Fixing driver shortages
Worldwide, the chronic shortage of professional drivers is accelerating, impacting millions of road haulage workers, employers, and services. Around 11% of driver positions were left unfilled in 2022. With up to one third of drivers retiring within the next three years in many countries, unfilled driver positions could more than double by 2026.
The International Road Transport Union (IRU) and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) have now launched a three-point plan to help fix driver shortages.
The plan includes for example proposals like harmonising qualification standards and cross-border recognition, boosting recognition of third-country qualifications as well as developing operational integration programmes for non-resident drivers. (ben)