreciation of the profession in order to improve the negative image and attract more people to the profession.
You can find out more here: Finding truck drivers: 11 tips for a successful search
