UK Van and HGV Driver Shortage: A Persistent Challenge

Despite recent improvements in numbers, the UK's van and HGV driver shortage continues to be a problem for commercial fleet operators.

Drivers leaving for better pay elsewhere is the primary reason fleet operators give for driver shortages. However, retirement and drivers leaving the industry completely are jointly cited as the second highest reason for the driver shortage.

Key factors driving the van and HGV driver shortage:

• Working conditions: Long hours, poor treatment, and inadequate rest facilities continue to contribute to the shortage, despite funding for improved facilities. ( Read more)
• Aging workforce: Retirement continues to play a major factor. Drivers over 55 years old account for around 30% of the HGV driver population ( ONS Data) and retirement continues to impact the situation. The permitted age to drive an HGV has been reduced ( Read teenagers to drive HGVs), but the number of young people who are choosing HGV driving as a profession is not keeping up with retirements.

Impact of the van and HGV driver shortage:

1. Missed deliveries: Businesses have missed deliveries due to a lack of drivers. (To discover how to deliver more with your current fleet, read 8 Ways to improve productivity.)
2. Salaries: Salaries for HGV and van drivers have risen sharply as companies compete to attract new drivers, increasing operational costs. However, increases are slowing with only 16% of surveyed businesses reporting a wage or planned wage increase and the median increase being just £1/hour. The primary reason for a wage increase was to retain existing drivers, said 55% of companies introducing a rise; for the remainder of companies, it was an annual planned pay rise.
3. Supply chain disruptions: The driver shortage continues to affect supply chains and can lead to delays, missed opportunities and increased costs. Of the businesses with HGV Driver vacancies, 23% noted that it had in some way affected deliveries, typically resulting in missed deliveries.

Addressing the van and HGV driver shortage:

The UK government has implemented initiatives to address the driver shortage, but more needs to be done to attract and retain talent.

Key areas of focus include:

• Improving working conditions: Better pay, benefits, and working conditions to make the profession more appealing. Over the last two years, there has been a total investment of £64m in driver roadside facilities and the number of parking places has been increased.
• Automation: The use of route and delivery optimisation automates manual time-consuming processes, which frees up staff to work on more value-added activities and maximises fleet productivity. Training and investment in systems to attract and retain talent can also help businesses. Implementing proven technology such as Descartes’ fleet performance management solutions improves productivity and reduces costs.
• Optimising deliveries: The use of technology optimises routes and how deliveries are made, supports drivers with aids and improves overall productivity by 35% or more. The creation of feasible delivery routes helps to reduce driver stress, creating a realistic and achievable schedule, compliant with drivers’ hours regulations.
• Addressing supply chain issues: Addressing broader supply chain challenges to create a more stable and attractive working environment for drivers.
• Investing in training: Providing accessible and affordable training programs to help new drivers enter the industry, though many of these will come to an end in 2026.
• Promoting the industry: Advertising and promotions have helped to raise awareness of the opportunities and benefits of becoming a professional van/HGV driver.

Descartes’ research on overcoming labour shortages revealed what companies are doing to survive the driver shortage challenge: Supply Chain and Logistics Workforce Challenge | Descartes Routing UK

Author

Andrew Tavener

Head of Fleet Marketing EMEA

At the helm of Descartes Fleet Marketing in EMEA, I've dedicated over a decade to advancing our software solutions.