The chronic shortage of truck drivers continues to threaten the efficiency of transport and logistics operators. ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵoutlined why a major part of the solution lies in professionalisation at ALACAT 2025 in Madrid.
There are 3.6 million unfilled truck driver positions across 36 countries, representing 70% of global GDP, with up to 70% of trucking companies facing severe or very severe difficulties in recruiting drivers.
Underlying structural demographic trends are increasingly alarming, notably a widening gap between younger and older drivers. Young drivers under 25 make up just 6.5% of the total driver workforce, while those over 55 account for 31.6%.
Over the next five years, 3.4 million truck drivers are expected to retire, adding to the 3.6 million currently unfilled truck driver positions.
Speaking on the panel ¡°From Crisis to Opportunity: How Professionalisation Can Solve the Driver Shortage¡± at the ALACAT 2025 Congress in Madrid, ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵTIR and Transit Services Senior Manager Lucas Lagier said, ¡°The shortage of truck drivers is a long-term structural issue that persists in all regions.
¡°The underlying demographic trends are particularly concerning. In addition to the low share of young drivers, only a few percent of truck drivers in most countries are women, for example 1.7% in Argentina and 1.9% in Mexico.
¡°Raising industry standards through internationally recognised training programmes, clear career paths, and continuous skill development can make the profession more attractive and help retain talent.¡±
Other key solutions include targeted campaigns, financial incentives, and female role models, supported by infrastructure and policies such as safe parking areas and maternity protections.
¡°Joint efforts between governments, the industry and training institutions can streamline entry into the profession, with a focus on youth and women,¡± concluded Lucas Lagier. ¡°Essentially, we need to further professionalise the sector.¡±
ALACAT, the Federation of National Associations of Freight Forwarders and International Logistics Operators of Latin America and the Caribbean, is a non-profit federation of national associations from 16 countries.