The ongoing driver shortage and impact on the logistics sector is hampering the collection and delivery of new and used cars, according to DMN Logistics.

Nick Chadaway, managing director, DMN Logistics

It warns that heavily incentivised mass recruitment of home delivery drivers is having a knock-on effect on the logistics sector, with fewer drivers applying.

And as more roles continue to become available in low-skilled work and hospitality sectors, for example, with increasing levels of job security and improved pay, labour shortages are set to continue at least into the first quarter of 2022.

Drivers appear to be put off with the costs of HGV training and relatively low wages in the logistics sector, DMN notes. Instead, they are enticed by home delivery companies offering immediate financial gains with signing on bonuses of up to £1,000 and companies upskilling non-HGV drivers with offers of support to take the HGV test.

DMN Logistics, however, predicts this is likely to be a time-limited issue in the run-up to Christmas and there could be an improvement in driver availability in the new year as demand for home deliveries reduces.

Nick Chadaway, managing director, added: “The proposed changes to the HGV test – reducing some of the technical aspects – of the test could also help improve UK HGV driver uptake. Relaxation of cabotage rules for six months could also allow additional capacity on HGV movements – so it does appear to be a short-term issue with the situation looking to ease post-Christmas.”

The impact of the HGV driver shortage is compounded by non-returning Eastern European thanks to Brexit and Covid complications, along with the shortfall of HGV tests available during the pandemic plus an ageing HGV workforce profile with more drivers retiring than new drivers starting.

Chadaway continued: “Simplifying the HGV driving licence is one tactic that’s being implemented which should help get more drivers tested and employed quickly, but that also comes with some scrutiny over safety concerns.”

He finished: “Streamlining the process should however help to ease supply chain issues quickly and help reduce the impact the shortage has had upon the UK.”