The UK’s commercial motor industry has been dealing with a driver shortage for some years now.
In this post we will take a look at the current state of the UK’s HGV driver shortage, before exploring how this might affect risk management in haulage firms. We will then discuss some strategies for managing a driver shortage in your business.
The Current State of the HGV Driver Shortage
The Road Haulage Association (RHA) recently released figures suggesting that the UK may have lost over 117,000 qualified drivers over the past 12 months.
This figure is based on the number of driver qualification cards (DQCs) that have lapsed in this period. And the RHA has pointed out that the data shows that many drivers in their 30s and 40s have left the workforce, not just retirees.
The RHA also mentioned that their figures are “supported by anecdotal evidence”, with numerous fleets reporting that they are struggling with driver shortages.
How Can Driver Shortages Affect Haulage Risk Management?
When there is a general shortage of drivers, any existing drivers will face increased pressure, which can cause a range of issues for haulage fleets.
Increased risks of accidents
This could increase the risks of accidents as a result of:
- More pressure on drivers which can increase driver stress and fatigue, as they may feel the need to work longer shifts so as to meet demanding deadlines.
- Regulatory issues, as drivers may feel compelled to exceed their drivers’ hours.
- Recruitment of younger drivers. As they are less experienced on the road, younger drivers may be more likely to be involved in accidents.
- Encouragment of older and retired drivers to return to the workforce. This too could affect your risk management, as older drivers may have slower reaction times than younger drivers, or they may have certain medical conditions that could affect their abilities to safely operate HGVs.
Increased staff loss
Overstretched drivers may even choose to leave the workforce if the job becomes too demanding, which will make a bad situation even worse.
Increased insurance costs
To cope with a driver shortage, we can see that fleets will often recruit , the more you may have to pay for your haulage fleet insurance.
How to Address the Driver Shortage in Your Business
- Recruitment and Training – Outreach programs, apprenticeships, and internships can help you attract the next generation of HGV drivers. Invest in extensive and ongoing training for all new and existing drivers to ensure that every driver in your fleet meets all necessary road safety standards.
- Driver Wellbeing – Prioritising driver wellbeing can make recruitment easier, while also helping to reduce staff turnover. Introduce initiatives to help your drivers manage stress and burnout, which can contribute to effective risk management. Creating a culture of open communication between drivers and managers can make a huge difference to driver wellbeing, while also helping to improve your overall operational efficiency.
- Invest in Technology – Advanced telematic and fleet management systems can help you plan more efficient routes and rotas, while also giving you real-time insights into driver behaviour. You can minimise downtime and ensure that no driver ever feels the strain. And if you ever spot any potential issues with any drivers, vehicles, or routes, you can take action as soon as possible.
Get Dedicated Haulage Insurance From James Hallam
James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who care about protecting your fleet and your drivers.
We can help you with effective haulage risk management through getting you a comprehensive haulage insurance package that can cover your business at a competitive price.