The HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) driver shortage has been a well-documented issue in the UK for the past few years, hitting headlines in 2021 when empty shelves and fuel shortages were attributed to a lack of qualified drivers. While efforts have been made to address the crisis, the reality is that many industries are still feeling the impact. So, is there still a shortage of HGV drivers in the UK?

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The Current State of the HGV Driver Shortage

The HGV driver shortage in the UK hasn’t disappeared, though the situation has improved slightly since its peak. As of 2024, the Road Haulage Association (RHA) reports that the country is still short of tens of thousands of drivers. This shortfall is causing delays in deliveries, increased logistics costs and ongoing supply chain disruptions.

Efforts from both the government and private sector, such as funding for HGV driver training and streamlined testing, have brought some relief. However, many of the underlying issues that led to the shortage remain unresolved, unfortunately keeping the crisis far from over.

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What’s Driving the Continued Shortage?

Several factors are contributing to the continued shortage of HGV drivers in the UK:

• Aging Workforce: The average age of an HGV driver in the UK is 55, and many are nearing retirement. Younger people are not entering the profession in sufficient numbers to replace those leaving, leaving a generational gap.
• Working Conditions: Long hours, time away from home, and demanding physical work make the job unattractive to many. Coupled with relatively low pay in comparison to the workload, retaining drivers is a challenge for many operators.
• Training Bottlenecks: While more funding has been allocated to driver training, the process of obtaining an HGV license remains costly and time-consuming. Some potential drivers are put off by these upfront barriers.
• Post-Brexit Impact: The UK's exit from the European Union led to many EU drivers returning to their home countries, further widening the gap in driver availability. The lack of EU workers, who once made up a large portion of the UK's HGV workforce, continues to affect the industry.
• Increased Demand: With the rise of e-commerce, demand for delivery drivers has surged, intensifying competition for HGV drivers across different sectors.

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How DrivenPeople is Tackling the HGV Driver Shortage

At DrivenPeople, we’ve been working to address these challenges head-on by creating a more transparent, efficient driver recruitment process. Our platform connects operators directly with pre-vetted HGV drivers, helping them find the talent they need faster and at a lower cost.

One of the ways we’re helping to solve the driver shortage is by giving operators access to driver profiles that include ratings, reviews, experience, and compliance documents. This transparency allows businesses to make informed hiring decisions quickly. In fact, our platform has helped some operators reduce recruitment costs by up to 50% compared to traditional agencies.

We also specialise in offering flexible hiring options. Whether you’re looking for drivers to fill temporary roles or long-term contracts, our network of drivers is ready to meet your needs. By offering an alternative to traditional agencies, DrivenPeople helps ensure that HGV operators can access qualified drivers when they need them most, without the high fees and delays.

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The Road Ahead

While there have been improvements in addressing the HGV driver shortage, it’s clear that the UK still has a long way to go before the issue is fully resolved. Retention remains a critical challenge, as does encouraging new drivers to enter the workforce. This is why it’s essential for businesses to explore innovative recruitment solutions like DrivenPeople, which are designed to help operators find and hire drivers more efficiently.

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If you’re struggling with HGV driver recruitment or simply looking to reduce your reliance on traditional agencies, take a look at DrivenPeople. We’re committed to making driver recruitment easier, more transparent and more affordable for UK operators.

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