The RHA has said the Transport Committee report into the driver shortage, which said that current measures to tackle the issue are not enough to resolve it, is a “fair reflection” of the industry’s problems.
The report called on both the government and the industry to do more to tackle the shortage of drivers, but RHA chief executive Richard Burnett said it was important to “not lose sight of the positives".
"This is a great, diverse and vital industry with a wealth of opportunities - and we need to get that message across,” he said.
“The very real challenges facing the industry must be balanced with the range of career opportunities within this very large and progressive sector.
“The road haulage and logistics sector has something from everyone, whether in warehousing, driving, management, IT, finance and business development,” ” added Burnett.
Issues raised in the report include the possible effects Brexit could have on the non-UK drivers the industry depends on, the public image of the sector and working conditions for drivers.
The FTA said that it particularly welcomed the committee's call for the government to work with industry on improving drivers' working conditions.
Sally Gilson, FTA skills policy development manager, said:“We strongly agree with the committee and its calls for government to provide more support, and with the need for better roadside facilities for drivers. This is especially important if more women are to be recruited – currently only one per cent of HGV drivers in the UK are female."
Both trade associations gave evidence at the Transport Committee’s hearing on the topic, and said they have various measures in place to help tackle these issues.
The RHA's efforts include its National Lorry Week, She’s RHA and its new Care After Combat programme, while the FTA cited its driver and skills summits as its methods of tackling the shortage.
