The number one concern of hauliers remains finding enough good drivers, even for those who are not currently recruiting, according to a survey by Pall-Ex.
The pallet network asked 100 of its haulier-members what their key concerns were and the stand out worry - for 41% of respondents - was finding enough good drivers to meet their business’s needs.
The main perceived reasons for driver shortages amongst the Pall-Ex members were an ageing population (37.5%); the negative perception of the industry (25%) and competition from other sectors (15.6%).
Kevin Buchanan, MD of Pall-Ex Group, said: “This insight into the concerns and causes of driver shortages is evidence that the sector seriously needs to invest in attracting, recruiting, and retaining young talent as our workforce retire or decide to change careers.”
The survey came as corresponding research by the FTA found much the same concern among its members in regards driver supply and an analysis of HGV driver test data revealed an 11% fall in tests taken at category C and category C+E year-on-year.
