The Road Haulage Association’s report, published in February, warns of a growing crisis in the UK logistics workforce. To meet increasing demand across supply chains and infrastructure projects, the UK must recruit 40,000 new HGV drivers each year for the next five years, totalling 200,000 by 2030. This would require the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to deliver approximately 73,000 HGV driving tests annually—an ambitious operational challenge.
The report reveals that the driver shortage is far from a temporary issue. It reflects a deeper, structural weakness in the industry, one that, if unaddressed, could have lasting effects on the broader economy.
Tackling the Youth Gap in Logistics
One of the key concerns highlighted in the RHA’s findings is the ageing HGV driver population. Currently, just 2.2% of drivers are under 24, posing a major threat to the sector’s long-term viability.
Georgina Hicks, CEO of The LGV Training Company, responds to the figures by emphasising the urgent need to attract and retain younger drivers:
“The report from the Road Haulage Association highlights the structural challenges facing the logistics sector, particularly the urgent need to recruit and retain younger drivers. With only 2.2% of HGV drivers under the age of 24, we risk losing a generation of talent in a sector vital to the UK’s economy.
The findings also highlight the challenge employers face with high insurance costs for young and newly qualified drivers. This can make it harder for businesses to take on fresh talent, even when there’s clear potential. A government-backed scheme for drivers under 25, offering reduced premiums through subsidies or guarantees, would help remove this hurdle and create more opportunities for younger drivers to establish long-term, rewarding careers in the industry.”
Hicks also points to the work The LGV Training Company is doing to ease entry into the profession:
“At The LGV Training Company, supporting newly qualified drivers is at the heart of what we do. We connect them with agencies and employers who recognise the value of investing in the next generation of talent. We also provide practical support, from CV advice to help with job finding, to make their transition into the industry as smooth as possible.”
Collaboration Across the Sector
The RHA urges a joint effort between government, insurers, training providers, and employers to solve the workforce crisis. Hicks outlines how The LGV Training Company is pushing for systemic reforms:
“We recognise that the industry needs change, and that’s why we’re actively campaigning for this initiative to insure the next generation of HGV drivers. As part of our commitment, we’re gathering data from our trainees to show the real impact of insurance costs and are working with industry bodies to push this issue to policymakers.
By driving these conversations, we aim to create a more accessible and supportive environment for the drivers of the future. But solving the insurance issue isn’t enough on its own.”
Improving Driver Retention Through Better Facilities
Beyond recruitment, the report highlights the importance of retaining existing talent. Inadequate driver facilities are a key contributor to attrition, according to the RHA. Hicks agrees that this must be addressed urgently:
“The Government also needs to look at improving rest facilities, which play a big part in driver retention. Secure parking, clean washrooms, and better food options at rest stops would make a real difference to the working lives of drivers. A national investment fund to upgrade these facilities would be a step in the right direction.”
Rebranding the Role of the HGV Driver
Modernising the image of HGV driving could also help attract a broader pool of candidates. Hicks calls for a campaign that celebrates the value of the profession:
“We believe it’s time to modernise how people view HGV driving. A national campaign that showcases the stability, career progression, and essential role of drivers would help attract a younger, more diverse workforce.
The logistics sector offers incredible opportunities, but it needs practical changes to unlock its full potential. At The LGV Training Company, we’re not just focused on training the next generation of drivers – we’re pushing for the changes needed to make this a career people are proud to stick with. With major housebuilding and infrastructure projects depending on logistics, the time for action is now.”
Looking Forward
The February RHA report sends a clear message: the logistics industry is facing a critical talent shortfall that cannot be solved without a holistic, coordinated response. Boosting test availability and expanding training pipelines are essential, but so too are the wider cultural, economic, and practical reforms that will make HGV driving a viable long-term career. As organisations like The LGV Training Company continue to champion the future of logistics, industry-wide collaboration will be essential to building a resilient workforce for the years ahead.