A recent analysis conducted by SNAP, the digital marketplace for the haulage industry, has shed light on a concerning issue: the surge in online deliveries coupled with a shortage of new drivers entering the field has pushed the industry to a critical ‘tipping point.’ According to the data, 55% of drivers fall within the 50-64 age bracket, with the average age being 53, indicating an impending wave of retirements within the next decade.
Myra McPartlin, Head of Commercial at SNAP, emphasized the challenges faced by the UK’s HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) drivers, exacerbated by Brexit, pandemic-related demands, and the declining number of new drivers. McPartlin stated, “The industry naturally becomes unsustainable. The number of new drivers decreasing and those leaving the industry means that we are at a tipping point.”
The increasing demand for online shopping and food deliveries has significantly contributed to the strain. Data from 2023 reveals a staggering 39.2 million meal deliveries and 24.2 million grocery deliveries in the UK, numbers projected to rise to 50.6 million and 31.2 million, respectively, by 2027. However, despite the pressing need for more drivers, statistics from Nomis, sourced from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), indicate a concerning trend: there were 6,000 fewer delivery and courier drivers in the UK between April 2022 and March 2023 compared to the preceding year.
Furthermore, job openings in the transport, logistics, and warehouse sector remain high, with 169 positions available by the end of August, indicating a persistent demand for skilled drivers. In response to the crisis, the UK government implemented several strategies, including relaxed late-night delivery restrictions until September 2022, the addition of 4,700 HGV drivers to the visa scheme, and the introduction of apprenticeships and training programs. Additionally, efforts were made to review HGV parking and facilities nationwide.
Richard Owen-Hughes, Group Marketing Director at Driver Hire, highlighted the industry’s significance in the UK economy, transporting 98% of food and agricultural products. He stressed the urgency of attracting new talent, especially given the aging workforce, with the average age of professional HGV drivers being 55. Owen-Hughes commended the government’s Skills Bootcamp program, making a career as an HGV driver more accessible.
Addressing safety concerns, Myra McPartlin welcomed the government’s review of HGV parking and facilities but emphasized the need for ensuring driver safety. To tackle this issue, SNAP Access and Security (A&S) is actively working to enhance the safety of truck stops across the UK. Through the Intruck app, A&S provides drivers with comprehensive security details at each stop, empowering them to make informed decisions about resting locations, ensuring they take regular breaks and maintain focus on the road ahead.
