Is the HGV Driver Shortage a Myth? Discover the True Reasons!

The UK has been grappling with a perceived HGV driver shortage for years, with transport managers and logistics companies across the country claiming they cannot find enough drivers to fill their schedules. But is this truly a shortage of drivers, or is the problem more rooted in working conditions, pay rates, and overall treatment within the industry?

Wages vs. Driver Availability

One of the key issues driving the debate is the disparity in wages across the sector. Many logistics companies, particularly smaller family-owned businesses, offer wages that hover around £14-16 per hour. While this may seem reasonable to some, many drivers argue that this wage is simply not enough given the increasing costs of living, the physical and mental demands of the job, and the significant risks and responsibilities associated with HGV driving.

Several drivers have pointed out that while logistics companies claim there’s a shortage of drivers, many firms are unwilling to increase wages to attract new talent. Instead, they rely on agency drivers or those nearing retirement age. Younger drivers, especially those new to the profession, often struggle to secure positions due to insurance requirements or because the offered wages don't reflect the high costs of HGV training and certification.

In some sectors of the industry, such as supermarket deliveries, wages can go up to £18-£23 per hour, with overtime and weekend rates further increasing earnings. These roles are highly sought after, suggesting that when wages are competitive, drivers are not hard to find. So, is the problem a shortage of drivers, or a reluctance to pay them appropriately?

Rising Costs for Haulage Companies

In addition to driver wages, haulage companies are facing rising costs across the board. Fuel prices have fluctuated, adding uncertainty and strain to operational budgets, and the cost to serve - including vehicle maintenance, insurance, and compliance with ever-tightening regulations - has increased. Despite these pressures, many customers expect to continue receiving deliveries at the same reduced rates they’ve enjoyed for years.

This expectation puts logistics companies in a difficult position. With fierce competition in the haulage market, companies are often under pressure to keep prices low to win or retain contracts. However, this race to the bottom in costings risks leaving everyone worse off. If companies continue to cut corners to meet unsustainable price points, the quality of service will likely decline, and both businesses and their drivers will suffer. For the logistics industry to remain viable, customers need to recognise that the rising costs of wages, fuel, and operational expenses must be reflected in delivery pricing.

Working Conditions and Treatment

Another factor contributing to the so-called shortage is the harsh working conditions that many drivers face. Long hours, inadequate rest facilities, poor treatment from clients and warehouse staff, and strict delivery schedules make the job unappealing for many. Some drivers express frustration with being treated as mere cogs in a machine, with little regard for their well-being.

The conditions have driven many experienced drivers out of the industry or into less demanding roles. One driver shared that despite holding an HGV licence, he found better pay and working conditions in scaffolding and other trades. This points to a significant issue: it’s not just the pay, but the quality of the job itself that drives people away.

The Future of HGV Driving

The average age of an HGV driver in the UK is now over 50, with few younger drivers entering the profession. While government "boot camps" and training schemes have tried to address this, many new drivers struggle to gain experience due to insurance restrictions or low starting wages.

If the industry does not make meaningful changes - both in terms of wages and working conditions - it risks facing an even greater shortfall in the future as older drivers retire. However, when companies offer fair pay and decent treatment, drivers seem to be readily available. This raises the question: is it time to reconsider how we view and value the HGV driving profession in the UK?

Conclusion: A Shortage of Drivers or a Shortage of Incentives?

The driver shortage narrative might be masking a more systemic issue within the logistics industry: underwhelming wages, poor working conditions, and rising operational costs. The truth is, when drivers are offered competitive pay and decent treatment, companies don’t struggle to fill roles. But unless customers are willing to acknowledge the increasing costs involved in running logistics operations, and companies avoid a race to the bottom in pricing, the entire industry stands to suffer.

For the industry to attract new talent and retain experienced drivers, it’s essential to address both pay scales and working conditions, while ensuring that pricing structures reflect the reality of rising costs across the sector.