OPINION

For the past few years we have heard about the ongoing problem regarding a shortage of truck drivers. While there is no doubt that the problem is getting worse, it is not a new issue. On the subject, I heard one operator say recently that: “there were always bad drivers around, but you can’t even get one of them now”.

The big issue is that there isn’t an agreed point of view as to what the problem is and how it can be solved. I remember one morning on a radio programme hosted by the late Marion Finucane, a discussion took place about how different America would look if and when Donald Trump would go for re-election. One of the panellist said that “for a start there would be 1,000.000 truck drivers unemployed, because of the introduction of autonomous (i,e, driverless) trucks” I was taken aback at this comment. From my experience, I knew that while technically possible,

Let’s be sure why we know there is a Driver Shortage!

the chances of it happening were slim to nil. Well, Trump is long gone and we still need drivers. Unfortunately, we still have people making comments about the driver situation. Most of the opinions are from the upper end of the logistics supply chain, not directly involved in operations. To find out why we are not getting a queue of people wanting to drive trucks, the simplest thing to ask the those driving trucks a simple question: “would you be proud to see and encourage your son or daughter to follow into the profession and become a truck driver”. Not so sure it might unlock this perceived mystery. In my case, after a 40 year career driving trucks and buses, my answer would likely be, preferably no.

While drivers’ pay is an issue and there is always some upward pressure on those rates, it is not all about money. At a Belgian bus show some years ago, a group of social researchers set up a stand to ask drivers some questions about their lifestyle, how their job was and how things have changed over their lifetime as drivers. While the interviewers knew little or nothing about driving, they were good listeners. I was looking forward to their findings being published, unfortunately I never got to see it. This type of research is the best way to get to the root of the problem. On that day I saw drivers being interviewed, and although I could not understand them, I knew by the expressions on their faces that they were giving a good account of their experience and what was turning them away from the profession.

Some people feel that the answer to the problem is more training and a career path. What an insult! Many people are happy to drive as a career and make it their profession. One can move from long distance to local work or shunting on a premises. Many truck drivers move to bus or coach driving as they get older. Comments about career paths, although not intended to be, are unhelpful and condescending.

Drivers work in a much regulated environment, with above average levels of enforcement and oversight by the authorities and enforcement agencies. With two sets of regulations around their working time, and in most companies a self-declaration of their guilt on a monthly basis by their employer to keep everybody out of court, it is indeed charming. Then there is the Driver CPC regime that was largely foisted on them by the EU, which continues to be a major opportunity missed to allow them be better informed about the industry.

So what about the solution? Talking about more training and regulation to improve the social part of their job is not the answer, drivers have been sold that pup before. By and large most of their employers know the problems drivers face, but they have little control over it. During the early stages of the pandemic there was some respect shown …. it has evaporated fairly fast though.

Let’s start with finance and respect - respect from the sites they visit, factories, RDCs, ports, enforcement checkpoints. It’s not rocket science. If we want to “keep her lit” then we need to rethink a few things and that includes better facilities and work practices for drivers throughout their daily lives.

Text: Sean Murtagh – sean@fleet.ie