HGV driver crisis still not over, say industry experts

The HGV driver crisis is not over and is likely to cause disruption as demand increases in the run up to Easter, MPs heard in a recently-held inquiry session.

In the first evidence session, the Food and Drink Supply Chain All-Party Parliamentary Group heard from logistics and supply chain representatives, who said how government interventions including the speeding up of driver testing and HGV driver boot camps were now helping to alleviate the shortage.

However, it was the rise o f Omicron and subsequent reduction in activities in hospitality that saved Christmas 2021, MPs were told in the session.

“We got exceptionally lucky at Christmas. When Omicron was at its height, hospitality closed down, Christmas meals out were cancelled and people weren’t travelling to see family and friends,” said Eddie Stobart CEO, David Pickering.

“Consumer spending went down and our forecast volumes went down as well. It prevented a big impact on the haulage industry, despite all the steps we had taken.”

Government intervention like the Visa scheme intended to attract qualified HGV drivers from other countries proved to be ineffective, as the three-month term offered was not attractive to workers from the EU and beyond, stated Wholesale News.

The representatives also highlighted the poor facilities for drivers is some areas.

Cold Chain Federation Chief Executive Shane Brennan pointed out that a vast majority of HGV drivers are going to retire in 5-10 years.

“We need to be planning not only for next Christmas, but for the next five years,” Brennan said.

While visa scheme drew criticism, the representatives told MPs that the government's boot camp scheme for fast-tracking new HGV qualifications had been very successful and should be continued.

There had been a significant increase in the number of women joining the sector, but the poor quality of drivers’ conditions and facilities was putting off potential recruits, Policy Manager at the Road Haulage Association, Sally Gilson, said.

“Everyone needs somewhere safe, secure and quiet to rest up overnight. They don’t want the fear their truck is going to be broken into,” said Gilson.