42 42 | OPINION
HGV MARKETPLACE | 13
Driver Shortage will bite by Christmas
At the end of August it was reported in the British media that because of the shortage of truck drivers, some McDonalds restaurants could run out of milk shakes. The tone was a little humorous and light-hearted, almost with a suggestion of “imagine that”. Last month in this column, some of the issues and reasons why the industry is facing this crisis and shortage of drivers were mentioned. It now seems that the Irish Government and the trade representatives will try and get to the root of the problem. Presumably this will include the IRHA (Irish Road Haulage Association), the FTAI (Freight Transport Association Ireland), and the CILT (Chartered Institute of Transport & Logistics) and hopefully, the CTTC (Coach Tourism & Transport Council) will be included. Remember this shortage is not only confined to freight. As the bus and coach industry gets back into action there is a noticeable scarcity of drivers. One of the dangers of this consultation is a hijacking of the process. This is a one item agenda - trucks and buses without drivers. The solution must fill these vacant seats. Of course, there are some parallel issues that may be contributing to the problem, but they should not be the main focus of any discussions. One line of the communication from the Minster of State at the Department of Transport, Hildegarde Naughton is curious. It says “recommendations would be aimed at ameliorating the supply FLEETTRANSPORT | SEPT-OCT 21
think anybody will go hungry. However, issue without undermining the health there is no doubt that it is biting already and safety of drivers or other road users”, as shippers prioritise on the importance possibly a reference that suggests no of what travels and what stays. It interference with driving hours will be would be interesting to know where tolerated or maybe a suggestion that the bottlenecks are starting to appear. it might be considered in a limited Wonder if containers are starting to stack way. Either way, I am not sure that it up in the ports? would have any positive effect on the On a positive note in relation to shortage problem or drivers’ conditions. delivery points in general, shrewd factory Interestingly some relaxing of driver’s managers will soon realise that if their hours has been proposed as a solution location becomes known as a place that in the UK. One UK driver’s comment discharge a truck fast and efficiently, they was interesting: “They used to fine us will get better service. The solutions are and park us up for being an hour over not hi-tech, implement staggered lunch our time, now they are giving us extra breaks, with no early closing on Friday, time to sit longer at RDC’s (Regional and no closing of the goods inwards Distribution Centres)”. system when everybody “disappears” It is difficult to know what level for meetings that seem to come out of of understanding Minister Naughton, the blue. These simple actions are part or indeed her officials, has of the of the solution also. Finally, remember problem and the issues that have led the telling question is to ask any driver to the driver shortage. Although I was “Would you like your son or daughter often impressed with the grasp some to follow your career path?” Therein lies Ministers and officials had in their brief most of the answer to the problem. on transport problem that arose over the years from my involvement with the IRHA, they may be struggling here Text: Sean Murtagh – sean@fleet.ie on this matter. One simple and practical solution All-Star Transport Training the Minister could Company of the Year 2021 try would be to stop off at a few services areas on her way to Transport Manager CPC the Dáil and talk Weekend & Full-Time Courses available at: to drivers. She might get some Cork (Silver Springs Hotel) - Sat 4th Sept valuable insights, Limerick (Kilmurry Lodge Hotel) - Sat 11th Sept and this advice Dublin P/T (Green Isle Hotel) - Sat 18th Sept could be useful to individuals in the Dublin F/T (Green Isle Hotel) - Wed 6th Oct trade associations also. Tutor: Tony Hynes - All-Star Transport Business Person of the Year 2021 “Supply chain 35 Years Successfully Delivering The Transport Management CPC snobbery” is sometimes evident “This course changed my life” Gary D. between the upper “Tony made this course very easy” John O’B. end of planning, purchasing and “Outstanding course” Laura C. the lower end of delivering service. All Modules Driver CPC Available How bad will Weekends - Weekdays - Evenings the driver shortage Book Online: 24/7 - www.cpc.ie get and how will it affect consumers and the public in general? Who knows, but I don’t
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