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One of the more pressing challenges facing the UK’s economy in the near future is the impending haulage skills gap. With the amount of delivery work to be done increasing far faster than the number of working drivers, at time of writing (February 2016) the UK will need an increase in its driver workforce of sixty thousand new drivers over the next four years. Why Does It Matter? Those most obviously at risk from the haulage skills gap will be haulage firms and mail order companies. Delivery work is the lifeblood of such companies and without a supply to meet their demand, they’ll be in financial trouble very quickly. Less obviously, the entirety of the UK’s economy stands to be affected by this gap. High street businesses need hauliers to deliver their stock, as well as equipment, uniforms and, on occasion, important papers. Pubs and restaurants need hauliers to maintain their supply chain, and public services, such as hospitals and the postal service need them too. In short, virtually every brick and mortar business, along with their customers, will feel the effects of the skills gap if left unchecked. How Can It Be Solved? The crisis can only be solved by an increase in the number of drivers taking up delivery work as a career as well as an increase in the number of drivers choosing to continue with haulage. This would require making it both a more attractive career option and more attractive to those approaching retirement age. Companies are advised to incentivise new drivers by offering fair rates, as well as training and benefits - such as paying for their Driver CFC. Another issue is that younger, inexperienced drivers are often passed over in favour of older, more experienced workers. But good work, well-paid contracts and the possibility of career progression in the form of training can be an excellent investment, as these drivers are likely to spend a good portion of their future career working with one firm. Drivers can often feel that their current job isn’t taking them anywhere, so it’s important to provide good insurance, pension plans and opportunities for career progression to keep them in the industry. What Does this Mean for Drivers? A sharp increase in demand is likely to be a very good thing for existing or prospective haulage drivers. Those offering delivery work find it harder and harder to employ drivers, so they should begin to offer more attractive packages as well as be more willing to employ new drivers. For anyone who’s been considering a job in haulage, the skills gap makes this a very attractive time to break into the business. Norman Dulwich is a Correspondent for Haulage Exchange, the leading online trade network for the road transport industry. Connecting logistics professionals across the UK and Europe through their website, Haulage Exchange provides services for matching delivery work with available drivers. Over 4,000 transport exchange businesses are networked together through their website, trading jobs and capacity in a safe 'wholesale' environment.
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