Whether your company relies on good supply networks or you manage a logistics company, you may have noticed that the demand for HGV drivers is currently high. So high, in fact, that some analysts are calling the shortage of HGV divers a crisis. What is behind the crisis and can things improve?
Brexit Effect
The Brexit effect isn’t just going to mean higher food prices. The uncertainty around EU trade has had a major effect on the number of people entering the HGV driving workplace, especially migrants living in the UK who are unsure about their future. Until a final deal is made with the EU, the HGV driver crisis is going to continue.
Insurance for Under 25s
One of the major effects on HGV driver shortage is the fact that affordable HGV insurance is rarely permitted for drivers aged under 25. This means a whole section of society is restricted from this kind of work. Those aged 45 plus make up 60% of the HGV workforce in the UK, a statistic which is wholly unsustainable. Unless something is done to bring down the cost of HGV insurance for under 25s, the crisis is likely to worsen.
Some ways to bring down the cost can include fitting cameras and black boxes to vans. Some brokers such as https://www.quotemetoday.co.uk/hgv-insurance have access to specialist insurance providers and can find you the best available rates for under 25s and also advise you on how to make the premiums lower.
Cost
Learning to drive is a considerable cost for youngsters today. The average cost for an 18-year-old to learn to drive in the UK is currently £3300. Add to that the cost of HGV lessons and an HGV licence and you can see why many people under 25 don’t see the point of gaining this skill. Employers could consider covering some of this cost for their young employees or apprentices in order to encourage them into HGV driving.
The crisis surrounding the number of HGV drivers in the UK is largely due to two factors: Brexit and not enough under 25s. Finding ways to cut the premiums for younger drivers as well as helping them cover the cost of learning are two great ways to help find more drivers for your logistics firm.