CPC-related drop outs could mean 25% fewer drivers during next decade

The industry could lose over a quarter of its driver workforce during the next decade as a result of Driver CPC-related drop outs and retirement.

A survey of 172 LGV drivers by recruitment agency Milestone revealed that 8% do not plan on taking Driver CPC training at all, for several reasons including expense.

By region, the North East at 13% had the highest number of respondents not planning to undertake training.

This is balanced against data showing 18% of drivers have finished CPC training, two years ahead of the September 2014 deadline. Currently 44% of drivers are engaged in the CPC process.

Despite this, Milestone MD Chris Bryant, conceded the potential shortfall was larger than he had expected. “These drivers will not all be replaced at current rates of LGV licence acquisition, and any economic recovery will magnify the shortage issue,” he said.

Earlier this week parcel firm APC Overnight revealed that all of its LGV driver workforce had completed their CPC training.

Bryant said: “Our findings show progress is being made since Skills for Logistics recorded an 8% completion rate in April 2012.

"However, SfL’s worries about a last minute rush leading to temporary shortages in 2014 are still valid because of the number of drivers who haven’t started training yet.”