Driver shortage most acute in Eurasia
Despite reduced demand due to COVID-19, there is still an alarming shortage of drivers, according to IRU’s latest report. Surveying 800 road transport companies from over 20 countries, the International Road Union found that driver shortage was most acute in Eurasia, where 20% of driver positions were not filled last year.
China was the least affected country with only 4% of jobs open. Elsewhere, as in Europe, driver shortage was less serious in 2020 than 2019 due to the pandemic. Transport companies however forecast driver shortages to intensify again in 2021 as economies recover.
IRU therefore urges that governments must act to provide safe and secure parking, improve working conditions and training and lower the minimum age for drivers. (ben)