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Shortage of truck drivers in Europe and the Czech Republic | Why there is a shortage of drivers

Shortage of truck drivers in Europe and the Czech Republic

The shortage of truck drivers is one of the biggest problems in road transport in Europe and the Czech Republic today. Transport companies have long warned that without a sufficient number of professional drivers it is impossible to develop business or respond to the growing demand for the transport of goods.

The situation is not just a short-term market fluctuation. According to experts, it is a structural problem that will affect the transport sector for many years to come.

The shortage of truck drivers in the Czech Republic and Europe is still growing

According to current data, there is a shortage of approximately 20,000 truck drivers and another 5,000 bus drivers in the Czech Republic . A similar situation exists across Europe, where it is estimated that there is a shortage of around 400,000 professional drivers.

Moreover, the problem is likely to grow. Forecasts show that the number of vacant jobs could increase significantly in the coming years if new workers are not attracted to the sector.

The transport sector plays a crucial role in the European economy. Road transport carries the majority of goods, and without a sufficient number of drivers, delivery delays and costs can increase.

Truck driver shortage in Europe

Why there is a shortage of truck drivers today

One of the main reasons is the ageing workforce . The average age of a truck driver in Europe is around 46 to 47 years old and the proportion of young drivers under 25 is very low.

In the Czech Republic, young drivers make up only about 5% of the workforce in the industry. On the other hand, almost a third of drivers are over 55 years old , which means that a large number of experienced workers will retire in the coming years.

Another factor is the financial cost of obtaining a driver's license and professional license, which can reach tens of thousands of crowns. This can make it more difficult for young people to enter the field.

Challenging working conditions in transport

The profession of a truck driver is associated with a number of specific demands.

The main ones include, for example:

  • long-term stay away from home

  • irregular working hours

  • high responsibility for both the cargo and the vehicle

  • time pressure when meeting deadlines

The lack of quality infrastructure , especially safe parking lots or adequate social facilities for drivers, is also a problem .

These factors reduce the attractiveness of the profession and may discourage potential new applicants for work in transport.

How technology is helping to solve the truck driver shortage

Transport companies are therefore increasingly investing in technology and modern vehicles that can make drivers' work significantly easier.

These include, for example:

  • telematics systems for fleet management

  • advanced driver assistance systems

  • digitalization of logistics processes

  • more comfortable cabins of modern tractors

These technologies increase safety and comfort of work and at the same time help to make the operations of transport companies more efficient.

The future of transport and the role of foreign drivers

Several factors will influence the situation in the future.

One of them is the employment of drivers from abroad , especially from countries outside the European Union. These workers already make up a significant part of the transport labor market.

Another trend is automation and the development of autonomous technologies . Fully autonomous trucks represent a long-term solution, but their mass deployment is still a matter of the more distant future.

In practice, the human driver will therefore be a key part of road transport for many years to come.

How can transport companies respond?

For transport companies, the shortage of drivers means the need to change the approach to human resource management.

Companies that will offer:

  • modern fleet

  • stable working conditions

  • quality facilities for drivers

will have a significant competitive advantage in the labor market.

At the same time, the importance of efficient vehicle use is growing . Properly selected technology, reliable tractors and operation optimization can partially compensate for the shortage of labor.

Proven used tractors for professional drivers

A modern and comfortable tractor today is not just a matter of prestige. For many drivers, the quality of the vehicle can be one of the main factors when choosing an employer.

At TIR CENTRUM, we have been monitoring market developments for a long time and helping transport companies select vehicles that meet the real needs of operations and driver availability.

Shortage of professional drivers and aging workforce

Why choose used tractors from TIR CENTRUM

We specialize in proven used tractors with a clear history and technical inspection.

Every vehicle we use goes through:

  • thorough technical inspection

  • vehicle diagnostics

  • preparation before sale

Thanks to this, we minimize risks for customers and offer vehicles ready for immediate operation.

Visit us at D1

At TIR CENTRUM we specialize in proven used tractor units with a clear history and technical inspection. Each vehicle undergoes diagnostics and preparation before sale to minimize risks for customers.

👉 Want to learn more about our range of tractors?

We will be happy to advise you - contact us or visit us at our sales area at D1, EXIT 15.

We look forward to you.