Too few truck drivers
Association warns: There is a risk of delivery bottlenecks at Christmas
16.11.2024Reading time: 1 Min.
According to the Federal Association BGL, the shortage of truck drivers is leading to impending delivery bottlenecks at Christmas time. High losses and bankruptcies in the industry are exacerbating the situation.
According to the Federal Association of Road Haulage, Logistics and Disposal (BGL), there is a risk of delivery bottlenecks in Advent and at Christmas time due to a severe shortage of truck drivers. There is currently a shortage of around 100,000 truck drivers nationwide, said association president Dirk Engelhardt to the “Bild” newspaper. “This will have an impact on the Christmas business because deliveries of goods or packages may arrive late.” Engelhardt warned: “We have to be careful that we don’t end up with British conditions.” Because of Brexit and Corona, there were empty supermarket shelves in the United Kingdom in the summer of 2021.
According to the BGL board spokesman, the situation will not change for the time being. “Every year we lose another 15,000 drivers,” said Engelhardt. According to this, more than 30,000 truck drivers are retiring, but only 15,000 to 17,000 young professionals are taking over.
Another problem is the insolvency of freight forwarders and transport companies. The number increased by twelve percent this year compared to 2023. Dirk Engelhardt blames politics for this. “We pay 84 percent more tolls than a year ago,” he said.
According to Engelhardt, German freight forwarders paid 15 billion euros in tolls this year, of which 7.6 billion euros were CO2 tolls. The profit margins in his industry are currently 0.1 to 1.5 percent.
What are the main causes of the truck driver shortage affecting holiday deliveries?
Interview: The Looming Truck Driver Shortage and Its Impact on Holiday Deliveries
Time.news Editor: Welcome, and thank you for joining us today. With the holiday season fast approaching, we’re seeing alarming warnings from the Federal Association of Road Haulage, Logistics and Disposal about a significant shortage of truck drivers. Can you tell us more about what the association has highlighted regarding the risks of delivery bottlenecks at Christmas?
Expert (Logistics Analyst): Absolutely, and thank you for having me. The Federal Association BGL has been quite vocal about the issue, emphasizing that the current shortage of truck drivers is critical. This shortage is likely to lead to significant delivery bottlenecks during the peak holiday shopping period, putting immense pressure on logistics companies and potentially resulting in delays for consumers.
Time.news Editor: That’s concerning news for consumers counting on timely deliveries. What do you think are the main contributing factors to the shortage of truck drivers?
Expert: There are several factors at play here. First, the industry has faced longstanding recruitment challenges, as many young people are hesitant to enter the profession due to its demanding nature, long hours, and time away from home. Additionally, the pandemic exacerbated the situation, causing many drivers to leave the industry and not return—either due to health concerns or more attractive job offers in other fields. Financial pressures, including losses and bankruptcies within logistics, have further strained the situation.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like a confluence of challenges. With the holiday season being a crucial time for deliveries, what specific impacts do you foresee if this shortage isn’t addressed soon?
Expert: If the shortage continues, we could see not just delays but also higher shipping costs as companies scramble to meet demand. This could lead to increased prices for consumers, particularly during the holiday season when demand surges. Moreover, retailers may struggle to keep their shelves stocked, resulting in fewer available options for shoppers, which could affect sales.
Time.news Editor: Higher costs and empty shelves aren’t what anyone wants to see during the holidays. What solutions are being proposed to mitigate this issue?
Expert: Solutions include increasing wages to attract new drivers, improving working conditions, and implementing training programs to fast-track new talent into the industry. Some companies are also exploring automation and technology to streamline logistics processes, although that can’t replace the human element entirely. It may take a concerted effort across the industry and government support to create sustainable changes.
Time.news Editor: It seems like a multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive approach. As we get nearer to Christmas, what can consumers do to prepare for possible delivery disruptions?
Expert: Consumers can expect potential delays, so planning ahead is key. Shopping early and considering local stores for in-warehouse pickup can help mitigate the risk of last-minute issues. Additionally, staying flexible with gift options and delivery dates will also provide some peace of mind during this hectic season.
Time.news Editor: Great advice! Thank you so much for sharing your insights on this urgent topic. Hopefully, with awareness, we can encourage swift action to prevent significant disruptions this holiday season.
Expert: Thank you for having me! I hope we can navigate these challenges effectively and ensure everyone has a festive and stress-free holiday season.