The purpose of the survey was to gauge the driver’s opinions about the current apparent HGV driver shortage. In total, Returnloads.net had 412 responses that resulted in some interesting findings.   

In contrast to what is generally perceived as the factors contributing to the driver shortage, the drivers have highlighted poor wages, poor facilities and the way that they are treated as the top three factors.  

Less than half of the drivers surveyed actually think there is currently a driver shortage and nearly all the drivers surveyed felt that the best way to attract new drivers or retain existing drivers is by increasing wages and improving facilities.   

What is quite worrying is the 36% percentage of drivers who say they are not treated well by the companies they drive for, that is over a third of drivers who felt this way. Even more worrying is the 78% who would not recommend becoming a professional HGV driver.  

The survey results have highlighted issues which, if not addressed, could result in more HGV drivers leaving the industry and less drivers coming in.   

Recently published figures from the ONS show that nearly 80,000 qualified HGV drivers with valid driver CPC are choosing not to work as HGV drivers, suggesting that there is not a shortage of drivers but just a shortage of appealing work. 

 

Photo: HGV drivers list long shifts and poor facilities among issues that need addressing.