Driver Shortage Reaches New Dimensions in European Road Transport
The driver shortage in freight transport will reach a new scale by 2026. According to forecasts from the Ifo Institute, Germany will be short of up to 120,000 truck drivers. The impacts are felt throughout the entire supply chain. From planning to the last mile, processes are under pressure.
Small and medium-sized carriers are particularly facing structural challenges. While larger providers are able to utilize their fleets more efficiently and take advantage of international recruitment, SMEs are struggling with rising costs and decreasing availability of personnel. Polish subsidies and significant wage differences further exacerbate the situation. Drivers are increasingly switching to better-paying employers abroad.
The consequences are directly manifesting in daily operations. Tours are being planned later, empty runs are increasing, and delivery times are extending. At the same time, the demands on planning are rising. Without digital support, efficient tour planning is hardly possible anymore.
Companies are responding with targeted measures. A central lever is route optimization. Modern systems not only calculate the shortest route but also take into account traffic data, driving times, and capacities. This allows existing resources to be utilized more effectively.
Automation is also gaining importance. Digital tools are taking over tasks such as tour assignment, slot booking, or time window management. This reduces administrative overhead and relieves dispatchers.
Another factor is the working conditions. Many companies are investing in better break regulations, modern vehicles, and transparent deployment plans. The goal is to make the profession more attractive and reduce turnover.
In the long term, the industry is facing structural change. Without adjustments, there is a risk of capacity loss in road transport. For shippers, this means rising prices and less flexibility. Those who invest early in digitalization and process optimization secure competitive advantages.