The International Road Transport Union (IRU) has released its 2024 global report on truck driver shortages, revealing that the crisis remains severe and structurally embedded. While unfilled driver positions held steady at 3.6 million across 36 countries (representing 70% of global GDP), a growing demographic imbalance between younger and older drivers raises alarms.
Structural Shortages Persist
Despite a temporary easing of transport demand keeping the shortage stable compared to 2023, the problem remains entrenched. Of the 5,100 transport companies surveyed globally, up to 70% in some countries reported severe or very severe difficulties in recruiting truck drivers. The report clarifies that the shortage is not a temporary disruption but a long-term, structural challenge.
A Widening Age Divide
A key concern highlighted in the report is the growing age gap in the truck driver workforce. In 2024, only 6.5% of truck drivers were under 25, and the rates were critically low in some countries like Italy (2.2%) and Germany (2.6%). This marks a 5.8% decline in young drivers compared to 2023, despite an overall 1.4% increase in youth employment across all sectors in the studied countries.
Meanwhile, older drivers (55+) now account for 31.6% of the truck driver population, with some countries showing even more dramatic figures—Spain (50%), Australia (47%), and Italy (45%). The proportion of older drivers increased by 1.6% over the past year, pushing the global average age for truck drivers to 44.5 years.
The looming retirement of this older cohort is particularly worrying. The IRU forecasts that 3.4 million drivers will retire by 2029. In countries like Australia, Germany, Italy, Slovakia, and Spain, this generational turnover threatens to worsen shortages unless younger workers are effectively brought into the profession.
High Salaries, High Satisfaction
Contrary to common belief, salary is not the main barrier to entry. Truck driver salaries exceed basic living costs by 30–135% in all regions, and higher pay does not correlate with lower shortage levels. This suggests that other factors—access, training barriers, and working conditions—are more influential.
A job satisfaction survey conducted with Truckfly by Michelin, covering 1,100 drivers in seven European countries, revealed that 81% of drivers are satisfied with their jobs, and 57% are very or extremely satisfied. Young drivers under 25 reported the highest satisfaction levels, suggesting that the profession, once entered, is perceived positively.
However, drivers voiced concerns about working conditions, with 91% calling for improved access to safe, well-equipped rest areas and better treatment at delivery sites. These issues were rated as the top priorities, regardless of age or gender.
Policy and Industry Solutions Needed
IRU Secretary General Umberto de Pretto emphasized that solving the driver shortage requires multifaceted efforts. “There isn’t one magic bullet,” he stated, “but this report points towards key solutions to start closing the widening age gap and treating drivers with more respect and dignity.”
The report recommends urgent government and industry action to make truck driving more accessible and attractive—especially to younger workers. Suggestions include integrating truck driver training into formal education, lowering minimum age thresholds for licensing, and significantly investing in rest-stop infrastructure.
While retention is not the core issue—given high satisfaction levels among existing drivers—entry barriers, public perception, and poor infrastructure deter new entrants. If left unaddressed, the report warns, the sector faces an impending “demographic timebomb” that could cripple transport systems and undermine global economic resilience.
Source: IRU