Introduction
The UK’s economy and supply chains rely heavily on road haulage, the backbone of transporting goods across the country. From everyday groceries to essential machinery, the movement of goods ensures that our daily lives function smoothly. At the heart of this essential service are Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) and the drivers who operate them. However, the UK currently faces a significant shortage of HGV drivers, a challenge that has profound implications for the economy. In this blog, we’ll explore key statistics and factors behind the shortage of lorry and HGV drivers in the UK, why it’s happening, and how it’s affecting industries across the country.
How Many Lorry Drivers Are There in the UK?
As of 2024, approximately 300,000 HGV drivers work in the UK. These drivers operate large trucks, transporting a variety of goods, from food to machinery, across the country. The exact number fluctuates, but this workforce is critical to keeping goods flowing through the country’s supply chains. Lorry drivers and HGV drivers perform similar roles, but HGV drivers handle trucks that exceed 3.5 tonnes in weight, while lorry drivers typically operate smaller vehicles. Both types of drivers are vital to the transport sector, with the demand for HGV drivers especially high due to the increasing size of the fleet and the scale of goods that need to be transported.
Why Are There No HGV Drivers in the UK?
The shortage of HGV drivers in the UK stems from several factors. One of the main reasons is the ageing workforce. The average age of an HGV driver in the UK is around 55, and younger drivers aren’t entering the profession at the rate needed to replace those retiring. Training costs and long working hours deter younger individuals from pursuing a career in road haulage. Additionally, Brexit has reduced the number of European Union (EU) nationals working as HGV drivers in the UK. Many of these drivers returned to their home countries, exacerbating the shortage and highlighting the UK’s reliance on foreign workers in the sector.
Working conditions also contribute to the shortage. Many drivers face long hours, extended time away from home, and difficult working conditions, all of which result in high turnover rates. This combination of factors has left the UK without enough drivers to meet the growing demand for road haulage services.
How Big Is the HGV Fleet in the UK?
The UK’s HGV fleet is a crucial part of understanding the scale of the driver shortage. Currently 437,000 HGVs operate on the roads in Great Britain. This number reflects the scale of road freight needed to move goods across the country. The size of the fleet has grown due to increased demand for road freight services. However, the shortage of drivers means that many vehicles sit idle or operate under capacity, which causes delays and disrupts the supply chain, particularly in industries like retail, manufacturing, and food supply that depend on just-in-time logistics.
Is There a Shortage of Lorry Drivers in 2024?
Yes, the shortage of lorry drivers continues to be a major issue in 2024. Despite 300,000 HGV drivers working in the UK, high turnover rates, an ageing workforce, and a lack of new recruits exacerbate the shortage. The UK is currently short of about 50,000 to 60,000 drivers, which places immense pressure on the haulage industry. Transport companies struggle to meet delivery schedules and growing demand, which leads to disruptions in supply chains. In 2024, the shortage remains a pressing concern, as the industry faces ongoing challenges in attracting new drivers.
Why Are HGV Drivers Quitting?
HGV drivers quit the profession for several reasons, with working conditions being one of the main factors. Many drivers must work long hours on the road, spend nights away from home, and deal with unpredictable schedules. For many, the strain on their personal lives, especially family life, becomes overwhelming. Low pay also plays a significant role in drivers leaving the profession. While some drivers earn decent wages, the pay often doesn’t align with the long hours and physical demands of the job. Compared to other sectors, HGV driver pay has failed to keep up with inflation and the rising cost of living, discouraging new recruits and pushing existing drivers to quit. The impact of Brexit also cannot be overlooked. Many EU nationals, who once made up a substantial portion of the UK’s HGV workforce, have returned to their home countries due to uncertainty around residency rights and employment opportunities in the UK.
Is the UK in Need of Truck Drivers?
Yes, the UK urgently needs truck drivers. Road haulage is responsible for transporting 89% of all freight in the UK, including essential goods such as food and agricultural products. Without enough drivers, the transport and logistics sector cannot function efficiently, causing disruptions throughout the wider economy. The shortage also impacts other sectors, from retailers facing stock delivery delays to manufacturers experiencing supply chain disruptions. With 58,262 road freight enterprises in the UK, the driver shortage affects a wide range of industries, making it a critical issue for both policymakers and business leaders.
How Much Are UK Truck Drivers Paid?
The pay for UK truck drivers can vary depending on experience, the type of vehicle driven, and the employer. On average, an HGV driver in the UK earns between £25,000 and £35,000 annually. However, this can vary, and experienced drivers working for larger logistics companies may earn more. Despite these figures, many drivers feel that the compensation doesn’t adequately reflect the demands of the job, especially considering long working hours and time spent away from home. Pay disparity remains a concern within the industry, contributing to the ongoing driver shortage.
How Many Lorry Drivers Are We Short of in the UK?
The UK is currently facing a shortage of about 50,000 to 60,000 HGV drivers. This gap has become a critical issue for the logistics sector, creating significant challenges in meeting demand. As the economy continues to recover, the need for HGV drivers remains urgent, with the industry struggling to fill the increasing number of vacancies
How Many HGV Drivers Have Left the UK?
It is difficult to pinpoint the exact number of HGV drivers who have left the UK, but it’s estimated that thousands of European HGV drivers returned to their home countries following Brexit. Many of these drivers, who formed a significant portion of the UK’s HGV workforce, left due to the uncertainty surrounding residency rights and employment opportunities in the UK.
Conclusion
The shortage of lorry and HGV drivers in the UK is a complex issue that doesn’t have a quick solution. From an ageing workforce to challenges in attracting new talent, the UK faces a critical shortage of qualified drivers. According to RHA, there are 300,000 HGV drivers and a fleet of around 437,000 vehicles, the gap between supply and demand continues to grow. Solving this issue will require addressing factors like working conditions, pay, training, and immigration policy. As the UK looks toward the future, the shortage of truck drivers will remain a significant concern for policymakers and businesses alike. Only through concerted efforts to improve working conditions and attract new drivers will the UK secure the future of its transport and logistics industry.