Driver Shortages in Road Transportation 2025

In our last blog post, we discussed the increasing importance of cybersecurity in the evolving landscape of road transportation in 2025. However, the difficulties facing the logistics sector aren’t limited to digital security. At SWIDA Innovative, we’re also focused on another significant and persistent issue: the driver shortage. This remains a key factor influencing the capacity of our transportation networks.

The driver shortages have been a long-standing issue in the road transportation industry, and all indications suggest it will remain a significant concern in 2025. The smooth movement of products relies heavily on these skilled professionals, and the fact that there aren’t enough of them creates real problems for everyone involved in getting things from A to B.

• Contributing Factors: Several factors contribute to this ongoing issue. An ageing workforce, demanding work conditions, competition from other sectors, and regulatory requirements all contribute to the lack of drivers. Attracting and retaining new drivers, especially younger generations, remains a key struggle.
• Impact: The consequences of a persistent driver shortage are far-reaching. Reduced capacity directly translates to delays in deliveries, impacting businesses across various sectors and ultimately affecting consumers. Driver shortages directly impact capacity, leading to delays in deliveries, increased transportation costs, and potential strain on supply chains.
• Addressing the Shortage: Strategies to fight this challenge include improving driver compensation and benefits, enhancing working conditions, investing in driver training and recruitment programs, and exploring technological solutions like platooning and, in the longer term, autonomous driving to increase capacity.

So what should be the next step?

Addressing the driver shortage requires a collaborative effort from transportation companies, industry associations, and policymakers. By focusing on making the profession more attractive, investing in training, and exploring innovative solutions, we can work towards ensuring a sufficient and skilled workforce to keep goods moving efficiently in 2025 and beyond.

Sources: 

1. Iru. (2025, April 8). Widening age chasm compounds truck driver shortage crisis: new IRU report. International Road and Transport Union. https://www.iru.org/news-resources/newsroom/widening-age-chasm-compounds-truck-driver-shortage-crisis-new-iru-report
2. Stock Logistic. (2019, July 18). What is platooning? https://www.stocklogistic.com/en/technology/what-is-platooning/